Mr. Nice Spy started out strong and imaginative. An explosives expert and a CIA spy--loved the premise. The meet cute was original as well. Unique characters, great storyline. I was charmed. However, after they're captured, it was all downhill from there. The male lead's abilities had to be lessened to increase the capabilities and stature of the female protagonist. I cannot fathom the choice because they started out both as strong individuals, and they could've played off each other's strengths. Even given the choices the author made, the story kept making turns inorganic to the characters. The end was rushed and, again, felt orchestrated. The author's previous book was well-received, so these basic writerly missteps were a disappointment.

This was so much fun! The story is a little far fetched, but I don't think it would have been as much fun if it were real. This is not a sexy romance. There is romance, but no sex. Oddly, that worked for me. Its not my typical pick, but the story was just so good. The pace was good and the action is intense. Great read!

Adam Chan was a sexy side character in the Spy and I, and oh do I love him being the romantic lead in this one. He's delicious.

Andee is a chemical engineer who makes fireworks, and finds out after running a DNA test that her father is an evil international arms dealer. This discovery sets off a wild chain of events that starts with her kidnapping, Chan accidentally being taken with her and the two of them having to fake a relationship while being trapped her evil father's underground bunker, and then trying to figure out how to escape.

The forced proximity and fake relationship trope works so well here, and I like both characters a lot. Very cute. This is such an enjoyable series, I hope it continues!

📚 #BOOKREVIEW 📚
Mr. Nice Spy (My Spy, Book 2) by Tiana Smith
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Pages: 368 / Genre: Romcom
Release Date: November 5, 2024

Andee is a brilliant but under-appreciated fireworks designer, who’s been bullied by her co-workers over her claim that her father is a famous actor, which is what her mother raised her to believe. That is, until she’s suddenly kidnapped by a dangerous arms dealer, who really is her father. Luckily though a hot, flirty CIA operative she just happened to meet is more than willing to pose as her fake boyfriend to keep her safe. But can they survive their captivity, escape, and catch the bad guy once and for all—all while falling for each other for real?

I’m a sucker for spy-themed romcoms and this one has it all—fake dating, one bed, forced proximity, he fell first, mafia dad… Although this is the second book in the series, you can definitely read it as a standalone since the first book focused on totally different characters and how they met. I hope there’s more coming to this series!

Thank you, @TianaSmithBooks, @BerkleyPub, and @NetGalley for my gifted copy.

I fully understood everything that was going on without reading book one, though after reading this one I want to go back and read the first because this one was so good! I adored the writing. It was light and fun

Andee Paxton is a fireworks designer, and her biological father is actually the prison escapee Holt, a dangerous arms dealer. The CIA informs her of this as they tell her that they want her as bait to recapture him, since he's searching for her. She and Officer Adam Chan were captured together, so now they're putting on a fake relationship to stay together. Holt has a deadly plan they hope to stop.

This is the second spy rom-com in the "My Spy" series, but it's an independent one. Andee grew up thinking her father was a movie star and did a DNA database to prove it when coworkers teased her about that one time too many. Unfortunately, Holt had access to all major databases and tracked her down before she even knew the truth. The CIA was trying to get her to work with them, but Holt was a step ahead of them and kidnapped both Andee and Officer Chan. The two both know sign language: Andee learned it when the movie star was learning it for a movie, and Chan is hard of hearing after an explosion. This gives them the means to communicate when they're locked in the French catacombs and Andee is forced to work for Holt. From there it's a matter of time, as well as life or death to try to stall Holt's bid at bioterrorism and try to escape the catacombs to get back to the CIA. In the meantime, the fake relationship keeps them together and becomes very, very real.

I really enjoyed both the action and the romance aspects of this novel. Andee isn't an action heroine in the classical sense, in that she doesn't feel comfortable with weapons or hand-to-hand combat. She's frightened and out of her depth, and Chan keeps her grounded. He's dismissed due to his hearing loss and role of boyfriend, but keeps careful watch over everything. He trusts Andee's instincts, and the two manage to maneuver through Holt's people to get a happily ever after and save the day. It's a really fun book with a great hero and heroine to root for.

