Spies, Lies, & Albis by Natalie Walters was so incredibly good! I read this one with my ears and it did not disappoint!!!! The narrators were perfect!! The story had me addicted and I binged it in one day!! It was full of laughs, heart, and mischief! This was my first book by Natalie and won’t be my last!!

Thank you Natalie Walters, Thomas Nelson, and Zondervan Fiction Audio for the ALC 🫶🏼

I absolutely loved this book. I laughed out loud multiple times. I truly loved how they still loved each other all those years later even though they tried to ignore it. I definitely will recommend this book to anyone. This is the perfect book if you’re looking for a good laugh. This is my first book by this author and will be looking forward to reading other books by her. Absolutely loved the narrators. Andrew Eiden is a favorite of mine and he couldn’t have been more perfect for Ben. This is my first book with Dominique Salvacion and she was amazing and I can’t wait to hear her on other books.

I picked this book up this morning, intending to just read a little and then do a bunch of productive things today, and I ended up reading the whole thing today (which was very much not the plan, I had other things I should have been doing instead, lol whoops). It's SO fun!! It feels like the perfect blend between romcom and thriller and I am desperate to read more from Natalie Walters. I love both narrators, as well!

If Cybil Langford was a Taylor Swift song she would be Vigilante Shit. After a rough childhood she has struggled to make ends meet while trying to achieve her dreams. This has led to some interesting skills and side jobs.
In Ben Bradley had a Taylor Swift song it would be Mastermind. He has been working deep undercover for the FBI and he is finally close to his goal.
This was such a fun fbi/spy book! Fans of Julie James and Christie Craig will love the espionage, high stakes and near misses. There is no spice but plenty of yearning between these once upon a time friends turned enemies. This was my first book by Natalie Walters but once a finished it if I pulled up her backlog and have started from the beginning.
This is duel pov, duel narration, first person, no spice. Both narrators did an excellent job and had me laughing the whole day, not wanting to take out my headphones for anything.
Thank you to Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction Audio for a ALC in exchange for an honest review! And thank you to NetGalley for making this possible for me.

Spies x rom com? Yes please! The plot was good. The narration was great. I haven’t read any of Natalie’s other books, but I’m going to be checking them out soon.

I received a digital ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
What would you do if you ran into your childhood crush while trying to steal information from dangerous people? And what if your former crush was clearly associated with criminals and going by a name that definitely isn't his? Cybal and "Craig" are forced into a close-proximity working relationship filled with secrets, playful teasing, a couple epic fights, all while resisting the reigniting feelings between them.
Shout out to the author for mentioning the iconic Texas gas station, Bucc-ee's.
No language or spice.

5⭐'s

This book was so unexpectedly good! This is my first book by Natalie Walters, and while I did not know what to expect, I though the cover was very cute and the description seemed interesting. Let me tell you, I was on the edge of my seat. This book had so many funny moments, picture Ms. Congiliality, while also being heartfelt (all the pinning!). The whole time there is a sense of "wait, are you the bad guy?", and not to give anything away but you don't really find out until the end. This book was such a joy to listen to, so many twists and turns, I was throughly entertained. The audiobook version of the book was amazing. The narrators Dominique Salvacion and Andrew Eiden did an amazing job.

Side note: while there is romance in the story there is no spice.

Oh my goodness! I absolutely loved this book! The characters had me from the beginning! She was delightful and I fell in LOVE with him! I mean come on… a spy, second chance romance ROMCOM! Brilliant! The one-liners had me texting my bestie throughout! I was loving it! The narrators were just perfect for the book! I couldn’t have picked any better myself!

Thanks to NetGalley for this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own!

This was my first book to read by Natalie Walters I was given an advanced audiobook version. This book was greatness. If you like Stphanie Plum books and Finlay Donovan make sure to add this to your TBR. This was a laugh out loud book wih an enemies to lovers thrown in. Cybill is going undercover to try to get information to take down an illegal crime network. This is where she runs into her previous childhood crush Ben and she can not figure out why he is there and in what capacity. The antics between these two was awesome. The narators did a great job. The setting was in Dallas, TX which is right in my back yard so it was fun to listen to all the locations of places I was familiar wih. I look forward to reading other books by Natalie Walters. Thank you to Net Galley for an advanced copy of this story.

I loved it - it was fun and ridiculous and completely entertaining. The pacing was perfect, and it struck just the right balance between romantic tension and spycraft. The narrators were both great. I’ll definitely be recommending this one.

This book grabbed me from the first line, Cybil is an amazing spy that works for a private agency on a case where she pretends she is an executive assistant. She is really good at what she does, and has work for this agency in order to pay for her law classes. Then there is Ben, he works for the FBI, he is being working on this particular case for a long time so he is invested in bringing the bad guy to justice. However, neither Cybil nor Ben expected to encounter the other while working the case. Cybil lies about why she is working for Mr. Edward’s, and Ben lies about his actual name. Both begin to suspect the other without actually wanting to believe they could have been wrong on their assessment of each other. For sure, sparks fly, an old flame rekindle, and both have to lie, hide, and secure their alibi in order not to get kill by the man they both want in jail.

Aahhh I absolutely couldn’t stop listening!!!! The narration on this book was beyond phenomenal! It had everything I love, perfect enunciation, the perfect amount of emotion and humor! This has to be the most I’ve laughed with an audiobook. The tension was so well executed the romance was the back burner on here but it felt as important to the entire action packed story. The way the side helping characters like Athena and Ruby and even Ben’s grandmother added so much funny chaotic energy it made the book more addicting.
Thank you so much for putting this out to listen.

“Don’t hate the player, hate your game.”

Thank you to Natalie Walters and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this fun audiobook - all thoughts and opinions are my own!

I never read/listened to anything by Natalie Walter before, but I really enjoyed Spies, Lies, & Alibis! It’s a thrilling spy romance with enemies-to-lovers, witty banter, and a second-chance romance.

“Just don’t use the flare gun.”
“Your grandmother’s in a dumpster?”
“Yes.”

We are quickly introduced to our two main characters, Cybil and Ben, who are former lovers finding their way back to each other in an unexpected circumstance while navigating the world of espionage. Think Mr. and Mrs. Smith, just without being hired to kill each other. This was dual POV, so we were able to experience each of their perspectives with everything going on, and experience each of their wit.

I listened to most of this audiobook while I was out in public, so when I say I had to stop myself from laughing out loud, I legit had to stop myself from cackling from many of the scenes between Cybil and Ben (and Ben’s Gran!). While I loved Cybil and Ben, I really did love the two of them, I have to say Ben’s Gran has to be my favorite. She wasn’t a huge part of the story, but the times that she did appear or was mentioned she always had me laughing out loud every single time.

“But the last time Gran did this it ended in a restraining order and three citations for public disturbance.”

Now on to the audiobook part of the review. I think anyone that can experience Spies, Lies, & Alibis on audiobook really should! It was great time and both narrators did phenomenal jobs bringing Cybil and Ben to life.

Cybil was narrated by Dominique Salvacion and Ben was narrated by Andrew Eiden. I’ve listened to other audiobooks narrated by Andrew Eiden before so I knew he would do a great job voicing Ben (which he did), but I’ve never listen to anything by Dominique before and I really enjoyed her narration! She wasn’t able to embody Cybil and her emotions through her narration beautifully. I will have to keep an eye out for more audiobooks narrated by her.

This was such a great mystery, with a punch of humour and a side of romance and it was so much fun. I appreciated how it was closed door and how it could have been more of a romance, and maybe in an ulterior take it could be, but that would change from the drive to continue reading along for the thrill!

A whole second chance romance with the one who got away, but first they must figure out if the other has gone rogue or down the wrong path after they abruptly parted ways in life. I really didn’t want to put this down!

Andrew Eiden and Dominique Salvacion together? Chefs kiss! An amazing narration, really felt the humour, suspense and tension between the characters!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, start to finish. It has humor that made me laugh, a plot that kept me reading to see what would happen by the end, and hints of romance throughout.
I loved the main character and the writing that involved how her own story played out, although I do wish I had more info about how she got started in her line of work earlier in the book. Or more info about other cases the main character was involved in.
The other major character in this story was great, and while more romance could have been involved, I appreciated that this book had a true storytelling vibe to it instead of being solely focused on romance.

Thank you for the advanced reader copy!
#spiesliesalibis #netgalley

I absolutely loved this book! I love, romantic suspense, and the mayhem and banter was immaculately done. I will definitely be recommending this to all of my friends that enjoy the genre and will add her to my must read author list.

I was lucky enough to be able to download and enjoy both the book and the audiobook. I knew I was going to like the book, but I wasn’t prepared to absolutely fall in love with the audiobook. I absolutely ADORED the audiobook! The narrators brought Ben and Cybil to life perfectly!
This is one of those stories that’s just meant to be experienced as an audiobook... you’ll fall in love with it and wish it would never end. Believe me!

This audiobook held my attention from the start. I loved the narrators, characters, story line. I laughed, gasped. And couldn’t wait to see what unfolded. Thanks for the opportunity to listen and review this book Netgalley!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved Spies, Lies, & Alibis. From the very beginning, this book pulled me in and kept me fully engaged all the way through.

The pacing is fast and immersive, with a constant sense of tension that makes it difficult to put down. The story unfolds in a way that keeps you questioning everything and everyone, and I really appreciated how unpredictable it felt without ever becoming confusing.

What stood out most to me was the dynamic between the characters. There’s a strong emotional undercurrent that adds depth to the story, making it more than just a suspenseful plot. The relationships feel layered and intentional, which made me even more invested in how everything would unfold.

One detail that stood out was a brief mention of ADHD in the main character’s mom’s past. It felt like a subtle reflection of how ADHD has been perceived differently across generations. There was a slight edge to it that could be read as dismissive, but it also added a layer of realism to the character’s background and experiences.

I also appreciated the small moments of humor woven throughout the story. These lighter touches added balance to the tension and made the overall reading experience even more engaging, including a few memorable character moments that added personality without taking away from the stakes.

I also really enjoyed the audiobook narration. Both narrators added to the overall experience in different ways—the male narrator brought intensity and atmosphere, while the female narrator added emotional depth and nuance. Together, they created a more immersive and engaging listening experience.

This is one of those books where you keep telling yourself “just one more chapter,” and suddenly you’re much further in than planned. I found myself completely absorbed from start to finish.

If you enjoy fast-paced, character-driven stories with strong tension, layered relationships, and thoughtful character details, this is absolutely worth picking up.

✨ This review will also be shared on Goodreads and social media platforms to reach a broader audience.

My review is on Goodreads about this book by Natalie Walters.
This is a cute clean lil romance mystery story.
Ben and cybil’s feelings never fade when they’re together. They were truly meant for each other.
Natalie Walters did an outstanding job writing this book. And Andrew Eiden does a great job of being the book’s narrator.
Thank you for letting me read this book before it comes out. I really appreciate being able to read it. Great book overall!

