I was disappointed in this book. The story line was confusing and had a lot of plot holes. I did not buy the chemistry between the main characters, their relationship felt very forced.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for giving me access to this ARC.

Dove is an introverted hacker who makes a living showing companies the security problems within their computer network systems. She looks a lot like her older sister, a travel photographer, who also happens to be a CIA operative. Dove is mistaken for her missing sister, pairs up with the hot CIA operative looking for her and the story begins.

This was a fun, cozy read that I enjoyed. A little mystery and danger. The romance aspect was a bit insta lust, without any real action. I would have liked to see this with Mendez’ POV. 3.5⭐️

I received this ARC through a Shelf Awareness giveaway promotion. I would like to thank NetGalley, Shelf Awareness and Berkley Publishing Group, Berkley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This dramatically needs and edit. None of the details make sense and the whole thing is predicated on the reader not applying logic.

This felt more like a cozy mystery with a side of romance than a true romance book, so if that is up your alley, I definitely recommend giving it a read. There was a lot of action being a spy story, and I was drawn to the hilarious dialogue. I also thought the story was easy to binge, perfect when you want to escape from reality.

Dove Barkley works as an IT security expert, hacking her way into companies to demonstrate their security flaws. She thought her older sister Madison was a travel photographer, but after a case of mistaken identities and a near-miss shooting, she realizes Madison is an undercover CIA agent who has maybe (or maybe not?) gone rogue. Dove is unwillingly pulled into the CIA's plot to catch a criminal mastermind, and must team up with Madison's partner, Mendez, to uncover the truth. Dove isn't exactly thrilled about being pulled out from behind her safe computer screens, but if being a spy means letting herself be seduced by the sexy Mendez, well, maybe it isn't so bad after all.

I picked this up after finishing "The Blonde Identity" by Ally Carter because it sounded similar and I was in the mood for another fun spy caper. The book is similar in concept, but this one disappointed--the writing is juvenile, the romance is extremely insta-love (with no spicy scenes for payoff), and Dove's narration was frankly annoying and repetitive. We don't learn much about either of the main characters throughout the book, and while I'm willing to suspend some disbelief for spy novels, the plot felt ridiculous, but not in a fun, tongue-in-cheek kind of way. The absolute instant attraction between Dove and Mendez felt forced (literally within seconds of meeting him, she's drooling, and doesn't stop for the entire book) and the whole idea of the CIA dragging a civilian into a scheme like this felt so implausible, as did Dove hacking a CIA database at one point (really?). I see that the author has written several YA novels before, which is really what this felt like--YA trying to be adult by including some sexy make out sessions (although nothing else, sadly). This may find its audience but after reading "The Blonde Identity," I was underwhelmed.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was not expecting this to be as good as it was. The Spy and I is fun, quick-paced, and interesting, despite its short number of pages.

The pacing and length make it easy to binge, but have a couple of drawbacks, too- the romance is so insta-lust and loosely structured (as is some of the plot) and yet, we don't see anything come out of it. I get that some authors don't feel comfortable writing sex scenes but in this sort of insta-lust pacing, some spice would be nice.

The plot was definitely interesting, but it's not something to read too much into. Because it's so quick, it was a style I enjoyed; if I think too hard about their ideas or what's going on, I'll find holes everywhere, but that's okay because I'm just reading something light and easy to pass the time and enjoy. But if you're one to be 100% immersed in the storyline and don't enjoy the holes you'll find, this might not be the book for you. Add on the instant romance with very little connection and zero spice, and it's not that much if you dig deep.

Also, I have absolutely zero knowledge of coding or hacking (though I'd love to learn how to code because then I could be in situations like this) but it certainly sounded like Smith knew what she was writing about.

thank you Netgalley for the free copy

I was lucky enough to win an e-ARC of THE SPY AND I by Tiana Smith through a Shelf Awareness giveaway. Thank you for the early look, and have a safe and healthy holiday season!

3.5-4 stars:
A fun, fast-paced, spy romcom!
Look, I’m a sucker for anything spy. Add in a little romance and I’m done for.
This is the kind of book you want to read when you just want a fun escape from reality: mistaken identity, sexy spies, double agents, international travel, and swoony kisses.
FMC is very much *not* a spy, and she delivers some excellent one-liners that are relatable AF.

Let me preface by saying, I think this book and style will appeal to a lot of people, it just wasn’t for me. So I still gave it 3 stars.

It’s too light and cheesy and throws a lot of common sense out the window. Plot holes, thought processes don’t really track, and it blows right past insta to something even quicker. I was snorting at the heroine pining for how long she’s wanted to kiss the guy… and they’d met each other two days ago. Agonizing that she didn’t know where they stood with each other, and it had been 3 days and one kiss.