““We’ll get out of here soon. And when we do, I’m going to make you laugh every day.” If only that could be true. “Promise?” I asked, holding out my pinky. This made him laugh, and he took my finger with his, shaking our hands together. “Promise.” He let go, and my pinky burned where our skin had touched. It was a feeling I wished I could bottle up and keep forever.”



ARC PROVIDED BY NETGALLEY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW

What a refreshing funny spy rom-com this book was. Is my first book from this author and I was eager to read a spy/espionage book so to receive this arc was fantastic.

Andee is a sweetheart and her life gets turned upside down in the worst way possible but this also leads her to meet Chan who is fantastic and so talented and adorable. The perfect person to be trapped in this craziness. But also the perfect person for her because he saw her in a moment she felt so invisible and alone.

I also adored our secondary characters, Agent Mendez and Mila, I hope to see them again in a new book (and a special french agent too iykyk)


I'll leave my favorite quote below, so beware of possible spoilers


““Have I ever told you that you have the perfect laugh?”He shuffled the cards, watching me from behind his lashes. I shook my head and self-consciously tucked a piece of hair behind my ear. “I hear some people’s voices better than others,”he explained. “Like men’s voices can be too low for me to easily pick up their pitch, so I have to concentrate more and watch their lips while they speak. Or the range of some women’s voices can be so high that they sound tinny or robotic on my hearing aids. But your voice is right in that sweet spot that makes it easy for me to hear.”He smiled. “I like the sound of your voice.”Warmth bloomed through my chest. It was such an unusual compliment—so I already wasn’t quite sure how to respond. Then Chan took things one step further. “But I love the sound of your laugh more than anything.”He set the deck of cards aside, and my mouth went dry. His grin was lopsided, pulling up on one corner as he took in my thunderstruck expression. There weren’t many times in my life when I could say it, but I was speechless.”

Mr. Nice Spy by Tiana Smith is an adventure rom-com filled with action, funny moments, and romance in a closed door setting. Andee Paxton is a fireworks designer who does not know who who her biological father is until the CIA comes to tell her. Her biological father, Holt, is an international arms dealer who has escaped prison and is looking for her! Officer Adam Chan is talking to her until they are captured and their adventure begins.

This was a very fun book. It was filled with adventure that kept me on my toes. The story is told from Andee’s point of view and hearing her side of the story kept me laughing. I enjoyed the romance, chemistry and the banter between Andee and Chan. The story kept me on my toes right up until the end.

Mr. Nice Spy by Tiana Smith is a fantastic story filled with romance, humor and great adventure. I highly recommend!

Thank you to the publisher for my gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

🕵🏻‍♂️ Mr. Nice Spy by Tiana Smith 🕵🏻‍♂️

Andee Paxton spent her entire life believing that a famous movie star was her father. When she does a DNA test that definitely proves he ISN’T but an international crime boss IS, her whole life is turned upside down. The CIA wants to use Andee as bait to catch her dad but before they can put a plan in action Andee is kidnapped alongside CIA Officer Adam Chan. Andee and Chan agree to fake date for their own protection and team up to stop her dad before everything blows up.

Mr. Nice Spy is book two in the My Spy series, following Mr. Nice Spy. Adam is introduced in that one and Mendez and Dove pop in here. You could definitely still enjoy this one without reading that one first, but I’d recommend it for the optimal experience.

I really loved this one! Chan is down bad for Andee and also incredibly crafty and good at his job. Phew. I also really appreciated the hearing loss representation, and it’s even more special knowing it was based on the author’s real life husband. I love that he’s getting to see himself in a romance hero who is also a badass spy!

The suspense plot was so well done! It was a wild ride that kept me guessing. The bad guys were especially bad, making it easy to really root against them. Overall this was just a really fun read!

Thank you Tiana Smith and Berkley Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

This story follows Andee Paxton a fireworks designer who's a little too good at her job making her no friends in any of her coworkers. She soon gets a wild surprise when she decides to figure out who her dad is. Little does she know that by submitting her DNA she has triggered a whole chain events that soon leave her and Officer Chan kidnapped by a wanted criminal Holt who also happens to be her father. She must fake a relationship with Officer Chan to keep from blowing his cover as a CIA officer. All while trying to get information and hopefully take Holt down for good.