Contains an audiobook review.

This is a kisses only, spy romance with plenty of humor!

Natalie Walters is a favorite light suspense writer for me. She tends to had humor to her stories and that really helps me enjoy them. This one was so fun. There are quirky side characters and an interesting plot. Plenty to keep me invested in the story!

The narrators do a fantastic job reading this one! It really brought the story to life for me and helped me feel like I was part of it.

I was given the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of the audiobook by Thomas Nelson and Zondervan via Netgalley. I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review.

I absolutely loved this one. The narrator duo pulled me in right away and made the story feel so immersive. It’s a lighthearted, fun take on espionage that kept me entertained the whole way through.
If you’re going in for romance, just know it leans more toward yearning than payoff. Honestly, it worked for me, but I wouldn’t have been mad for more attention towards it. The tension, the intrigue, and the overall vibe made this such a good time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for the advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review.

It´s very specific, but teen crush to unintentional heartbreak to full blown adult crush might be my favourite trope and this book is serving.

Cybil is trying to keep financially afloat by not only working a regular job, but also spying for a very secretive agency. Special treat: Bringing down the bad guys. Ben is in an undercover operation for the FBI to get intel about the murder of one of his colleagues. When their paths cross after 12 years - when they broke each other´s hearts - they need to keep an eye on each other. Neither of them knows if the other one is part of their criminal investigation or just an innocent bystander. When they also discover, that sparks are still flying, their resepective mission gets a hell of a lot more complicated.

Peak romantic moments and fun encounters (sometimes fruit or vegetables are involved) go hand in hand with banter and action. The narrators were fantastic and gave the story the special extra, that will keep you wanting to hear always just one more chapter.

Spies, Lies, & Alibis by Natalie Walters is an entertaining mix of romance, humor, and suspense that makes for a really enjoyable read. The story has a fun, fast pace with engaging characters and plenty of light moments balanced with a bit of intrigue. It’s an easy one to get into and a great pick when you’re looking for something lively and feel-good.

Natalie Walters upcoming book is basically what happens when you take a rom-com, give it a spy mission, and then crank up the tension just a little bit!
Cybil and Ben are both living double lives, both working undercover, and neither of them knows the other is actually on their same side! wWhich makes everything messy in the best kind of way! Add in the fact that they’re childhood crushes with unresolved feelings??? Yes Please! The tension is totally there and it’s definitely action packed balanced with fun romance!
Overall, this book is such a fun, fast paced ride, kind of like a spy movie with a little love and some fun little family interactions that keep you totally invested! If you like undercover chaos, second chance feelings, and a story that keeps you guessing a little, this is such a good one to add to your list! Coming this May!
Thank you SO MUCH to the author for the opportunity to listen to the audiobook copy of this book! All opinions are my own!

Spies, Lies, and Alibis

Ben is an FBI agent undercover working on a case when he stumbles, literally, into his old childhood friend/crush, Cybil. Cybil is working for one of the men Ben is investigating. Is she still the girl he remembers? Can she trust him? Will they be able to get over past hurts and have their second chance?

This book had me busting out laughing a lot. The banter was amazingly witty. I want to be Ben’s grandma when I grow up. This is my kind of suspense, clean and funny while keeping me on the edge of my seat! 5 ⭐️ read

I was given this ebook and audiobook by Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. The narrators were amazing and helped bring the story to life even more!

Oh I love a good spy novel! (think The Spy Who Loved Me mixed with a little Mr and Mrs Smith-esque action). Hey, there were Bond references! This novel was cleverly crafted out and I love the “childhood friends with a past that run into each other as adults”-frenemies to lovers- type deal.
The sarcasm, sass and subtle sexual tension between the FMC and MMC is perfect and created some great comedy moments…..especially a certain scene in the kitchen! Pair that with a Wiley Grandma and a rooster named Kentucky Fried that offered comedic relief sprinkled between the more serious, thrilling aspects of the story. It was an enjoyable balance! The ending leaves plenty of room for continued antics between the pair in subsequent future novels too! Here’s hoping!
The narrator choice was great, as I’m familiar with both of them and their style. The storytelling combined with the comedic timing, sass and tense moments was genuinely entertaining!

This maybe a small gateway drug to more thriller romances.

The little jaw drop moments were fantastic and the way she realized his love, ugh chefs kiss. Not that romantic e is required but be aware this would be a be pepper of spice.

But this was so great and and an easy listen.

Cybil and Ben, childhood sweethearts, have not seen each other in years until their paths cross while undercover investigating a crime boss. Will they blow each other's cover, or will they bring justice to the bad guys?

This is a fun, clean romance. The characters are funny and relatable - aside from the secret agent part. The action is engaging and it's fun guessing who is bad and who is good. The dual point of view is a nice touch to help understand Cybil and Ben's point of view.

I enjoyed both narrators; their tones and pacing were perfect bringing emotion and depth to the story. It was a fast listen and I would recommend to anyone who is looking for a relaxing read.

***NetGalley ARC Listener***

Entering, laugh out loud, binge worthy! Kept a smile on my face and had me unable to stop reading!
Cybil is quirky, sarcastic , and super relatable, with just a little mystery. When her job has her crossing paths with a man from her past things get interesting!

The audiobook, with its dual narration, enhances the story by bringing an extra level to the witty banter between the main characters as well as the inner thoughts of each.
If you love cozy mysteries, rom-coms, or second chance love stories you will not be disappointed with this book!

This is a new to me author, but I really enjoyed the story, and I'm interested in reading more from her! The premise was fun, and I felt like it was an overall enjoyable read!

Romantic suspense + humor = a win every time. The banter was top-tier, the chemistry was sizzling, and it was just an all-around good time from start to finish. Loved it—5 stars!

Spies, lies and Albis was such a fun and heart warming read, I loved the voice actors Dominique Salvacion and Andrew Eiden. I love other work done by Andrew and he was absolutely the right voice for Ben. There chemistry came through really well over the the audio and at no point was I lost or confused about how they were feeling or where we were in the story. I adored the plot and mis communication is a favourite trope of mine, so when Cybil over heard Ben and thought he didn't like her i was school girl giggling when the figured it all out. I would absolutely recommend this to my Audio friends. The pacing and cadence of their speech was perfect I didn't feel the need to speed up the dialogue. Emotions came through very clear and I actually laughed out loud multiple times. I look forward to reading more of Natalie Walters books and would 100% listen to more audio book produced by Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio.

High‑stakes, swoony, laugh‑out‑loud rom com, yes please.

Spies, Lies, and Alibis is sharp, stylish, and bursting with personality. It’s got that irresistible James Bond‑meets‑rom‑com feel, where high‑stakes danger collides with swoony moments and laugh‑out‑loud fun.

And I have to say it: Gran completely stole the show. Every scene with her had me grinning. She’s the kind of character who sneaks up on you and becomes your unexpected favorite.

There’s swoon, there’s banter, there’s tension, and all the feels layered into a plot that delivers from start to finish.

I totally enjoyed this book.

Bonus for the audiobook, which adds an extra layer to connecting with the characters. It’s a fun, engaging experience that leaves you excited for what comes next.

I read this book back in December/January and this was my review:
I absolutely loved it! FBI agent vs spy, then are childhood frenemies (kind of) that had and still have mutual crushes for each other? They need to be vary of the other’s motives but at the same time try to turn each other into assets. Add romantic tension to the mix (duh), some real danger, AND funny shenanigans and it’s simple perfection!
I read this book in 2 days and the best time with it!

Now when the audiobook was available to request, I knew I have to grab it! A reread just after two-three months but I had just the same amount of fun with this story!
I think I need more spy romances on my tbr.
I enjoyed the performance of both narrators and overall production.

This books is one we will definitely be recommending to our customers, especially the audiobook with narrators like Andrew Eiden and Dominique Salvacion! We can not recommend it enough, it was such a fun read, moments of suspense, overall fun! These two love birds are just adorable to see the love they find in each other play out, especially when they both do not know what to think about the other! ROM-COM gold!! It should be a movie!!

I read this in e-ARC form a month ago and loved it so much that I decided to listen to it on ALC, too. That should tell you what you need to know! (Social media links are from my ARC review.)

This is a fun and action-packed story, and I loved it just as much the second time. The characters are well developed and lots of fun, the banter is hilarious and the romance is just right. Loved that it’s sweet with no spice. The narrators did an excellent job!

Natalie Walters is a spy romcom wizard. I can’t wait to read more of her work!

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for a free copy of this audiobook. All opinions are my own.

Bwahahahaha! I was so not prepared for the reality of this story but it was so much fun! I grinned my way through the whole thing and not quite sure how to review ‘Spies. Lies and Alibis’. Spy novel with rom/com vibes? Comedic suspense? Oh, I know, James Bond meets Lucille Ball! They kinda all fit, but not exactly. I think Natalie Walters has created a new sub-genre.

Ben is deep undercover on an assignment that has taken him months to develop and no one knows who he really is until a blast from his youthful past shows up in the form of one very beguiling and all grown up Cybil Langford. She has her own reasons for getting into the thick of things and while he’s all suave, controlled agent undercover she’s….definitely not any of that. Calamity Cybil might be a worthy moniker. Some of the scrapes she gets into are hilarious and very Lucy-esque adding all kinds of levity the cloak and dagger atmosphere.

And I really can’t say anything more than that – except the banter is exquisite. Cybil’s combination of sarcasm and nerve are enchanting and the pacing of this – undefined genre – is impeccable. Rather light on the romance, unless you count in all the verbal sparring that carries on for most of the book but when that happily every after finally arrives it does so with unexpectedly delightful panache.

I listened to the audio edition of ‘Spies, Lies and Ailibis’ and found the dual narration by Andrew Elden and Dominique Salvacion to be really enjoyable. They brought all the energy and humour in the written word to vibrant life and I highly recommend going the audio route for this amazing book.

My thanks to Thomas Nelson, Zondervan Fiction Audio and Net Galley for providing me with an audio copy of this book.

I listened to the audiobook while reading the book at the same time and can’t say enough about the audiobook! The two narrators did a fantastic job of capturing the essence of these characters. And the story itself is just fantastic!

Thanks to @netgalley and @thomasnelsonfiction for the advanced copy!

This book does nothing but deliver a fast-paced blend of suspense, intrigue, and just the right touch of romance. Natalie Walters crafts a story filled with secrets, danger, and twists that kept me fully engaged from start to finish.

The plot is layered with espionage elements and emotional depth, making it more than just your typical thriller. I especially enjoyed how the characters were developed—each one felt real, with their own motivations and struggles that added to the tension and stakes.

As an audiobook, the narration truly elevated the experience. The narrator, Andrew, is phenomenal—Geeee, wonder who it is 👀—but seriously, I absolutely loved him in a book that isn’t spicy. His delivery, character voices, and pacing made the story even more immersive, and I found myself wanting to keep listening, “just one more chapter.”