The entire book is lust motivated, no good conversation, but we also don’t get the fruits of that. Just some kissing. If you’re gonna have the heroine thinking entirely with her vagina, at least give us all the on page kinky sex!

It’s mostly a cozy thriller (is that a thing)? Ridiculous but occasionally fun action and not complicated. I can definitely see other readers happy to go along for this silly ride… spies, romance, a bit of obvious mystery. It just didn’t work for me.

I have been so hoping for more action-packed, cross-genre romances and The Spy and I is a super fun read. With sharp voice, biting action, and a fast paced plot that pulls no punches, it's a great read for those looking for some adventure and kissing all wrapped up in one!

The Spy and I
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks so much to @berkleyromance for the free ebook! #BerkleyPartner

This was such a refreshing, fun read! It was action-packed, mysterious, and cute all at once.
It was super fast-paced and I really appreciated that. There were multiple different plot twists and surprises that I did not see coming so it really kept me entertained.
The romance between the two main characters was super sweet too and they had really good banter that was even funnier given the high-stakes circumstances they were facing.
This is just an overall great choice if you want a romcom with a side of mystery. I don’t know about you- but I don’t come across many spy romances, so this was so new and fun to me.
I don’t want to say too much because like I said there are a lot of plot twists along the way- and I don’t want to ruin anything!
This book will be available February 13th so add it to your TBRs now!

Read If You Like:
💰mistaken identity
💰forced proximity
💰romantic mystery books
💰close-knit sisters
💰cute banter

DNF at 25 percent. The writing has no charm or finesse. The romance is beyond cheesy and obvious. Honestly it’s really rough.

(I didn't include a star rate for this book on goodreads)

This fast paced spy rom com was SO FUN! I like how there was a good balance of action and romance and at the same time great character development. I had a very good time reading this!

"The Spy and I" by Tiana Smith is a delightful blend of espionage and romance, creating a charming and engaging young adult novel. The story follows the adventures of reluctant spy Bridget and her unexpected partner, Matt, as they navigate high school drama and international intrigue. Smith's writing is witty, and the plot is filled with clever twists, keeping readers entertained from start to finish. The characters are endearing, and their chemistry adds a layer of sweetness to the narrative. With humor, suspense, and a touch of romance, "The Spy and I" is a fun and satisfying read for fans of lighthearted YA fiction.

This was a pretty fast-paced spy rom-com that was fun to read. The main character works in cyber security and one day gets mistaken for her twin sister who is an undercover CIA agent. This leads to her getting into a spy mission with her sister's CIA partner and they travel around the world trying to escape the assassins after them and also find the CIA double agent.

There's a lot of adventure, action, spy talk, banter, and lightness even though assains are after the main characters lol. I liked how light and easy to read this was, the spy aspect was something different for a rom-com and it kept me interested in the plot. I like a little mystery in a rom com its always a good addition to the story. The romance was good both Dove and Mendez had great chemistry and banter i just wish there had been more to it. It felt like their relationship was surface-level sometimes and Mendez the love interest wasn't as developed as I would have liked. I would have loved a dual POV just to see what was going through his head and what he was feeling.
Overall I liked this and If you want a spy romance that has the same vibes as The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter then you should check this out. Thank you Berkley for this arc for an honest review. Out Feb 2024.

Rating: 3.75/5

This was So. Much. Fun. Romantic banter, spy hijinks, and lots of people being super competent at their jobs. I love a good romantic suspense every now and then, but sometimes you just need something a bit lighter, and this hit the spot. All the action and twists and turns, but wrapped in a rom-com package.

Dove finds herself embroiled in a secret government mission after some thugs mistake her for her sister, and now Dove must join forces with her sister's CIA co-worker and embark on an international adventure to try to save her sister.

The book was quite fun, there is a lot of action and there is always something happening. I don't think I've ever read anything that involves spies, so this reading was a breath of fresh air and it's always interesting to read romance in unusual situations. I feel like something didn't click for me, but it's definitely a read I would recommend.

Penetration tester. Don't laugh - it's Dove's career. She's a professional hacker who tests digital security for corporations. Growing up in foster care, it's just Dove and her sister, Madison - Steel and Flint - nothing could hurt them as long as they have each other. When Madison comes home for a visit, homebody Dove agrees to meet up for drinks and dinner, but everything goes sideways. Off she goes on a whirlwind international adventure to save her sister with Mendez, a super-hot CIA agent. Soo hot, and so off-limits. But the two are quite a team who could (possibly) save Dove's sister ... and the world. SO much fun! The perfect swoon-filled adventure read.

A fantastic premise, and I loved the elements of suspense and mystery! This was really fun, and I enjoyed it a lot! Will definitely add it to the recommend list.

If you liked Finlay Donovan or the new murder romcom by Ally Carter this is perfect for you! I love spy mystery novels and it was so fun! Definitely recommend.