This story has my heart. I absolutely adore Andee and Adam. I thought the plot for this story was so clever. I enjoyed getting to know Officer Adam Chan more through this story. I also thought that the representation of deaf or hard of hearing was beautiful. I loved how sign language was incorporated and was part of their connection. I thought that there will tiny moments where it was a bit slow. However, I still really liked most of it. I was easily able to power through the slowish parts.

Content: swearing, innuendo, closed door

Read if you like:
Adventure
Spies
Romance
Chemistry (tiny bit of spice)
Fake Romance

I loved the first one! When the opportunity to read for the second one became a thing, I jumped on it. Just like the first one we are taken on an adventure that most of us have always to wanted to do, become a spy and live out that fantasy. But add in a fake relationship and firecracker herself Andee is in for a ride. Oh did I mention that daddy dearest who has been out of the picture is searching for his daughter after he escaped prison? What a ride!! Chan and Andee had to learn to trust each other before a whole new explosion occurs.

I'm excited to see the series continue, because I want more of this world!!

I’m happy to say I ended up enjoying this one a lot more than the first book in this series, which was expected because Chan was one of my favorite parts of The Spy and I.

The highlight of this book is the romance between Chan and Andee. They had such wonderful chemistry from the start, and I loved watching their romance develop under the guise of their fake relationship. Chan and Andee’s abduction brought the right amount of intensity, and the author did a good job of not making their time spent in captivity repetitive.

(I also simply adore Chan)

I really liked the idea of Andee being a pyrotechnic engineer. It’s not something I’ve seen much, and I honestly wish she got to use her skills more. At the same time, my issues with the first book are similar in this book. Andee’s narration sometimes had too much sarcastic humor for my tastes, which only really became noticeable by the end.

Despite that, this was still an enjoyable spy romance that I would recommend. It’s fast-paced, filled with action, and has an adorable love story to back it up.

What a fun rom-com/spy novel! Tiana Smith has a very easy style of writing that made this story a joy to read. Lots of action, great dialogue, and a few scary bits for conflict made for a complete escape from reality and an enjoyable weekend of reading. I haven’t read the first novel in this series but I’ve found it at the library and have it on my TBR.

Besides the great action series, Andee and Chan were both really interesting characters and their immediate chemistry gave the romance some heat. Andee is one of those smart heroine’s that I love to read about- go STEM romance leads! her degree in chemical engineering makes her a great sidekick for a spy. She didn’t let her emotions get the better of her and was doing her part to find a way out. Chan, too, was an interesting guy. Yes, he was a CIA analyst, but he is also hearing impaired. I liked how his “weakness” became a strength in the story. The fact that the descriptions of him as well as Andee’s immediate attraction made him eye candy for my imagination didn’t hurt either. Really, this story was just 100% enjoyable and I can’t recommend it enough.

Andee is a pyrotechnic engineer who works as a fireworks designer. She is feeling particularly down one night, because she found out that her father is not a superstar like her mom told her all these years. She feels better when she meets a handsome man in a bar, Chan, and they exchange numbers before parting way. She didn't know she'd see him again so fast: when she gets home, the CIA is waiting for her with a warrant and a plan to use her as bait to catch her real father - and Chan is one of the CIA officers. But before they can set up the plan, Andree and Chan are abducted...
This suspenseful fake dating romance is book 2 in the My Spy series, although you don't have to read book 1 to read this one (I hadn't and it was fine). It was a bit too insta-lovey for my taste, but the chemistry between the two MCs was great. I found a lot of the elements of the story were very convenient, almost unnaturally so, and it bugged me a little. This is a rom-com, I get it, but at time I felt like the tone was a little too light in very dire situations. Who makes a joke about shared custody after being almost shot? Maybe when you are used to this kind of situation... MAYBE. But it wasn't Andee's case. Maybe the author was trying to make the FMC come across as badass, but to me it made her come across as ditsy and dense. And at the same time, I felt like sometimes some situations were too dark to be in a rom-com. Like the author had a story but didn't quite know what genre to write it in? It's a rom-com with strong spy novel undertones. Can't say I've ever read anything like it, so points for originality! Although I would've liked it to be more defined, it was still a fun read.
I received an advance review copy of this book for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Mr. Nice Spy by Tiana Smith, book two in the My Spy series, is a romantic suspense with non-stop action, forced proximity, and a fake relationship. Andee Paxton, one of the top fireworks designers in the country, has her world turned upside down when an online DNA test reveals that her biological father is Holt, a dangerous criminal who recently escaped from prison; not the celebrity she was told it was. Suddenly, the CIA is at her doorstep, looking to use her as bait to lure Holt out of hiding. Before they can carry out their plan and get her in protective custody, Andee and CIA Officer Chan are kidnapped; with Andee impulsively insisting Chan is her boyfriend, protecting his cover. What follows is a forced proximity, fake relationship romance between her and Chan, a hard of hearing undercover CIA operative where they have to use their wits to outsmart her father who is intent on having her help him make a dangerous chemical weapon.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
#MrNiceSpy #NetGalley #Berkley

