This just was not my cup of tea. I could not follow along with what was happening and honestly I don't know how I finished it. Just was overall bland and will not be reading anything like it again.

This was such an amusing read. I had such a great time that I really want to check out Michelle Larkin’s back catalogue.

“Secret Agent” by Larkin is an action romance with a bit of a thriller/intrigue aspect thrown in as well. It’s also very funny with a lot of humor and comedic situations. There was a good balance of the light comedy feel but also the seriousness of Zoey’s situation with the corrupt government.

Zoey Blackwood is a CIA agent and Peyton North is her newish handler. The two are forced to get to know one another by the CIA’s psychologist. Not long after, Zoey goes on the run from her government when she learns of a plan to withhold the vaccine to a virus that can wipe out much of the world’s population. Peyton, being her handler, is tasked with finding her and bringing her back.

Zoey and Peyton, while both very successful in their careers as agents, are complete opposites of one another. I loved how they got to know one another and how they responded to their differences. They took such care for the other and had a lot of respect for their differences, even when they didn’t fully understand them. I feel like we don’t see a lot of that in romance so it was a nice surprise and made me love the romance aspect that much more.

I want to say while the blurb isn’t misleading exactly, it doesn’t tell the whole story. The blurb is part of it yes, but a bigger part of the book is them getting to know one another before the big chase. And I’m so glad Larkin wrote it that way, otherwise I wouldn’t have understood a lot of their choices.

My only complaint is that it wasn’t long enough! The ending, while wasn't abrupt, it felt rushed and I wish there would've been more to it. Also, I would love to read more about Zoey and Peyton and how they work together now that they actually know one another. So fingers crossed for a sequel.

I received an ARC from Bold Strokes Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Secret Agent is good read with lots of banter and main characters that are rather quirky. When I started reading I got a bit of Janet Evanovich vibes and I always enjoyed her books so I was hoping the rest of the book would keep me hooked as well. And it did! I like the easy writing style Michelle Larkin seems to have mastered, mixing action, humor and romance into a very nice cocktail I would highly recommend to anyone who just wants an uncomplicated romance with a dash of thriller and some nice laughs.

***Thank you Netgalley and Bold Stroke Books for the chance to read and review this book ***

Secret Agent by Michelle Larkin was a book that I didn't want to put down. The energy between Zoey and Peyton is palpable from the start, and I was immediately drawn to sarcastic talking Zoey. Our fearless agents travel around the world and back in this story. This story has a weave of strands that knit together a picture of courage and love. I highly recommend that you purchase this novel today. Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc., Bold Strokes Books for this copy.

Zoey Blackwood was one of the best CIA agents before she went rogue. After learning what her governments plans to do with a new top-secret vaccine, she is now evading the CIA and traveling around the world trying to save millions of lives. Her latest handler, Agent Payton North, now has one mission; to catch and bring back Agent Blackwood. Only one problem, the longer she follows Zoey, the deeper their connection gets.

This book is in third person and is a very easy, intriguing, entertaining read. Both characters are complex and very well thought out. I loved getting to know each character and what experiences made them the person they are. Their chemistry is great! I felt it from their very first interaction and really you just wanted them to get together already.

If I had one critique, it would be that it was TOO SHORT! It could have been twice as long easily. The beginning was a great set up, so well developed. And then pass the 45% mark it felt..... not rush but yes a little rush. I wanted more! The beginning made you believe you were in for a long ride... and then boom it was over...... too fast! So, yeah, I just wished it would have been longer! Besides that, it was another amazing book by Michelle Larkin!

Thank you NetGalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I had such a great time reading this book. Somehow it kept the seriousness of the espionage content of the plot balanced with the light-hearted and oftentimes funny developing romance between Zoey and Peyton. It was light and fun while being gripping and action packed. This book was pure entertainment and I look forward to reading it again. I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Agent Zoey Blackwood is assigned a new handler. Agent Peyton North is assigned her first agent. When a government plot risks the lives of millions Blackwood breaks away from the CIA to stop it leaving North to find her and stop her.

While I enjoyed the overall plot and idea of the book I had some trouble with the pacing throughout. The chase around the world didn't start until well into the second half and the plot seemed to wrap itself up suddenly and quickly.

The characters themselves seemed interesting but it would have been nice to see more of the development of their relationship.