If you enjoy romantic suspense with a strong storyline, compelling characters, and a touch of mystery, this one is definitely worth picking up—especially in audiobook form.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book! It was fun, action-packed, amusing, and has lovable characters. FBI undercover agent gets tangled up with a private sector spy who happens to be his childhood love. The mmc kept comparing himself to James Bond. The fmc was doing what she needed to do to pay the bills. It was just a lot of fun. Zero spice but some nice yearning. I received an audiobook from Netaglley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio. It was narrated by Andrew Eiden (Teddy Hamilton) whom I freaking love as an audiobook narrator and Dominique Salvación. They both delivered a very entertaining performance. Highly recommend the audiobook!

This book was so fun. Is there anythng better than a little romantic suspense? It is probably my all-time favorite genre, and this one was a delight. I loved the way Cybil and Ben's characters both had lots to hide and lots to work around, and the way they played off each other. There was so much humor and cute little things going on that the whole book was a great time. I thoroughly enjoyed this one, and I'll definitely be looking from more from Natalie Walters.

Couldn’t.put.it.down. From chapter one, I was hooked. This book tells the stories of 2 people, both working unaware the other, trying to catch the bad guy. The plot is thick, the story is catchy and the character development is deep and quick. Dual pov, I totally loved how the story developed and getting to know the characters.

Just enough yearning for a mystery to keep you guessing, but not enough to call it a hard core romance, I would recommend this to anybody who loves a good mystery and fast pace action.

Great read!!!! Looking forward to finding more books by Natalie!!!

International intrigue, witty banter, pranks, and hijinks… sign me up!
This was such a delightful story, and the audiobook made the experience even better. The dual narration fully immersed me in both Ben and Cybil’s perspectives and really enhanced the overall story. I’m so glad I chose to experience this one on audio.
Sidenote: Kentucky Fried, the evil rooster, made me laugh so hard.
Five stars!
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This was my first book by Natalie Walters and it’s everything I could’ve hoped for! Fun and fast-paced, packed with action and a bit of angst. And that cover!! Love it!

If you like:

🕵🏻‍♀️spies in love
🧨lots of action
🥈second chances
🔥banter

You should definitely read Spies, Lies and Alibis!!


Thank you NetGalley for sharing the audio arc for Spies, Lies and Alibis in exchange for an honest review.

James bonds meets rom-com that has me LOL between nail biting. It was a fresh breath to the spy genre with all the comic humor. It's an experience I will revisit.
The narrators were splendid!

I have three things to mention

First, this book might have fully converted me into a romance-hybrid reader, specifically the thriller-romance kind. I absolutely loved it. There is something about the blend of high-stakes tension and emotional payoff that just works, and this book makes a very strong case for why the genre deserves more attention.

Second, everything here feels perfectly calibrated. The pacing has the momentum of a thriller, but it never sacrifices the fun. There is banter, chemistry, suspense, and just enough emotional depth to keep you invested. The characters are compelling, the dialogue is sharp, and the writing is consistently engaging. For me, the baseline requirement for this genre is simple. It should be joyful to read, even amidst the tension. And this one delivers on that completely. It is genuinely fun without ever feeling lightweight.

Third, the audiobook elevates the entire experience. The narrators are a perfect fit, and that is not something I say lightly. This is one of those rare books where the narration matches the mood swings of the story so well, shifting seamlessly between tension, humour, and romance, that it enhances both the plot and the emotional beats.

Overall, this is one of those “everything just works” reads, with story, characters, pacing, and narration all coming together in a way that is incredibly satisfying

This is what I have always imagined a grown up Gallagher Girls would be like. The action and suspense were fun and playful. The story’s twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat. The romantic element has fantastic banter and a swoonworthy MMC. I really loved this book and I really hope the author keeps the story going!

*I received an audiobook copy for free from the publisher and Net Galley in exchange for my honest review.

A hilarious romcom adventure! You don't want to miss this one! The audio book and dual narration is fantastic!

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

Such a fun audiobook! This one was a quick listen with perfect narration! I listen to a ton of audiobooks and this one is easily top 5 of 2026!

First love, first heartbreak, left in the past, until it walks right back into the present at the worst possible time, during an undercover criminal investigation! This story hard heart, comedy, danger, twists, a killer rooster, a gun-toting grandma, and a little romance. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Main characters Cyril Langford and Ben Bradley are just the best! I loved them both. Actually, all the characters were well written. The plot was fast-paced and not too heavy. I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed the duel narration.

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the opportunity to review this audiobook before the publication date of May 19, 2026. All opinions expressed are my own.

Spies, Lies and Alibis was a fun, fast-paced, spy mystery and sweet second chance romance all rolled into one! I absolutely recommend this book if you like any of those things! I enjoyed that nothing was too heavy, and it was a quick, enjoyable listen.

Andrew Eiden and Dominique Salvacion did a wonderful job bringing Ben and Cybil to life.

I love a spy romcom and this did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the pacing and what we learned about each character’s past. Overall, it was a quick, fun, and entertaining read.

I had a lot of fun with this one! I received a NetGalley ARC and went in with the expectations that this was more of a suspenseful story with romantic plot built in. It was just the right amount of tension, romance, comedic relief, and action for me.

A spy story was what I was in the mood for, and I actually thought the dual POV worked really well. It built up the irony with knowing what was going on for each character, as well as their confusion with why the other character was involved in this mess. Despite the stressful situations, the writing was really funny at times, so it had really strong romcom vibes. There were definitely some laugh-out-loud moments and lines for me.

Audio note: I actually listened to the audiobook for this one and thought both voice actors were great, but the MMC was cast exceptionally well.

Page turner, closed door romance, girl spy... what more could you ask for?

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the early audio release of Spies, Lies and Alibis. I will be sure to recommend this book to all my fellow readers!!

This was such a quick, page turner of a book! It left me wanting to know more and always guessing what is going to happen. I love the sprinkle of a second chance romance that was dancing in the background of this action-packed book.

You will follow Ben and Cybil both undercover, both with a mission. From growing up together, going their own ways and then reuniting (unexpecting) again, they will have to figure out if they really know each other like they think, or did life lead them down a path of crime and hidden secrets that will put them in danger. Will they be able to trust each other when the time comes? Or will childhood memories stay what they are. memories. All captured in the pages of this novel.

Ben & Cybil were each others first love and when insecurity came, they separated. Now many moons later, Ben is deep undercover in the FBI and Cybil works for an "Undercover spy" spy group and now they are thrown together. Who can you trust? Where is it safe? This is Spies, Lies & Alibis by Natalie Walters. I enjoyed every minute of this page turner of a read!

I ate this book up!

No one wants to run into someone that broke their heart... and if that wasn't bad enough, it's while they're both undercover and trying to take down the same bad guy... (they just don't know that)

This book had me hooked. It was a thriller with second chance romance and an adorable trouble maker grandma. Highly recommend!

Spies, Lies, and Alibis is a hilarious suspenseful spy story with a romance subplot. The dynamic and chemistry between the main characters Cybil and Ben was amazing. Cybil and Ben are childhood friends and each other's first crushes, who ended up splitting up due to a misunderstanding. Years later, they are reunited while they are both working undercover to take down a dangerous crime boss. Throughout the story, we read that although years have passed, Ben has not forgotten about Cybil and his feelings towards her.

It was a fantastic story; it had some serious parts where we learn about Cybil's family situation, and the funny parts, such as the funny banter between the characters and Ben's grandmother. The narrators did an amazing job portraying Cybil and Ben and they were able to bring out the character's personalities as they were narrating the audio book.

Thank you Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio & Thomas Nelson Fiction for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Natalie Walters is at the top of her game with this new book, Spies, Lies & Alibis. The play-by-play action scenes, snarky banter and flirty attraction between the main characters had me, laughing, gasping, grinning and snickering…again…all through this book. The narrators, Andrew Eiden and Dominique Salvacion, were perfectly picked for this story full of adventure and whacky catastrophes throughout the story. You need to listen to the audiobook. It was fantastic!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed are completely my own.

I received this ALC from netgalley in order to give an honest review, and I can't contain my happiness! It comes out on the 19th of May! So here is the plot spoiler-free review!

Spies, Lies & Alibies by @nataliewalters_writer 5 ⭐️

The book follows Cybil and Ben and their persue to gain intel from a crime boss and things are not going as well as they though and its all because Ben's fault according to Cybil. Those two have a history since they were kids, and something ties them together still. Feelings are catastrophic in the job and as the author wrote.

The intel is classified. The trust is fragile. And their covers are one lie away from blowing wide open

Hear me out! I loved it! This is like watching a movie. It has action, it has twists, intrigues, complicated situations, and a satisfying ending for my taste.

I loved loved loved their relationships! Ben and Cybil are so funny and amazing, and they feel real, like the neighbors next door. Who knows, maybe they are. I loved how they are both so blind and also so crazy even after some years.

The grandmother is so the me core i want to have when I get older!

The book felt an amazing pause from my everyday life, and I really enjoyed it to the bits!

Tropes:

Funny MMC
Cunning FMC
Spies in love
Dual pov
Subplot romance (it's there, but there is also focused on the job)
Movies references
SLOW BURN
No spice
Action
Enemies to lovers
Past friends
Family dynamics
Miscommunication in the past

Spies, Lies, & Alibis follows Cybil and Ben—former almost-sweethearts now caught up in a high-stakes undercover mission involving crime, deception, and unresolved feelings. As they’re forced to work closely together again, secrets and emotions collide in a story that blends suspense with humor and romance.

The audiobook was an utter perfection. A 100/10. Chef’s kiss. The narrators chosen for the story did such an amazing job which elevated the whole experience for me to a whole new level. Each voice felt natural, expressive, and completely in sync with the characters, which made every chapter so so so engaging. The banter between Cybil and Ben absolutely shines in this format. Their dynamic felt even more alive through the narration (I went with the immersive experience here with ebook/audiobook combo), and all the sarcasm, tension, and soft, sweet moments really landed. It made their chemistry feel even stronger and I didn’t mind the slow burn. The pacing worked really well in audio, especially for a story that blends suspense with humor. Even when I got slightly lost in parts of the plot, the performance kept me fully invested.

Overall, this was such an enjoyable listen—funny, immersive, and surprisingly emotional (if there ever will be a sequel, I needed it like yesterday btw). I’d highly recommend the audiobook format for this one, especially if you love character-driven stories with strong narration and great chemistry!! Thank you Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.

“The only thing dumber than asking who is going to protect her is pretending that it isn’t me” swoon 😍

This book was a fun spy rom-com! I devoured it in one day!

I was lucky enough to get an ALC of this book and can I just say Andrew Eiden (AKA Teddy Hamilton 🙌) AND Dominique Salvacion made this so much better!