<i>Mr. Nice Spy</i> by Tiana Smith is a romcom-espionage style romance and Book 2 of the <i>My Spy</i> series. The first book was Smith’s debut book, and I also received an arc for that one, and was pleasantly surprised! While the overall series, and particularly this second book, sometimes lacks 100% credibility of the story events, it makes up for it with fun and a good time.

Our FMC, Andee Paxton, is a career-struggling pyrotechnic engineer who longs to contribute something to the world and be recognized for it. But while Andee is an expert in fireworks, her biological father is a different story – something that deeply troubles her sense of identity. It doesn’t get any better when she soon discovers, and is taken hostage, by him. Him being her father Holt, the international criminal arms dealer who has escaped prison.

But Andee isn’t alone. She has CIA agent Adam Chan with her, caught up in the events and pretending to be her boyfriend. The two must commit to the fake relationship, and make it convincing for as long as they can, while also working to escape Andee’s father and alert the CIA. But will their real growing feelings for each other cloud their judgments when they need it most?

I enjoyed the romance between Andee and Chan. I thought they were both fun characters to read about and had great instantaneous chemistry. I loved their connection around ASL, with Chan speaking ASL due to his deafness/hearing loss, and Andee speaking after learning from curiosity. The way the author then weaved the use of ASL into the plot itself, almost as a spy tactic, was cool. It elevated the story in a big way for me, for multiple reasons (representation, cleverness, etc).

The more time that Andee and Chan spent trapped in Holt’s lair, the more their connection grew, as did their need to work together to escape. There had to be a level of trust between the two, and they had no choice but to develop it in a short span of time. But once the story got going, Andee and Chan shined as starring characters. There was a classic romantic-leaning spy trope that was used in this book, the good old ‘Quick they’re coming let’s make out, so they don’t catch us snooping!’ act. It was a little cheesy of course, but it made me smile and I loved it. There wasn’t much else to the physical level of the romance aside from a few make out scenes.

In terms of safety or anything to be on watch for, I really can’t think of anything.

To end this review, let me talk about some of the quibbles I had with <i>Mr. Nice Spy</i>. There were two factors here that kept me from rating this higher, or, for instance, rounding this up to four stars.

After liking the first, I was a little worried I wasn’t going to jive with this one in the beginning (it pretty much came through in the end though.) It started off a little slow, and I’ll admit that the start of the book confused me a little until I oriented myself to what was happening. I wasn’t totally convinced or invested in the setup of the book either, how Andee’s paternity was tied into the story etc. When the plot got going though and the story started to focus more on Andee and Chan’s romance and action scenes, things got way more interesting, and it was way easier to keep reading.

I felt wishy-washy about some plot things. For example, Andee is adamant one second about bringing Chan along on her kidnapping, but then almost the next page, she’s dead set that it’s her mission to save him, and that he shouldn’t be there. Some of how the overall plot events played out were also a little unbelievable, or perhaps super convenient to our main characters. I was also totally impressed with Holt as a villain, but nonetheless it fit the scope of the story. So, it was just little plot things and pacing that I had some issues with.

If Tiana Smith continues the series, I’ll be sure to check it out, or any of her other works!

