This romance was purely meh for me. It felt underdeveloped. I know that there is a certain amount of suspended disbelief that goes along with a silly little spy romance but this one was just so cheesy that I couldn't look past it. The characters themselves were decent, however they both felt lackluster. Even though they are supposed to have exciting jobs that they loved, Jace and Mackenzie seemed so beyond boring.

The description of this book said, "brimming with chemistry, sizzling tension, and witty banter".... did I read a different book? This book had some banter that was cute but as for chemistry and sizzling tension.. never heard of her. I know that this is a "closed door" romance but there was literally one thought of sex, not even build up and fade to black. They daydreamed about making out??? How old are we??? 15???? That's truly where the book lost me the most.

Thank you to Netgalley and Dreamscape Media for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm so happy I didn't pay for this book and didn't get it in paper, because I would be furious. I love a good action-packed spy novel with a good bit of romance. Unfortunately, it wasn't it. It was a romance with the sparkles of spy things, but those made my eyes fully see my brain. The rule "show, don't tell" was also thrown through a window the very first time they meet, and the body language textbook came to take it place. The only thing that makes me feel a bit better is that there are actual people who will fall in love with this book, and it isn't unloveable kind of bad

Thank NetGalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with the audiobook. And shout out to the audiobook narrators who made this experience a bit more bearable

"Spies are supposed to be able to blend in with a crowd. Be nondescript. Look average. And you, Jace, are anything but average. 'Delicious' and 'thirst trap' might be phrases thrown around. Not 'subtle' or 'common'."

"After a single kiss from Jace, I'm completely hooked. In my defense, it was a very long kiss. And unlike anything I have ever experienced in my life. It was the kind of kiss that they base entire movie scripts around. Write songs about. Nations rise and fall because of kisses like that. I'm an addict. Like a raccoon who has discovered where the camper's stash of Oreos is. I've never related to a raccoon more."

Read if you like:
* Dual POV
* Opposites Attract
* Forced Proximity
* Off Limits Romance
* Spy MMC
* Protective Hero
* Mistaken/Hidden Identity
* Witty/Flirty Banter
* Closed Door
* 1st in series/can be read as a stand alone

This is such a fun and unique book full of romance, adventure, and humor. It has all the intrigue of a spy movie as well as the romance and humor you'd expect from a romcom. If you like the movie Knight and Day, you will love this book!

Jace is a charming, strong, protective, and witty spy. Mackenzie, though not a spy, is every bit as brave as Jace with the way she tries to live her life big. These two have off the charts chemistry and the banter is not to be missed.

After reading this book I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook and it was so good. The narrators did a fantastic job of bringing the characters to life. They were emotive, engaging, and sounded age appropriate.

Favorites:
* Meet-Cute
* Swinging Sasquatch
* The Powder Room
* Jumping the fence
* Hitching a ride with Miles
* Tango
* Hammy's real ID
* Dancing big
* Code 14
* Spreadsheet Jockey
* Mutually created backstory
* Anatidaephobia
* NSA (No Such Agency)
* Honey straws and card
* "Don't be a decision thief."
* Conference room intervention
* Talking with Dad in the woods
* The Epilogue

I was so excited to learn that this is just the first book in a new series. I can not wait to dive in to the rest of the series!

*Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Contains an audiobook review.

This is a kisses only contemporary romcom with some suspense/mystery aspects.

I had heard such good things about this book that I really, really wanted to read it. My actual reading time is limited though and I consume most of my books through audio format. You can not imagine my excitement when I saw that it was coming to audio! And after listening, I am so glad that I waited for it because I was not disappointed in the story or the narrators.

The story is fun and fast paced. The characters have good chemistry and banter. I loved it.

The audio is done by a male and a female narrator. It is a dual reading, meaning that the male reads all of the chapter with his POV and the female does the same in hers. I thought both were very pleasant to listen to and were able to handle the opposite gender dialog well.

Thanks to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for the opportunity to listen to this book! I am happy to leave an honest review.

Not enough substance to the plot and the romance didn't keep me interested.

Overall I felt the book was really flat. The characters didn't have any chemistry and the FMC was too gullible to be likeable. It was fine overall but would recommend the audiobook. The FMC has some long, draw out inner monologue and it was hard to read through.