Perfect blend of humor, action, and romance.

The romance is full of tension and chemistry, which is elevated by the history between the MCs. The action is page turning and the humor and witty zingers are well timed.

Granny and her cohorts deserve their own Pistols and Pearls spin-off!

I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook after reading this and thoroughly enjoyed it. The narrators are engaging and emotive and deliver the witty lines with precision and perfect timing.

*Thanks to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for the ARC, and to Net Galley and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for the ALC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was an enjoyable read with fun twists and turns and also a lot of heart. I had a hard time stopping it when I had to because I wanted to keep going.
The banter between the main characters, both when they had to be someone else and when they could be themselves was great. Loved the pantry scene.
Both the narrators did a great job conveying the emotions of the main characters and making this an engaging story I didn't want to stop listening to.

Duet narration. Cute little spy story. Lighthearted and funny.

Two high school sweethearts that never were. Two undercover adults fighting their mutual attraction while trying to figure out if the person they’ve had feelings for is still the person they used to know.

what to expect:
spy romance
forced proximity
second chance romance
secret identities
low spice
undercover agents

I listened to the audio narrated by Andrew Eiden and Dominique Salvacion! They did a fantastic job! I enjoyed their banter and tension!
I just gotta say I loved Cybil and Ben’s fight… with the fruit and Flower hahaha she just kept going! I loved all the spy things in it. The details in the mission. The only thing is I wish there was a little more romance in it. But that didn’t take away from my experience reading this! I was laughing and gasping. I loved the audio! I couldn’t stop listening to it! I couldn’t stop listening to their addictive banter and irresistible tension and chemistry! I was completely hooked and on the edge of my seat waiting to hear what happens next. And trying to figure out who double crossed them screaming u dodos it’s not him/her gahhhhh
Cybil is so strong and independent always trying to prover herself because of an incident from her past, that makes her insecure. And then, knowing that he wants Cybil and doesn’t give up on her, even when he thinks that she might be on the wrong side of things.
I Loved this and would definitely recommend this read!!!

Everything you could want in a suspense romcom.

This was a first for me and now I need more suspense romcoms in my life. This is how you write sizzling chemistry, and crazy mishaps that aren't too much that ruin the book.

Cybil has a mountain of debt because of her mom, is trying to get into law school and is secretly gathering Intel on her boss.

Ben is working undercover to try and take down Lorenzo Ramirez - a ruthless crime boss who murdered a fellow FBI agent. He unknowingly runs into his first crush on a mission and they both upend the others mission.

They are forced to work in close proximity without knowing the others intent. The further they get within the mission the more dangerous it becomes and the higher the risk of getting caught. I loved their banter, the mishaps, the undercover work, the reluctance of trust, and the sizzling chemistry. This was a thrilling ride and I loved how it all played out.

Thank you Thomas Nelson and Netgalley for the gifted physical copy and ALC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Dual POV
Forced proximity
Undercover FMC & MMC
Childhood crush
Rivals to lovers

Remarks •
No spice - just kisses
No language
TW - fight scene with injuries

Favorite things:
The bike crash
Balcony debacle
The toddler dragon book disaster
"Billy" nickname
Food fight 😏
Ben's gran - covert activities (pearls and pistols)
He buys her a dress

Favorite quotes:
"But it's my turn. To show up for you. To fight for you. To be your backup. Your partner. Your target practice who's still trying to figure out how to do the right things at the right time."

"But you, you saw the cracks. Even as a kid, my mess never seemed to scare you. You oddly seemed to enjoy getting messy with me." She cracks a smile. "I want that. I want someone who runs toward the fire with me "

I had a long drive last week and was so excited that I could enjoy this audiobook while I was traveling. It kept me entertained for a good portion of the drive! I loved my time spent with the narrators, Andrew Eiden and Dominique Salvacion. They were very entertaining in bringing this story to life. And the author, Natalie Walters, has definitely written a delightful and great paced spy story!

Cybil and Ben are hysterical! They kept me on my toes (figuratively speaking of course...especially since I was driving and was seated)! And more importantly, they kept each other on each others' toes! Hahaha! Those opening chapters were very humorous and had a touch of suspense added in. These two are practically dancing around each other without realizing it for quite a while. And when they encounter each other in a moment to realize who the other is, they're doing everything they can to keep their identities a secret and hoping that the other won't blow their cover! They've known each other for years, were even each others' first crushes. Awww. But that ship has sailed and they've not seen each other or heard anything about each other for years. Can they trust each other during this stressful mission? Or should they be worried they're going to be outed? Tick-Tock, Tick-Tock. The clock is ticking down their chances to catch the bad guys or be caught themselves!

We get a really great comedic relief character in the form of Ben's grandma! And oh my word! She's so much fun! It made me miss my own grandmother's and thinking back on how funny they were. They would have fit right into his grandma's club! *Giggles* I want to join her club too!

I was guessing at who the bad guys were (besides the obvious ones) and what they were up to. And the twists and turns kept me engaged in the story.

There is a rekindling/second-chance love story throughout the story as well. It was sweet and clean and had me swooning. I love when a sweet love story has great humor in it as well. So it was definitely checking all of the boxes for me for what I love!

Content: Clean. This book is about spies and espionage and shady deals and such, but was written in a clean way. I'd let my teenagers read/listen to it!

I received a copy from Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading & Listening!!!

This action packed romance was EVERYTHING I look for in a closed door book! There was tension, action, all of the spy vibes, and the swooniest romance!
The characters were so unique and fun! I love the second chance romance aspect and the enemies to lovers vibes!I highly recommend reading this one!

I loved this book! It was reminiscent of older film noir detective novels and movies. The plot was fun and engaging, and Ms. Walters has a flair for similes. I found myself smiling throughout the story.
Best character? Gram! I live for her and her antics. Although the romance was low spice, I still loved the relationship between Ben and Sybil and felt that it grew naturally and organically. Definitely pack this book into your bag for a fun summer read!


I received an ARC from Netgalley; this review is my own.

I highly recommend this sweet rom com! The audio version was so good- the narrators made this an immersive experience. The plot is fast paced with the perfect blend of mystery, sass and sweetness.
Honestly, I'm sad it ended as I wanted to keep following Mr and Mrs Smith.

Spy rom-com is the genre I didn’t know I was missing.

This book has it all: slow-burn romance, suspense, action, and laugh out loud humor. Literally, I listened to the audiobook version and I was laughing out loud to myself as I cooked dinner. If you like hilarious rom-com vibes, but also want action and a plot that keeps you interested, you need to check out Spies, Lies, & Alibis.

Content Considerations: Kissing only, some violence, no cursing.

Well, this was not my first Natalie Walters book, but this is definitely my favorite. I've really been getting into FBI and CIA shows lately, and reading about the experiences of these officials is a million times better than watching them. The pacing was perfect, although if you're listening to it, you could easily get lost if you're not paying attention. Natalie weaves in the best banter between her characters, and the details that she includes in her Spy story are right on par with what I have seen in my favorite shows. I was more than satisfied with the character development of both characters, though I did like Ben quite a lot more. He just seemed more mature and able to handle not only the action scenes with a bit more finesse, but also his feelings for Cybil, better than she handles hers for Ben. The best part is that I listened to this novel as opposed to just reading it, so while I had the additional details that a book provides compared to a movie or a show, I also had the voice and narration of these characters, and we were lucky enough to have a male narrator and a female narrator. It was easily one of the best books that I have read this year. I do hope that this is the first in a series and not a standalone because I would love more!!

This was such a fun listen! Extremely entertaining, fun to try to figure out how the problems would be solved, and how these two would finally get together. And I absolutely love Ben’s Gran.

Two spies unknowingly working on the same mission reconnect. Strangely enough they were childhood enemies turned crushes. As they work on their mission, they try to untangle the complicated web of lies and feelings that arise. Will they find love, complete their mission and save the day?

This was a super cute book. No spice. It was action packed and left me guessing how it would end up. It has some enemies to lovers energy and the banter is great. Characters were very likable.

I loved this book! It was funny and the storyline was great. It's
Like a funnier version of Mr & Mrs Smith. I hope this is a series because I want more of these characters together. I would highly recommend this book if you are looking for a fun read.

This was my first read by Natalie Walters and it will not be my last! Spies, Lies, and Alibis is such a fun, playful read. I listened to the audio, and the narrators did an amazing job. I loved the duel narration.

The plot was fast paced, and it was so easy to get immediately sucked into the storyline and root for both main characters. It wasn’t a typical rom-com plot line and that made it all the more fun.

Thank you to @NetGalley, @thomasnelsonaudio, and @nataliewalters_writer for gifting an ARC version of this book.

I loved everything about this audiobook. I also received a physical copy from the publisher and I am happy to say Natalie is doing a release party at my store for the book. Thank you so much for sharing this audiobook with me.

This book is the perfect trifecta of humor, romance, and action.

💋 Kisses only (level 1)
🚫 No profanity
⚔️ PG violence
❤️ Happy ending

The book started right in the middle of the spy action and never stopped, moving at a fast pace to a deeply satisfying ending. Actually, the ending was even better than I imagined.

This book is genuinely funny. Between the good one-liners, awkward moments, clever banter, and pranks- the humor was solid all the way through. And Ben’s gran is hilarious. She almost stole the show!

I enjoyed the romance quite a bit. The mutual pining was well-hidden behind layers of sarcasm, pranks, teasing, rivalry, and secret identities/spy secrets. And when it finally happened… 🫠

Expect:
❤️ Dual POV
❤️ Secret identities
❤️ Forced proximity
❤️ Second chance love
❤️ Pranks
❤️ Childhood nemesis
❤️ Italy 🇮🇹
❤️ Protective MMC
❤️ Mutual pining (hidden behind layers of sarcasm)

This book was a solid 10/10 in every way. And the audiobook was SO well done! Both narrators knocked it out of the park.

I highly recommend this book for readers looking for a clean and wholesome romantic spy comedy with high stakes.

5 stars

The audio was a fun, upbeat listen. I’m so glad I chose it over reading. Andrew Eiden and Dominique Salvacion bring the action and chemistry to life perfectly.

Those who love lighthearted, clean, no smut, action-packed rom-coms will truly enjoy this book. When a childhood crush who also happens to be a spy reappears on her case, they’re more like enemies from the past. But as their chemistry rekindles, I couldn’t help but root for them. I found myself laughing along the way, especially with Andrew Eiden and Dominique Salvacion bringing the story to life in the best way.

Thank you Natalie Walters, Thomas Nelson Fiction and NetGalley for the Audio!