The synopsis for this book sounded unique and so different from other rom-coms that I have been reading. I was looking for something light-hearted, fun, and entertaining, and that is precisely what I got. This is a light romantic suspense spy novel; think of those fun spy action movies. This is a really easy book to sink into. Tiana did a great job of bringing together all these different story elements (mystery, suspense, action, and romance) and creating this unique story. If you like your rom-coms, which are fast-paced and witty, you will love the wild ride this book takes you on.

One of the things that really stands out in this book is the fact that our CIA hero is disabled. Chan was injured on the job and now requires hearing aids. This book has a lot of American Sign Language, which Tiana brilliantly incorporated into the plot. Tiana also included this message that even though a person may live with a disability, it doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of great things. Chan is a fabulous spy, and his disability doesn’t hinder his ability to do his job.

I loved both MCs in this book. There is this great reverse grumpy sunshine feel to their relationship. Andee has this slight type A personality, which has made it hard for her to make friends at work. She is an overachiever, and her co-workers don’t usually appreciate that. Andee is also not the most socially adept, which can lead to some fabulous awkward situations (i.e. when she has to pretend to flirt). This unexpected adventure she finds herself on pushes Andee out of her comfort zone. But as her journey unfolds, she discovers that she has this hidden strength she didn’t know she had. Chan is Mr. Nice Spy. He is that sweet, charming, cinnamon roll guy who just so happens to be a trained CIA operative. I loved his character. He’s not the typical alpha male character you would normally get in these stories. He is that perfect book boyfriend.

The romance in this book moves quickly. It’s pretty clear that there are sparks between Andee and Chan right from the first moment that they meet. I loved their banter; it was fun and light-hearted. External factors, i.e. getting kidnapped, cause their budding romantic relationship to develop a little quicker. Getting locked in a small room for an extended period of time really creates that perfect opportunity for the two MCs to really get to know each other. The whole getting kidnapped element also heightens the emotions within these characters, which they sometimes act upon. In this story, there are a lot of smouldering looks, steamy make-out sessions, and snuggling in one-bed situations. I devoured every single one of those romantic moments that happened between these two. It just made me smile because they were often so sweet.

Mr. Nice Spy is a satisfying and wonderfully romantic story with an exciting spy element twist.

Chan was born to be a spy.

When I read The SPY AND I last year and first met Chan, I was hooked. He was instantly a favorite. When I heard he was going to be in this book, I was beyond thrilled! He is the best hero. Mysteries, flirty, sexy and the best part, he’s not your usual hero. Chan is hearing impaired. The author does a great job representing this. (Be sure to read the acknowledgements for a great back story.) I enjoyed the way ASL is brought into the book.

As big a fan as I was of Chan, Andee was also great. She’s smart but vulnerable and has no idea the way her life (and Chan’s) will change all because of a DNA test. I loved her background of being a pyrotechnic engineer and what that brought to the story.

I absolutely loved the events of the book. There is so much action and suspense, ASL rep, twists, a horrible, horrible bad guy, poker, excellent banter, and some amazing kissing.

Thank you to the publisher and author for the NetGalley link. All views are my own.

There was too much going on within the first few chapters of this book. I was trying really hard to finish it but I didn’t have a big desire to. Sadly this one wasn’t for me but I’m sure people who have The Spy and I by this author will enjoy this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing the ARC.

This book was amazing! I loved the romance mixed with the spy thriller more than I thought I would and it truly made me love this book even more.

When independent woman Andee finds out that her father is an international arms dealer and the hot guy named Chan that flirted with her at the bar is a CIA agent, life gets a little hectic. Getting kidnapped by your own criminal father is not the way that life is supposed to go. Having to fake a relationship with the hot CIA guy while you're attempting to escape the underground bunker you've found yourself in is another thing entirely. But as they play nice with the criminals and plot their escape, Andee and Chan grow closer together and that they make a pretty good team.

This book was exciting and adventurous. It kept things light enough that the action/suspense didn't feel overwhelming and believable enough that it didn't feel overwrought. Andee and Chan were perfect and their relationship was perfection. Chan was so soft for Andee and it showed it the fierce way he protected her no matter what the situation was.

This was a great read and I will definitely be going back and read the first one.