Fast-paced, full of action and adventure, twists and turns. The perfect holiday read. The characters are fun and sexy and exactly what you would expect from this kind of novel. Looking forward to many more Michelle Larking stories.

No feejays were harmed during the making of this book; however, they were purchased. What a pair these two leading ladies are. You are rooting for them at every twist and turn. There was a small part of me that wished a bit of Peyton would rub off on Zoey to tame her wild ways a bit, but her balls to the wall attitude was refreshing and comedic.

I forgot in the midst of reading the book that the world was on the brink of ending as I became hyper focused on the characters, but that just means the writing was so captivating that you can easily lose yourself and enjoy the ride. Tissues will be needed as tears will be lost, laughter will become contagious as the remarks and sharp and dad jokes abound, and the writing is superb. Highly recommend this read!

action, adventure, humor, steamy...all rolled into one fast paced story that will keep you humming right along! The characters are fantastic and so different that you just have to laugh at them sometimes!

Holy s*** balls! This book had me gripped from the first page! Not many books can do that too me, and I read it in one sitting. You'll find the characters have banter and you’ll laugh along with them. The story is a romance with a sprinkle of thriller mixed in. I really did enjoy this story.

I'm hoping this might be the start of a series. :)

I've given ‘secret agent’ by Michelle Larkin a 5/5


P.s. I apologise for the ‘swears’ in this review. But it's a bloody good read!

This was a great read. Both of the main characters were strong, beautiful, powerful and communicated well. I enjoyed the banter between them and even found myself laughing at times. I think this will do really well and recommend, 4.5 stars.

Thank You NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books.

Book: Secret Agent
Author: Michelle Larkin
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommend: Yes
Genre: LGBTQIA Romance

This book was a fast read and had some witty remarks that made me laugh out loud. This was the first LGBTQIA book that I've ever read and both main characters were very strong female characters. It was not a typical romance book, but I definitely enjoyed it!

Synopsis: Zoey Blackwood is a rogue CIA agent who is traveling the world on a mission to save millions of lives from a deadly virus. While the government is trying to sell the vaccine's formula, Zoey is informing the other countries which results in her being on the CIA's most wanted list.

Peyton North is a CIA agent and Zoey's handler. Her mission is to find Zoey before the DOD does and return her to the CIA headquarters.

During their game of cat and mouse, sparks fly between Zoey and Peyton which results in their loyalties to each other being tested.

Thank you @netgalley and @boldstrokesbooks for this ARC in return for an honest review.

#netgalley #boldstrokesbooks #ARC #secretagent #thrillerswithtibbs #bookobsession #booksta #booksmakemehappy

This book appealed to me from the very beginning. Our main character Zoey was just so much fun to follow, her humour was top tier. I often felt as though she resembled a sitcom character in the way she acted, just a really entertaining protagonist to follow (not to mention she's a total badass!). The relationship between her and her mentor Sterling was so touching, definitely my favourite relationship established in this book. I also enjoyed Peyton's character and the way she deals with her past.

As much fun as this was, I, unfortunately, think it went downhill near the end. For a hot minute, I thought this was going to be part of a larger series as things didn't feel as though they were nearing a conclusion. Instead, I got a rushed ending that didn't satisfy me. The rapid POV changes were jarring and things were just going too fast for me to actually feel entranced in the world anymore.

Nevertheless, I still had a really good time with this book.

One government is set on releasing a deadly virus and another government is keen on hoarding the vaccine formula to sell to other countries. Agent Zoey Blackwood goes rogue in an attempt to share this formula with as many countries as she can even if it puts a target on her back. Enter, Peyton North, her handler. Tasked with finding Zoey in her escapades Peyton can't help but feel Zoey lurking in more than just the shadows... maybe her heart?

I liked this book, it was pretty funny and had an interesting plot. With likeable characters who just meshed well together, all in the sentiments "Opposites attract". I thought it was done nicely but that last chapter kind of annoyed me. It was way too short. I feel like we only touched the surface of how good a couple of those two could be together.

Otherwise, loved the book, loved their chemistry but most of all, loved the comedy. A lot of books are missing that comedy factor these days and the author made it such a natural part of the book. Just what I love, comedy that is natural, smooth and not dependent on one character embarrassing themselves.

So yes, I do recommend it!

Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Peyton North’s, a CIA agent was just given a job, not just any job but one where she’ll have to spend time being Agent Blackwood’s handler. Not an easy task considering Zoe Blackwood’s tendency to do ‘things’ her way. Rules, as far as Zoe felt, were just some guidelines. Not that big a deal.
When Peyton accepted the posting she’d just lost her husband and found herself pregnant. Can’t tell anyone or she’ will never get the experience she requires for her career to go farther.
The two women find themselves fighting the restrictions Peyton has put on Zoe and of course Zoe can’t stand being watched over constantly. Let her get the job done but Peyton can’t. Remember she follows the rules and she keeps getting uneasy as she finds out more about her charge. Like where Zoe lived, who were her friends and most importantly Zoe’s fascination with ‘zombies’.
When Zoe’s former handler, Sterling let her in on the real possibility that someone with deep pockets and lots of power was planning an operation that would put a vaccine on the world market. Mind you it’ll kill millions but as we’ve seen this past few weeks.
Ms Larkin has done a great job giving us a book that you will have a hard time putting down. Great plot, lots of humor and a cast of characters that make this story what it is. A very, very enjoyable read.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books

I have very mixed feelings about this book.

I loved the humor of the book and the relationship Zoe had with her family. I adored Shadow and Sterling and at one point I did start crying because of Sacha. The found family trope was strong with this one and I loved it. The romance was cute and I really liked them together but it seemed a bit rushed at times but they still worked well together. This book made me giggle and have an interesting fascination with Feejays.

The thing I wasn’t necessarily a fan of was how they used a real country to villainies in this book. Like I know you need to have group be the bad guy in this type of situation but it could have been an evil organization or a fictional country. Picking a real country especially one that America has iffy relations and serious prejudice against just gives me the ick. This books was pretty slow which kind of got on my nerves but when it’s started BOY IT STARTED.

Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an eARC of this book.

Larkin has penned a pure winner with this book. Many LOL moments of hilarious dialogue and situations between rogue CIA agent Zoey and her new uptight and very serious handler, Payton. They antagonize each other throughout the story and end up completely smitten with each other. And there is a crime story that feels like a slight twist on our real world pandemic. It’s good that we have super hero Zoey and her friends to save the world.

Read this one, you will be entertained!

ARC received for a voluntary and honest review.

WHY ISN'T EVERYONE TALKING ABOUT MICHELLE LARKIN?? I felt exactly the same way when I read Sylver and Gold last year. The writing style is flawless and is Robin Alexander-level funny. This is the unputdownable book I've been waiting for all year.

This is a workplace/enemies-to-lovers/oil and water/slow burn/romantic adventure intrigue featuring Zoey and Peyton, both CIA agents with fully-developed backstories. Even though I knew there would be a happy ending, there was plenty of angst and tragedy along the way that kept me turning the page and wanting to quit my job. At 90% I found myself thinking "there's no way she can wrap this up", but by golly she did. Whew. We got to see the bad guys get their due, but I would've liked a little more of the aftermath of solving the case.

One of my favorites of 2022!

4.5 stars. This was one of the funniest books I’ve read in a long time! Who knew that I’ve been missing out on feejays all my live. For those of you who are like me, they are pajama bottoms with feet, yes, I googled them, they do exist. This is only the second book by Larkin that I’ve read so far (the first being Sylver and Gold), but I need to check the back catalogue for more.

The world is in danger and CIA agent Zoey is going to prevent billions of people to die, but to do this she has to go rogue. Peyton, Zoey’s handler, is tasked to bring Zoey in. Their personalities could not be more different and the dialogues between Zoey and Peyton are extremely funny giving them an awesome dynamic together and even with all their quips there is also a deeper and more vulnerable layer to their personalities.

This book should not be taken too seriously, both the action/thriller part and the characters are over the top and I loved every second of it. While saving the world they play this cat and mouse game and also the rather unusual side characters really add to the story.

I only have one minor comment on the book, which is the reason to subtract half a star, and that’s the ending. I was enjoying this book so much, but starting at ~80% both the action storyline and the romance felt rushed towards an ending. But I’m rounding it up to 5 stars anyway because of sheer entertainment value.

Humor in books is always difficult, I often don’t find it funny, but this book was exactly up my alley. Zoey is hilarious, but without Peyton and the way they interact it would never have been that good. Can I have another book with them? I absolutely recommend this book!

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.