Two spies. A shared past and one wrong move that could blow everything up.
Thank you to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson and Natalie Walters for an ALC copy!
This is a hilarious rom com that is action packed following two spies and what follows when your first love crashes into your life unexpectedly and who becomes your only hope in completing your mission.
- I absolutely loved this audiobook and fell in love with the banter between Cybil and Ben!
- I loved how they were each others first loves before crashing into each other years later tangled up in a dangerous situation while each navigating a mission!
- I laughed, I swooned, and I definitely enjoyed myself and cannot recommend this book enough
- if you enjoy relatable characters, hilarious banter, and swoon worthy connection all in the midst of a James Bond worthy spy mission going down in Texas, then you must pick up this book!
- no spice romance and no language!
- I loved how even when they were unsure if they could trust the other they still held hope and sought to uncover the truth and good they saw in the other.
- the audiobook narrators brought this story to life and portrayed the characters perfectly!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Language: 1
Age: Young Adult+
Genre: Romantic Suspense

I was smiling from start to finish. This book has everything: mystery, suspense, witty banter, forced proximity, a deranged chicken, and a delightfully unhinged grandma. Add in several scenes set in my beloved Italy, and I was completely sold. If you’re looking for a fun, fast-paced vacation read with humor, tension, and a mob boss, this is the one.

I want a hard copy of this book because it’s riddled with powerful lines, like: “Control isn’t the same thing as security, and perfection doesn’t equal worth.” There’s a lot to unpack in that sentence alone. Walters blends comedy, emotional depth, and romance in a way that just works.

Natalie Walters, you have a new fan.

Thank you to Netgally, Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio and Natalie Walters for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was so much fun to listen to! The narrators did a great job. The spy game is no joke, and when Cybil comes face to face with a blast from the past, while working undercover, things start to get tricky. Ben is also working undercover, and when he sees Cybil all the old feelings come rushing back. Will they blow each other's cover, or come together to take down a ruthless criminal? This was great, intense at times, funny, and just a dash of romance thrown in for a well-rounded rom-com mystery.

This romcom was SUCH a fun read. Absolutely LOVED the characters & story line.
Second chances? Yes please!
Forced proximity? Sign me up!
The added spies element - James Bond vibes was *chef's kiss.
The audio was SO great and loved the dual narration!

This was my first time reading Natalie Walter’s and she did not disappoint!! I listened to the audiobook and laughed out loud at times and was on the edge of my seat at other times. The 2 person perspective was fabulous and the dual narrators was a perfect touch!

The story was full of mystery and intrigue with just enough humor and romance to keep varied reader’s interest.

This audiobook was perfect!! The narration has me held to my seat waiting ro hear what was happening next. The narrators were awesome, ypu can tell they poured their heats and souls into the narration

The suspense, the drama, the romance! This book does it all! I listened to the audiobook and loved the narration too! Cybil and Ben balanced each other out so well, both being spies and not knowing that the other is too was amazing. They faced bad guys and somehow still managed to protect each other. The action of this book was just fantastical enough to keep me hooked without going too far into being unrealistic. There were so many fun twists and turns along the way.

Thanks to NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction, and Natalie Walters for this ALC in exchange for my honest opinion.

A romcom cozy mystery is my new favorite thing! Ben and Cybil are hilarious together and their banter had me constantly laughing. Although they’ve known one another for years, a reconnection in an unusual setting and in a unique situation were just the things to set this story into motion.

The twists and turns in this second chance romantic suspense had me guessing and gasping, especially as these two try to keep their identities under wraps. I loved the constant action, with the sides of swoon, and I especially loved Ben’s iconic grandma.

From start to finish the narrators bring Natalie Walters's delightful story to life in such fun ways. I’ll definitely be grabbing more of her books because I just couldn’t get enough.

Content: spies/espionage; mild romance

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*

Thank you Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio and Natalie Walters for the ALC!

I loved this book. It was action-packed, it made me laugh, and the love story was sweet. I was exactly what a spy rom-com should be. Andrew Eiden and Dominique Salavcion embodied their characters perfectly and helped bring some laugh-out-loud moments to life. I am really looking forward to exploring Natalie Walters's catalog after this!

Natalie Walters’s books have been on my radar for so long! I’m so glad this one was the first one I chose to read!

Spies, Lies, and Alibis was fun, flirty, and full of danger and intrigue. I loved the backstory of Cybil and Ben’s relationship, how they meet again after so many years, and how after the hurt and disappointment they still worried about one another and wanted to protect the other. I’ve seen a review or two saying not enough romance. While this was not romance heavy in the physical way, it was perfectly romantic in the emotional way given the history and the current complex situations they were facing. I felt it was believable and fit the storyline well.

I highly recommend the audio for this one. Dominique and Andrew did a fantastic job!

Thank you NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for the advanced listening copy. All opinions are my own.

This was such a fun romcom mystery. The banter was top tier and grandma was a hilarious side character that added so much charm! Thoroughly enjoyed reading this 😍 the audio narration was great to listen to

Spies, Lies, and Alibis… ALC 🎧

Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for the chance to listen to this ALC in exchange for my honest review.

"The only thing I like unpacking is a box of chocolates: sweet, reliable, and never out to ruin someone's life."

Luckily… I love to unpack more than just a box of chocolates… I love unpacking my favorite books! 😂🤪

Cybil Langford is trying to thrive in a world that hasn’t played fair. With a new position that gives her a bit of power and control, she’s determined to prove she’s no longer a charity case. Ben Bradley, an undercover FBI agent, just wants to do his job—until he runs into Cybil, the one who broke his heart, making his mission a lot more complicated.

Expect:
- Found family
- Witty banter
- Ally Carter–style espionage vibes
- Sweet Home Alabama & Overboard rom-com energy
- Second-chance romance
- Miscommunication (or utter lack of)

While this was my first experience with Natalie Walter’s work, it won’t be my last! If you, like me, are a fan of Ally Carter or Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series, I think this will be a win for you!

Walter’s characters are a delight. Cybil is driven, clever, and hilariously clumsy (always finding herself in sticky situations that she solves with ingenuity and honestly takes advantage of the whole “I’m a female, oops” opportunities). Ben adds that rom-com charm between his broodiness and protectiveness. I’m talking serious Sweet Home Alabama X Overboard vibes! Together, their dynamic is full of childhood nicknames, quirky families, chickens, and playful tension.👀

Verdict:
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨/5
- Spice: 🌶️/5
- Pages: 336
- Audio: 10 hrs 13 min
- Narrators: Andrew Eiden & Dominique Salvacion

This ALC had me kicking my feet giddy with the romance, and gripping the edge of my seat through the suspense!! Between the clever jabs and side-eye-worthy antics, it was a fun, engaging ride from start to finish.

Thank you again to the author, NetGalley, and Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio for the opportunity to listen to this ALC in exchange for my honest review.

Author: Natalie Walters
Stars: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Scoville Spice Scale 🫑

I love comedy and this was definitely a high stakes comedy of errors with a side order of Second Chance Romance.

Our FMC and MMC, Cybil Langford and Ben Bennett bump into each other at a reception in a Museum. Well acquainted since childhood, neither knows what the other is doing trying to plant a device in time for a private meeting. Out for the same thing, working at different angles, still fighting like two kids, can these two last long enough not to get the other killed?

Ok, this was a Master Class in Banter and Humor complete with a Festival Parade featuring a shirtless sculpted man in a cape, wolf mask and Cybil being dressed as the bride surrounded by decoy brides. This international story keeps you on the edge of your seat wondering what's going to happen next, those feelings that are catching - are they going to fizzle or light up, who is Cybil working for, is Kentucky Fried going to live or commit Roostercide?🐓

Read This Book If You Love:

👀 Whose Pulling The Strings
🍝 A Trip To An Italian Villa (complete with lost luggage)
🎭 Unexpected Parades With A Wedding 👰🐺
🥋 She Can Fight For Herself
💞 Chance Second Romance
❣️He Falls First
🍑🍐🍌 Food War
🐓 Demon Rooster
👵 Grandma's Out Of Control

And now a word about our narrators, Andrew Eiden and Dominique Salvacion. 🎙 OutFREACKINGstanding. They both pulled off the serious and hysterical parts of their roles using a vast number of accents, vocal styles, and just downright panache. Bravo!

Thank you to the Author, NetGalley, and Thomas Nelson for a gifted copy of both the Advanced Reader and Listener Copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is romantic suspense at its finest! Ben and Cybil share a past and now they share a secret profession too. Spies, Lies & Alibis (great title!) begins with a bang when their worlds collide years later while both are working undercover at a gala. Sparks fly between these two spies and old feelings immediately resurface. In the midst of it all, they keep trying to figure out whose side the other is on. Suspense, tension, and danger mix with great chemistry, wit, and surprising twists to make this a fun and intriguing listen.

This story is made even better by the wonderful narration of Andrew Eiden and Dominique Salvacion. Andrew is one of my favorite narrators because of his warm, rich voice that truly elevates the story while making us laugh and swoon along the way. Dominique Salvacion is a new narrator to me, but I enjoyed her performance. She brings both strength and vulnerability to Cybil. They made a great duo, and I couldn’t quit listening!

This was such a fun and lighthearted spy novel, with action, a bit of suspense, and romance. It had plenty of comedic moments (the food fight! the grandmother!). But what I loved best about it was the slow-burn way that Sybil and Ben fell for each other all over again, despite the fact that for most of the novel they weren't sure if they could trust each other, at least professionally.

The narrators did such a good job (but I still can't get over the way that Americans pronounce the name Craig).

What you'll find in this book:
*secrets and secret identities
*second-chance romance
*mystery
*fast-paced
*he falls first
*comedic action
*dual POV

Content warning: gun usage, non-fatal shooting
Romance level: 3/7 (brief kisses only)

Thank you to the author and Netgalley, I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Okay THIS was such a fun time. Think:

✨ undercover missions

✨ second chance romance

✨ childhood crushes reunited

✨ secret identities

✨ high stakes crime rings

✨ nonstop witty banter

✨ and two people accidentally messing up each other’s operations while trying not to fall in love again
Yeah… I ate this UP.

Cybil and Ben have not seen each other since they were teenagers pulling ridiculous pranks and secretly crushing on each other and now suddenly they’re reconnecting while BOTH undercover trying to take down the same dangerous criminal network.

Because neither of them fully knows what the other is doing. Neither knows who they can trust. And every interaction feels like:
“Are you flirting with me or ruining my mission?”

The SPY storyline definitely takes center stage and I loved that. It felt like watching a romcom spy movie unfold in real time. The pacing was SO fun too. One minute I was laughing because of the banter and Ben’s hilarious grandmother, and the next minute I was stressed because someone’s cover was seconds from being blown.

And the AUDIOBOOK...SO GOOD.
🎧 Andrew Eiden and Dominique Salvacion absolutely brought these characters to life. The sarcasm, the tension, the humor, the softer emotional moments…

This book felt like:

🖤 Mr. & Mrs. Smith vibes

🖤 FBI undercover chaos

🖤 forced proximity

🖤 childhood friends to second chance romance

🖤 witty dialogue for DAYS

🖤 action + humor + heart

Honestly just such an entertaining read/listen from start to finish. It gave me suspense, laughs, romantic tension, and characters I genuinely enjoyed spending time with.