Thank you to Netgalley for the audiobook, I attest I am leaving my review voluntarily and honestly

Audio version update. I really enjoyed the narrators of the story. I thought it made it come to life even more than when I originally read the book. 4.5 stars
This was a fun, entertaining romcom. I love the instant chemistry and cute first meet. I was fully invested from then on. The characters were so fun to get to know, and with any first book of a series, getting to know all the sub characters is important. Both main characters came from large families. I believe Jace and his family are the focus for the series, so it wasn’t too hard to learn all of them and keep them straight. The banter, horse play and good ribbing makes you feel a part of them.
Having the spy theme for the series, there was some drama and covert scenes, but no high suspense to really hold my attention. With that said, I think it was a little long for a romcom. In my opinion, a great beginning mediocre middle and a sweet ending. I am looking forward to Ledgers story in book 2.

This was such a cute, easy read! I loved the two main characters and their love story as well as their friends, the side characters. MacKenzie is such a positive character and deserves someone who is a good match and Jace was just that. They have great chemistry. The spy missions were fun and it was a light read!

I really enjoyed the narrators as well. They really brought the characters to life!

This was an incredibly good read! The story was beautifully written and the characters were flushed out really well! Definitely worth the read!

I've read this book before and enjoyed it and now I just finished listening to the audiobook and it was fun to relive the story. There is a lot to smile about since it is a romcom but also, the spying moments are intriguing and enjoyable as well. I enjoyed both the narrators and they did a good job at showing the personalities of the main characters. MacKenzie is pretty over the top with enthusiasm about everything. And Jace is calm, suave and charming. Mackenzie and Jace have great chemistry and I really enjoyed their playful banter.
The story is lighthearted and even with spies and bad guys and danger, it doesn't feel dark at all. I was fascinated by all the behind the scenes spying. Having the handler in Jace's ear almost all the time and knowing how so many people were working together to succeed in their mission was really fun for me. There was excitement but it wasn't overly intense. Big plus for me.
Loved it!

Sex: no
Language: no
Violence: a little

This book was so fun!! I loved the two main characters and it hooked me right at the beginning. Jace is a spy and saves her from a bad date, then she accidentally becomes his asset to protect. I'll read that every single time.

I also appreciate a story that is sweet with no language or spice or violence of any kind.

The narrators were great. I think they brought the author's words to life. There were lots of stories told and goofy anecdotes and they captured the flirting well. The FMC was so bubbly and the female narrator really captured that. The MMC's voice was also great and very masculine. No notes on these castings!

I am thankful I got an advanced listening copy of this audiobook, but it is also available now, so put it in your TBR!

This was a reread via audio for me and I loved the narration! This is a super fun spy/asset, action-filled, swoony romcom that starts with a purely fantastic meet-cute and continues with so many unique situations, fantastic characters, and great character arcs. I love the Lancaster family and adored getting to revisit them from the beginning with this audiobook!

This is a perfect fit for readers who crave a lighthearted, humorous, and adventurous romantic comedy with a dash of espionage, as it promises to deliver a fun, swoon-worthy, and laugh-out-loud experience.

“Spies Don’nt Fall for Their Asset” (Romancing the Spy, book1) by Meg Easton
Fun Sweet Rom-Com (Suspense)
I loved my time listening as this story was read to me. The narration was spot on with the sparkling real people narration that just may have kept me from attending to some other ‘should be doing’ things. Not to worry, I was not deterred from any vital endeavors. Note: if you prefer to read the story for yourself this is an excellent choice, too! Happy Listening or Read-It-Yourself choice. (I know I have done both!).
note: I was forced to add this P.S. to my review posts for the e-edition I read 1-1/2 ago.
P.S. I have now listened to the audiobook, too!! it was great. I loved the vivacious narration, the voices were perfection. The 'voice actors' did an exemplary job with this story. Happy Listening ! !

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC for this audiobook.

It was absolutely amazing.
No spice just kissing
No cursing - oh mylanta and oh fudge.

Super sweet fun adventures with a spy. Who wouldn't want to go on this fun little ride.

Only issue is it's a little cheesy which is good but at times a bit too much.

I was approved for an audiobook advanced reader copy of Spies Don’t Fall for Their Assets and I absolutely loved it! The narrators fit the characters well and they made it feel like I was with friends while listening.

Mackenzie is a somewhat new resident to a small town and in an effort to find her place there she started a club aimed to help other residents out of their comfort zone. She loves spy movies and religiously watches them with her friend Liz. And as a way to protect her heart she rarely, if ever, goes on a second date.

Jace is an intelligence agent in an agency with his family. At the beginning of the book he meets with an asset to gain information about a software being sold to multiple unsavory players. He’s kind and confident which helps put his asset at ease.

Jace and Mackenzie find themselves thrown together by circumstance after a meet cute the night before. Throughout the story Jace is as honest as he can be and is understanding of how independent Mackenzie wants to be while supporting her along the way.

I loved this book - it was cute and fun and adventurous. There’s no major suspense factor and it does follow a common formula for romance novels. These were not detriments to me. Resembles the coziest rom com

I really really enjoyed this book when I read it! Now we have audio and it's every bit as good!! It was very balanced in the action and romance and there are some very funny moments. There was great world and character building. The romance was clean, fun, and very well developed. No cussing and an HEA! Two thumbs up!!

This was cute! Very entertaining and I definitely enjoyed it! I also see myself continuing this series in the future!

Thank you NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Meg Easton for giving me the opportunity to listen to the audiobook!

I wanted to like this audiobook. I really, REALLY wanted to like this audiobook. Unfortunately, it was awkward from the start and I had to force myself to finish it because I am not a quitter! “Spies Don’t Fall For Their Assets” had such promise from the descriptions and book reviews, but unfortunately it was such a cringey letdown.

Mackenzie Macneil LOVES to watch spy movies. Loves them! She often fantasizes about meeting a spy and swooning over him, but little does she know that her fantasy will soon become reality. While on a disastrous blind date she is saved by secret spy Jace Lancaster. It was a fun meet cute that held so much promise for the story, but honestly, after that it just became clunky and long drawn out.

Problems I have with the story:

-Mackenzie is always taking pics of food and dates to post on social. How immature is she? Who posts pics of someone they are on a first date with?? Even after her explanation of why she does that it still doesn’t make sense.

-Because of a past bad relationships she now only allows first dates. So she purposely goes on dates knowing she will say no to a second and doesn’t want a relationship and we are supposed to be okay with that? If it was a male with the same MO we would be livid!

—This book doesn’t need this much info and exposition. I don’t need to hear all the stories of the crazy things she did as a kid to get them falling in love. We do not need pages and pages of useless descriptions of family gatherings and street dances to drive the plot along. This story could have been much shorter.

-Jace is all about being a spy and keeping things secret, including his identity, but immediately tells her his real name and quickly takes a selfie with her and lets her post it. Not so good of a secret agent if he’s willing to jeopardize his safety for a girl he just met.

Overall, this story was supposed to be a fun escape from reality that just felt clunky, drawn out, and cringey. I just could not see how the two characters fell in love other than the author telling me they fell in love. I was hoping to enjoy the rest of the series because I do love a good series, but I think I will skip it and not waste another day of life on a story with a bad plot and flat characters.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

I was for sure going to rate this one a 4 star until it got to the third act and I didn't love crossing the finish line.

I loved the characters and the premise of the book. He's a spy, he needs to protect her, and he complicates matters by falling in love with her. However, she doesn't know he's a spy and is completely unaware that she's in danger as the enemy's target.

However, when the threat was stopped, I felt that the story dropped off with only the romance plot left and them working through their relationship.

I will definitely check out the sequel when it comes out for his brother's love story.

Thank you Dreamscape & NetGalley for this complimentary audiobook in exchange for my honest review.

DNF 20%

Who really knows what’s is mean to be a spy? The movies give a the general population an idea, but it’s called a “secret” agent for a reason, right? With that being said, some aspects of this book were a bit too outlandish to be taken seriously. For one, if your agency rivals the prestige and abilities of the CIA and FBI, why is your handler your sister, your partner your brother, and your director is your mother?

Additionally, I found the prose and language to be very plain.

There were moments of witty banter that made me smile, and I believe this book will find its audience, unfortunately I am not it.
—
Story by Meg Easton: DNF - not rated (on GoodReads; as NetGalley requires a rating, based on what was read, this would be a 1.5-2 ⭐️ for me)
Narration by Hallie Bee Bard: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration by Rusty Mewha: ⭐️⭐️
—
Thank you Dreamscape & NetGalley for this complimentary ALC - all thoughts are my own! 📚
Publishers release date 1/21/2025