This was an audible version of the book and I loved it! The voice narrators were fantastic in bringing the story to life and will have you laughing out loud! The plot was fun, the banter was witty and the characters loveable. Very enjoyable listen.

I devoured this read within 24 hours, and the audio made it so easy to just get immersed in this action packed story!

I honestly loved this story so much. I'll be the first to admit that I normally stay away from second/missed chances because I never feel that we can get the depth of their history enough to move on and believe in the love story again. But this book proved me wrong! The reconnection, while maybe unrealistic due to them being spies or with the FBI, felt real in what separated them and yet kept their feelings unresolved.

Cybil is very relatable even with the crazy missions she has put herself in, and Ben (or do I call him Craig?) gave just enough flirty vibes for things to be fun even when it would ultimately be stressful.

I don't want to really say too much about how they navigate the situation to see if they can trust each other in the middle of being on opposite sides of the mission. But I will say that if you are looking for a fun, no spice contemporary romance then pick this one up. Even if it is just to meet Gran, trust me. She must be encouraged at all costs.

This audiobook was such a fun surprise. The mix of spy drama, second-chance romance, and hilarious banter made it incredibly addictive. Cybil and Ben had great chemistry, and the tension between them kept me hooked the entire time.

The audiobook narration was fantastic. Dominique Salvacion and Andrew Eiden brought so much humor and personality to the story, and their delivery made the banter even better.

Fast-paced, funny, and full of heart, this was an easy five-star listen for me. Definitely my first book by Natalie Walters, but definitely not my last.

Natalie Walters- I will be reading all of your books from now on.
This book was hands down amazing! The banter between the two main characters, Bennet, and Cybil and oh my gosh don’t get me started on the slow burn!

If you loved the “Mindf*ck series” but less gore, and spice this is the book for you. An FBI agent meets unknown spy at the time, and have old roots between them *wink wink*

I couldn’t stop laughing, crying, and smiling during this whole book. I will be purchasing it for my trophy shelf hehe!

You need to read this book now! I listened to the audiobook so if you are an audiobook reader or want to be, you need to listen to this one because it was amazing and so were the actors/actress!

Spies, Lies, and Alibis by Natalie Walters had me hooked. I couldn't pause this audiobook! I was on the edge of my seat with the suspense and couldn't stop laughing! This was so well written and performed that I couldn't put it down and had to know what happened next! I laughed so much my boyfriend kept asking what was going on!

Spies, Lies, and Alibis, by Natalie Walters, is the story of undercover FBI agent Ben Bradley when he encounters the object of his teenage angst, Cybil Langford( of SNAP Agency), when their paths cross on a deep cover op. In fact, Ben is so deep cover that his name for the op is Craig Miller. Ironically, that is the name of Cybil’s high school boyfriend.

Craig is acting as a money man for crime boss Lorenzo Ramirez as Ramirez seeks to work with international developer Earl Edmond on an undisclosed project. The FBI is seeking to get Ramirez on RICO charges as well as the murder of a fellow undercover agent, Danny Morales.

Meanwhile, Cybil, although using her own name, is on a mission of her own. As executive assistant to Earl Edmond, she is privy to much of what is going on in his meetings with Ramirez, and it is her task to gain access to plan details and send to her handler, code name Athena.

Now that Ben and Cybil have seen each other in the enemy camps, trust is a factor but so is history. How will they sort this out and who are the good guys vs. the bad guys?

This is such a good story. It’s components of mystery, thriller, adventure, and romance are perfectly blended with a heaping tablespoon of humor. I very much enjoyed this book and I do recommend it!

I love a good spy story and this one is no exception! The plot was great, it had plenty of twists and turns and action scenes. I loved all of the mystery and how it was unveiled. This book is definitely very light on the romance, so don’t go into it expecting the most beautifully detailed love story. Definitely worth the listen! The narrators were great. I was completely sucked into the story the entire time and felt like I was right there with both main characters. You could easily convince me there were more than two narrators in this book with how distinct each supporting character’s voice was.

Title: Review: Spies, Lies, & Alibis by Natalie Walters 🎧

Pack your bags, sharpen your wits, and get ready for a high-stakes undercover adventure that completely steals your heart.

Spies, Lies, & Alibis marks my first time reading Natalie Walters and it absolutely blew me away. This book is an addictive, fast-paced romantic comedy wrapped in a clever spy thriller. The story reunites Cybil Langford and Ben Bradley, childhood first loves who are now both operating deep undercover within the exact same criminal syndicate. Neither knows the other's true agenda, leading to a brilliant dance of mistrust, hidden motives, and undeniable chemistry as they try to protect their covers and their hearts.

From the snappy banter to the jet-setting caper that takes us all the way to Italy, the plot moves quickly. It strikes the perfect balance: it gives you action-movie danger and criminal stakes while maintaining a sweet, low-spice romance overflowing with emotional depth. I genuinely could not put this one down.

Because I listened to the audiobook, I have to rave about the production. The narration by Andrew Eiden and Dominique Salvacion is spectacular. Getting to listen to Andrew Eiden, one of my absolute favorite male narrators, is always an incredible treat and his performance alongside Salvacion brought Cybil and Ben's distinct personalities and sharp humor to life flawlessly.

If you need a fun, exhilarating, and deeply satisfying read to toss into your travel bag this season, this is your perfect vacation choice.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Pub Date: May 19, 2026

Disclaimer: Thank you, Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio, for providing an advanced copy of this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are entirely my own.

This was such a fun beach read — short, sweet, and genuinely hilarious. The story follows childhood friends Ben and Cybill, who reunite when Cybill goes undercover to gather information on an illegal crime network. When she unexpectedly runs into her former crush Ben, she can’t quite figure out why he’s involved or what role he’s playing, which makes their dynamic even more entertaining.

Cybill constantly finds herself in ridiculous situations that gave me serious Stephanie Plum vibes. Honestly, Ben’s gran and Grandma Mazur would be an unstoppable duo. Ben is usually right behind Cybill trying to help clean up the chaos, much to her annoyance, and their banter had me laughing out loud multiple times.

What I loved most was the romance. Even after all those years, it was obvious they still cared deeply for each other, no matter how hard they tried to ignore it. The chemistry, humor, and antics between them made this such an enjoyable read. I also absolutely loved the narrators for the audiobook.

This was my first book by this author, and I’ll definitely be picking up more. I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a lighthearted, funny read.



Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for this ARC.

Sarcastic. Swoony. And smart as a pistol-whip. "Spies, Lies, and Alibis" is the action-packed rom-com I never knew I needed!

Set in Texas and Italy, this novel features a slow burn, second chance romance between a suave hero and a snarky heroine, cracking with witty banter and whizzing bullets.

With her signature sweet and stabby style, Walters makes this fast-paced tale of espionage as hilarious as it is exhilarating, and she may very well have crafted my new favorite side character to boot. (An eccentric Gran, conducting surveillance with binoculars and her bestie to solve a tapioca pudding conspiracy? YES, please, and tell me MORE! Like, seriously, could we get a Gran Christmas novella?!)

If you're in the mood for a snort-laugh-out-loud covert mission, let Natalie Walters read you in on Spies, Lies, and Alibis! 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. A favorable review was not required. All views expressed are my own honest opinion.

This was a great clean spy romcom! With lots of action, mystery suspense, and laughs. I loved the chemistry between these two with a James Bond feel. This book is perfect for readers of Jenessa Fayeth and Meg Easton spy romcoms! This is definitely a must read!

I also listened to the audio book and the female/male dual narration was perfectly done. The sound was good quality, the volume between the two narrators were similar and the speed was consitant throughout.

There are no swears, mild mentions of alcohol, and level 1 descriptive kisses only.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from @Netgalley and @thomasnelson. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I really enjoyed the voice narrators, and that made the story that much better. I always fear audio will detract from the book but that was not the case!!
I enjoyed the book a lot! I didn’t feel like the plot dropped out, no big issues at all. Great read!

Rom-com entertainment ✅ action filled ✅ unexpected humor ✅ sizzling perfection ✅

Spies, Lies, & Alibis is an absolute banger!! I truly enjoyed this book and am going to pray day and night it becomes a screen adaptation!

Let's talk about the audiobook! Narrated by Andrew Eiden and Dominique Salvacion they absolutely nailed the characters. Dominique brought the right amount of strength and vulnerability to Cybil's voice, making it all that more believable she was a civilian turned top agency spy. And Andrew's voice held all that flirty edge that made the back and forth between the characters so delicious. Each emotion played out through the voices and truly brought this story to life.

The story itself was wildly entertaining. Plopped right into the action from page one, I loved how each chapter opened with time/place/date, really giving it that "classified spy" feel. The mistaken identity trope played out hilariously as it was revealed that they were not only childhood friends, but friends that had feelings. Cybil trying to maintain her identity, not knowing Ben was trying to feel her out if she was one of the bad guys or one of the good ones. And Ben being deep undercover for the FBI truly had each of their interactions cracking me up.

I loved that Cybil could more than hold her own! The slow burn romance between the two was top notch - with Granny pushing them together made it all the better. For being a spy romance it really did pack in all the action and suspense I was hoping for.

Brilliantly written! Off to go pick up another Natalie Walters book... already going through withdrawals. 😉

This book was a perfect spy comedy. If you love a book that is all about how things go wrong but somehow right (into a rom com) this is the book. The main characters have tons of witty banter, are constantly in each other’s way, and both are trying to protect each other while trying to figure each other out. The author threw all the tropes into this book and yet it came out wonderfully. The burn is slow but every minute of chemistry between the characters is executed perfectly. Overall, this was just a fun read.
The narrators were wonderful, I didn’t even think about Andrew Eiden being Teddy Hamilton until I heard his voice and then I was even more excited for this book.

Audiobook Review: Spies, Lies and Alibis by Natalie Walters

After loving the book so much, I ended up downloading the audiobook within a week just so I could experience the story again—and it was absolutely worth it. The audiobook production was fantastic.

The story is told in dual point of view with two narrators, which added so much personality and energy to the listening experience. Both narrators did an excellent job bringing Ben and Cybil to life, capturing their humor, chemistry, and competitive banter perfectly. Their performances made the witty dialogue and hilarious moments even more entertaining.

This story already felt like a fun, lighthearted 007-style romantic suspense, and hearing the characters performed added another layer of charm. Cybil’s sass and Ben’s dry humor came through especially well in audio format.

If you enjoy audiobooks with engaging narrators, great character chemistry, and plenty of humor mixed with intrigue, I highly recommend giving this one a listen. It’s one of those audiobooks that makes long drives and chores go by much too quickly.

This was my first time reading Natalie Walters, but it certainly won't be my last! This story was incredible, and once it hooked me from the first pages, I was happy to go along for the ride. I loved Ben's fascination with James Bond (and all the references), as well as his protective side with Cybil and how captivated he still is with her. This is kind of a second-chance romance, except not really (you'll have to read it to find out why), and one of my favorite things was the shared history the two main characters have from when they were younger. Speaking of which, Cybil's backstory definitely pulled at my heartstrings and made me feel for her. She had a rough upbringing, and it shows in how she's currently living and the decisions she's taken, but at the same time, it made her arc throughout the book all the more beautiful to experience. I simply love how romcom authors know how to balance the serious and heavy with the light and funny, and this book is definitely proof of that. It makes you appreciate every step of the journey and makes you love the characters (main and secondary) even more—special shout-outs to Kentucky Fried and Grandma, who is such a hoot!

This was dual narration perfection!! The narrators have such a wide array of voices that they pulled off every single character (be young or old) and did it so seamlessly that even though the story switched POVs from one chapter to the next (and thus, the narrators changed), it didn't pulled me from the story, but it rather gave me the same experience as when listening to one narrator doing the whole book. They both know how to act and portray different voices (it never feels like a male speaking as a female or vice versa). Honestly, I usually don't listen to the audio samples on NetGalley, but I did it for this book, and not only did Andrew's voice hook me (it's only his voice in the sample), but it also made me bump this book up on my TBR list and listen to it pretty much every available minute I had. Needless to say, I could listen to him and Dominique for hours, and I can't recommend this audiobook enough. I know that if I had only read the ebook, I wouldn't have had the same level of enjoyment as I had with their performances, since not only every character has a distinct voice, but I can't imagine Ben, Cybil, and especially his grandma being voiced by anyone else.

If you're craving your next romcom suspense, don't pass up this one. It delivers on the mystery, the laughs, and the swoony romance. The banter between the main characters is top-notch, and the witty remarks are addictive, so just clear your schedule before diving into this one. Completely recommended!! ~ 5+ stars!!

PS: just wanted to add that, while the book ends in a satisfying HEA, the characters are so charming and adorable that I'm definitely hoping there'll be a sequel of some kind. #PrettyPlease

Speed listened at: 1.25x

Many thanks to #NetGalley and #ThomasNelsonFiction for the complimentary copy of #SpiesLiesAlibis. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and are given voluntarily.

This book was adorable. It follows two people who were in love when they were younger and now are working in two very different roles surrounding a criminal enterprise. They have to decide if they can trust each other like they once did and if they can work together to meet their ultimate goal. This book gave me the same vibes as a Stephanie Plum book. It was at times laugh out loud funny while also handling serious situations. There could definitely be a sequel and I look forward to reading more by this author.

I'm struggling to review this one! On one hand, I love the whole idea of this book! Spies + slow burn romance? Yes, please! I think the audio narration is well done, the book itself is well written and the first few chapters had me hooked!

Unfortunately, this book felt like it was just going in circles and I had a hard time staying interested past the first few chapters (for context, this is coming from a person that loves Jane Austen novels and Tolstoy).

It felt like each chapter was just the same interaction and tension from the previous chapter with a slightly different sequence of events. I also struggled to connect with any of the characters, which maybe wouldn't have been an issue if I were more invested in the plot.

I don't think there is anything "wrong" with this book, I just think it wasn't for me!

Highly recommend if you enjoy:
•Spy, action-based Rom-coms
•Closed-door romantic subplots
•Second chances

Age recommendation: teen/adult. No language or explicit content.

Cybil Langford looks like the perfect executive assistant on the surface, polished, composed, and completely in control 📋✨. But behind that image she is quietly gathering information on her powerful boss and the criminal network tied to him. Her work pulls her closer to a dangerous world, and when she crosses paths with a ruthless crime boss, the stakes rise fast and suddenly nothing about her life feels safe 😬🔍.

Then Ben Bradley reenters her world, and everything gets even more complicated. He is working undercover for the FBI, deep in an operation targeting the same crime boss Cybil is circling. Their past adds emotional weight to an already volatile situation, especially since neither of them knows what the other is truly doing. What follows is a high tension mix of mistrust, old feelings, and very carefully maintained secrets 🎭🖤.

What I liked 💕 was the balance between romance and suspense. The spy elements feel active and dangerous, but the emotional history between Cybil and Ben gives the story depth beyond the mission. I also liked how the misunderstandings and dual identities keep everything unpredictable, because you are never quite sure who is being honest or what might fall apart next.

Overall, this is a fast paced romantic spy thriller full of secrets, tension, and second chance chemistry 📚🔥. It is fun, twisty, and emotionally charged in a way that keeps you hooked right to the end 🕶️💛

I have loved Natalie Walters since I binged her SNAP Agency series in 2023. Her books are some of my absolute favorites. When I saw she was releasing a new spy romance this year, I almost lost my mind. Spies, Lies, and Alibis did not disappoint!

This story pulled me in from the very beginning. Childhood friends unexpectedly find themselves in close proximity, undercover with different agencies, unaware of the other’s intentions and neither quite sure they can trust the other. The romantic tension and banter were top tier. Ben is absolutely charming, and his instinctive need to protect Cybil at all costs had me melting. Cybil is so relatable. Her inner dialogue and the situations she found herself in had me cracking up.

The action and suspense were perfectly balanced with the romance and humor, making this a story I could completely get lost in. It kept me guessing until the very end.

The narration was absolute perfection! I’m a huge fan of Andrew Eiden, and Dominique Salvacion was fantastic. Both fit the characters so well. Their performances elevated an already incredible story and made it feel almost cinematic. This is a book I will listen to again and again.

If you like high stakes adventures, delicious banter, slow burn romance, and spy novels with heart and humor, add this one to your TBR!




Includes:
Second Chance
Childhood Friends
First Loves
Forced Proximity
Hidden Agendas
Undercover Agents
Spy Romance
He Works For The FBI
She Works For The SNAP Agency
Mr. And Mrs. Smith vibes
Witty Banter
All The Tension
Laugh Out Loud Moments
Fragile Trust
Fast Paced
High Stakes
Mutual Pining
Dual POV
Dual Narration
Closed Door
Zero Language

Favorites:
Craig Freaking Miller
The bike crash
The balcony rescue
He buys her a dress.
Kentucky Fried
Kidnapping an FBI agent
He gives her his tshirt.
Ben’s Gran + Pearls and Pistols
Kitchen encounters + flying eggs
He calls her Billy
Ben’s protectiveness
Cybil’s wit and sass

Thank you NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio, and Natalie Walters for the gifted ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What a fun, laugh-out-loud story! I really enjoyed reading Ben’s point-of-view chapters more than Cybil’s. There were a few moments when Cybil’s character felt a bit too clumsy to be believable as a spy, which personally took me out of the story a little.

Overall, the plot kept me on the edge of my seat and made me want to keep reading, making this a great quick read. The romance is a slow burn, with former friends now forced into close proximity, which adds an enjoyable layer of tension.

When I saw Andrew Eiden listed as one of the narrators, I knew I had to pick up the audiobook and fully immerse myself in the story. Both Andrew Eiden and Dominique Salvacion did a wonderful job bringing the characters to life, making me feel like I was right there watching everything unfold.

** Thank you, NetGalley, Thomas Nelson Fiction Audio, and Natalie Walters, for an eARC audio copy of ’Spies, Lies, & Alibis’.

Spies, Lies, and Alibis by Natalie Walters is such a fun read. The witty banter between the characters kept me smiling throughout the story. With a touch of adventure thrown in, this romance was just what I needed to read right now.

I listened to the audio version which definitely kept me entertained. Andrew Eiden and Dominique Salvacion did a great job!

I must give a thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson Fiction for this advanced copy of the audio.

Spies, Lies, and Alibis by Natalie Walters is one of those books that feels tailor-made for readers who want their romantic suspense to be smart, fast, and ridiculously entertaining. As a bookseller, this is exactly the kind of book I know I’ll be hand-selling all summer because it has such wide appeal. It’s got the danger and tension of a spy thriller, but underneath all of that is a genuinely fun second-chance romance with chemistry that keeps the pages flying.

Cybil and Ben absolutely carry this story. Their history gives every interaction an extra layer, and the push-and-pull between undercover missions, old feelings, and trying to figure out who can actually be trusted made this impossible to put down. The pacing never drags. Every chapter feels like something is unfolding, whether it’s a dangerous setup, a twist, or another moment where the emotional tension between them snaps into place.

What really worked for me was how balanced it felt. Some romantic suspense leans too heavy into the thriller side and loses the emotional connection, while others soften the suspense too much. This managed to hit both. It’s sharp, cinematic, funny in the right places, and incredibly easy to recommend.

This is the kind of book readers pick up “for one chapter” and suddenly realize they’re halfway through at 1 a.m. Five stars from me. Absolutely adding this to my bookseller recommendation list.

I really enjoyed this book. This is the type of trope that I’m constantly chasing. It has romance, mystery, and comedy. The grandmother was hysterical and the fmc was very relatable in my opinion. If you like Finlay Donovan or Stephanie Plum you’ll love this. Definitely recommend.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from start to finish. It was clean, engaging, and incredibly difficult to put down. The combination of romantic suspense, humor, and espionage created a fast-paced story that kept me invested the entire time.

Cybil and Ben were both well-developed characters with strong chemistry and believable emotional tension. I especially enjoyed the second-chance romance element woven into the undercover investigation storyline. The dialogue felt sharp and natural, and the balance between suspense and lighter moments was handled very well.

The narration was excellent and added so much personality to the story. The narrator captured both the humor and the emotional moments perfectly, making the audiobook especially enjoyable.

One of my favorite aspects was that the romance remained clean while still feeling heartfelt and compelling. Fans of romantic suspense who prefer lower-content reads will likely appreciate that.

Overall, this was a highly entertaining listen with memorable characters, great pacing, and plenty of intrigue. I truly hope this becomes a series because I would gladly continue reading more stories set in this world.

thankyou net gallery for the advance audiobook arc.
i loved this book from start to finish. the banter, the connection, the rivals to lovers, and he falling first. it was amazing, i love the narration so much, the narration made the book 10x more interesting. will definitely give a lenghty review on my bookstagram

I already knew I loved Spies, Lies, and Alibis by Natalie Walters when I read it, but listening to the audiobook made me fall in love with the story all over again.

This story already had everything I enjoy in a suspense novel: sharp banter, high-stakes tension, layered secrets, and a mystery that genuinely kept me guessing until the very last page. But the audiobook experience elevated all of it even further. The narration brought so much personality and emotion to Cybil and Ben’s relationship, making their chemistry and back-and-forth feel even more immersive.

Cybil and Ben remain one of my favorite parts of the story. Their dynamic felt authentic, engaging, and incredibly fun to listen to. The tension between them balanced perfectly with the suspense elements, creating a story that was both emotionally compelling and impossible to stop listening to.

What stood out most was how effectively the mystery unfolded. Even already knowing the story, I found myself completely pulled in again, fully invested in every reveal and twist. That says so much about the strength of the writing and pacing.

This was an addictive listen that reminded me why I loved the story in the first place—and somehow made me appreciate it even more the second time around. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy fast-paced romantic suspense with strong character dynamics and clever twists.

Spies, Lies, and Alibis is easily one of my favorite books I’ve read this year. I’m so grateful to have discovered it through NetGalley, so thank you to Thomas Nelson and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review it.

This novel delivers a perfect mix of espionage, romance, humor, and suspense. Featuring rival spies with a complicated history, it blends second-chance romance with plenty of charm and high-stakes tension. Cybil, the female main character, brings so much personality and mischief to the story, and the escalating danger keeps the plot moving at a fast pace. The result is an engaging, page-turning read that was incredibly fun from beginning to end.

I also listened to the audiobook, and both narrators were excellent. They captured the characters, chemistry, and atmosphere perfectly, adding even more depth and entertainment to the story.

By the end, I found myself hoping there might be a sequel. While the book works wonderfully as a standalone, I would happily return to this world and these characters. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson fiction for the audio, physical and ebook copies.

This was SO fun! It turns out spy books are my absolute new favorite subgenre. Walters did such a great job of keeping me engaged with both characters stories and backstories. I just think they’re a blast and Ben is such a fun character. Cybil was so sweet and I was rooting for her from the very beginning. I loved how there was always something else to be revealed. The stakes were appropriately high and I really enjoyed the shenanigans that took place. I can’t wait to find more spy books and read other books by this author.

The narrators did a FABULOUS job. I love Andrew Eiden's narration style and he helps the character come to life. I felt like I was in the spy book. I don't think I have listened to anything narrated by Dominique Salvacion before but I would definitely listen to other things she narrates again!

Amazing narration and story! Really fun and interesting read, really want to read more like this. The characters were well written and the banter was fun. The story had a good pace and didn't get boring at any point.

I listened to this entire book in one day, which says a lot about how hooked I was from the very beginning. Spies, Lies, & Alibis kept me interested, invested, and wanting to know what would happen next all the way through.

I really enjoyed that the romantic drama enhanced the story without taking over the entire plot. The suspense, mystery, and action still had plenty of room to shine, while the romance added just the right amount of tension and emotion. And the banter between the main characters? So good. Their chemistry was fun, sharp, and completely engaging.
The narrators also did a fantastic job bringing the story to life. Their performances made the characters feel distinct and kept the pacing strong throughout.

Overall, this was such a fun and entertaining listen! A great mix of romance, danger, secrets, and witty banter. 🎧👏

Spies, Lies, and Alibis by Natalie Walters was such a fun and entertaining read! From the very beginning, the chemistry between the characters was incredibly strong, and their banter had me completely hooked. I honestly cannot remember the last time a book made me laugh out loud this much.

The perfect mix of suspense, romance, and humor kept me invested the entire time, and I found myself flying through the story wanting more with every chapter. This was my first book by Natalie Walters, but it definitely will not be my last.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ALC opportunity — I had such a great time listening to this one!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Spies, Lies, & Alibis is a fun read and the audio was fantastic. Expect a story full of adventure, chemistry, and old friends coming back at the worst times. This was a total cover request and I'm very glad I grabbed it when it was a Listen Now!

Recommended

Cybil is an Executive Assistant working for an estate mogul and she recruited to gather information on her boss. Her mission gets side tracked when her boss starts a deal with a person from her past and her cover may be blown.

The was a fun read and Cybil is strong and determined character. She kept pushing forward even when things got dicey and she got clumsy. The romance - will they won’t they - added to the fun of the story. It was nonstop reading for me, the story kept me engaged and I needed to find out how it ended. The ending does not disappoint!

Thank you to Net Gallery for the early copy of this book.

Had the opportunity to read this prior to receiving the audio version and the Narrators make this even better. I love how engaging they are, pulling the reader in and bringing these characters to life.

This book was great! I really loved it.

So many tropes in romance have been overdone but not this one! I loved the dynamics of them both being spies but not knowing the other was a spy. Also the plot kept me on my toes! Enjoyed the narration a lot and found myself laughing outloud at many points. Well done!

Spies, Lies, and Alibis by Natalie Walters is all kinds of fun, humor, and intrigue. I loved the chemistry between Cybil and Ben. Her sass and attempts to handle life when her job spirals out of control are endearing. While she is good at what she does, she does have a way of attracting trouble, and I love that it is Ben who is usually there to witness those moments. Despite their history, they are good together and bring a nice balance. One or the other is constantly one step ahead and when insights are shared at the end, it all makes perfect sense. The journey there though is full of intrigue, banter, competing spies and loads of fun chemistry. It is an enjoyable story that kept a smile on my face and made my heart happy. The narrators in the audiobook did an excellent job of capturing the characters, the nuances, and the pace. They complimented each other with the dual perspectives.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley, and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

I nearly passed on this book because romance books are not my sort of thing but for some reason the cover and blurb caught my attention. So glad it did because I loved it and would have missed out on a great adventure.
For a start I wouldn't categorise the book as a low-spice, thrilling spy romance (which is part of the reason I was nearly put off), yes there was sexual tension but as they were more likely to punch each other than kiss I would say the book focuses more on the spy side of the story. Which in my opinion was great. No jumping in and out of bed like the most famous spy character would have. Also I don't think the story or characters take themselves as serious as Bond does, yes they were in dangerous situations going up against a crime boss but things were a lot more likely to go wrong and humour helped get them out of it. The story is told by both Cybil and Ben and this works great for the story as both suspect the other of working for the bad guys and this way it show you what each of them is thinking. I loved the quirky characters and a few of the side ones had me laughing out loud. I can't wait for the next book and will definitely not be passing over this author again.

The only way for Cybil to pay of her mother's debts and get out from under crushing student loans is to spy on her boss and get the proof he is corrupt. At the same time the FBI is working a case to take down the man who killed one of there own and Ben is sent in undercover as a money manager. There childhood history stands in the way of them both getting the job done. Cybil doesn't know Ben as a trained agent but just as the boy that use to put frogs in her bag and broke her heart. Ben doesn't know if Cybil is still the innocent girl he used to have a crush on and gave back as good as she got or if she is part of the operation he has sworn to take down. Can they trust each other? Or will there feeling be the down call for them both?

I liked the use of the two narrators and would be hard pressed to say which I thought did the better job of giving the characters a voice. Both were easy to listen too and I would listen to them again, hopefully in the next book In the series.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

I don’t normally read/listen to crime fighting books; the suspense is too stressful for me. However, this book is the perfect blend of suspense, romance and humor. It was engaging from start to finish and I loved listening to it. The narrators did a great job. Their voices were perfect for their roles. This was my first book by Natalie Walters and it won’t be my last!

I vote this book be made into a movie! :)

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas Nelson for providing an audio ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
#NetGalley #liesspiesandalibis #NatalieWalters
I enjoyed this audiobook. It was a suspenseful, clean, and well-written "Rom-Com"
Plot — was great. I loved the characters.
The way the storyline unfolds:
Cybil Langford has spent years hiding behind the persona she's created. She is a spy gathering intel and hides elements of her past, like her "first love" and her mother's problems.
She's working, and in walks Ben Bradley, looking like 007. Both are trying to get to the bottom of things, and neither wants the other to know about their feelings.

This was my first Natalie Walters book and I loved it! The perfect blend of sweet, sassy, and stabby. Such a sweet second chance at love story with a little bit of rivals to lovers thrown in there. I will definitely be thinking about this one for a while. It had me kicking my feet and gasping in surprise. Both narrators were so good! I loved them both!

*I was sent a copy of this book by the publisher and all my opinions are my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is a fantastic fun romantic suspense/mystery! This was such a fun listen! The narration of the audiobook is fantastic and the storytelling is phenomenal! The story is so unique and fun!

I absolutely loved this story! I typically read dark spicy romance and sport spicy romance and this title I can say I truly enjoyed and didn’t miss the spice. It kept me entertained, engaged, and laughing out loud. Ben’s gran is hilarious. I live for good banter and Natalie Walters delivers! Andrew Eiden and Dominique Salvacion are a delight for your ears! I’d recommend this title for everyone but especially those who like closed door romance!

Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to listen to this title early.

What happens when childhood friends have a giant misunderstanding, and meet back up years later? Spying, deceit, and lying about a love of chocolate. From Texas to Italy, Cybil and Ben verbally spar while keeping their own jobs as spies hidden. He's tracking one bad guy for FBI, and she's tracking another for private sector....but they are forced together again trying to capture the bad guys without losing their hearts.

The story flowed well. The side characters of Grandma and Kentucky Fried created great big riotous laughs.

She struggles with feeling not good enough and major financial burdens. He struggles with protecting her while not trusting her.

The narrators were exemplary, and I would love to hear them again.

Sweet romance, no spice (0/5) but fun little spy mystery. HFN.

Thanks to the author, narrators, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.

Story 5/5 ⭐
Spice 0/5 🌶

#HFN #spyromance @nataliewalters_writer #audiobook #wouldlistenagain #sweetromance

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for a chance to have an early copy of Spies, Lies, and Abibis.

This is a spoiler Free review.

Firstly, the narrators for this audiobook did a fantastic job. I absolutely love the dual narration. Both the male and female narrators did a great job, great voice inflection, and may be some of my new favorite narrators!

Next, the story is amazing. I LOVE this story. The unique premise of a spy 🕵️‍♀️ romance. There is humor, romance, action, tension... everything that a good story needs. The characters have unique, individual personalities.

Easy a 5 star read for me. I want more of Sybil and Ben!

Spies, Lies, and Alibis is a low-spice romantic suspense novel that I couldn't get enough of!

Cybil Langford works as an executive assistant to a powerful real estate mogul, using her position to secretly gather intel on his criminal network for a covert organization. Suddenly, her high school crush Ben Bradley is in the mix, an FBI agent posing as a financial advisor for these criminals.

Cybil doesn't know that Ben is a good guy, and Ben doesn't know that Cybil is a good girl, and hilarity ensues as they traverse Italy and Texas in pursuit of evidence that will put away the baddies.

This gave me the same vibes as Mr and Mrs Smith (movie) and the novel It Had to Be You by Eliza Jane Brazier, which I also rated 5 stars.

I loved the sexual tension, the chaotic (if not dangerous) fun, and that both main characters were true to themselves, even 12 years later. Sometimes, you love who you love when you haven't seen them for over a decade. As someone who still has a fondness for one of my high school crushes, I understand that some feelings never go away, even when we change and grow as people.

I hope this is made into a Netflix series! I loved it. Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC!