By Natalie Walters

Looking for a clean spy rom-com that’s actually good? I didn’t think they existed, but then I read this book.

Ben Bradley lives a James Bond life. As a high profile financial advisor, his money laundering skills for the underworld elite have paved the way for tuxedos, cocktail parties, and private jets.

Cybil Langford’s work as an executive assistant for a shady real estate developer has given her the opportunity to operate in a world beyond her dreams, attend private galas, and take trips to Italy.

Both childhood sweethearts who never thought they’d see each other again. Both working deep undercover for the law. Both with an oath of secrecy and a job to bring the other person’s boss to justice.

Pros: This book honestly should be made into a movie. It had all the elements that make a hysterical rom-com, with a running internal narration that was laugh-out-loud funny. But, what makes this book stand out from your average rom-com was that the characters had depth. There was a good character arc – especially for Cybil – and themes of forgiveness and justice were woven in without any preachiness. 

Cons: I know I’ve read some reviews from people who were disappointed that the book was heavy on the mystery, light on the romance. I actually prefer books that way. But that said, the mystery got rather confusing and by the end, I was just reading the story without trying to make sense of everything.

There were also a few rom-com tropes (like the food fight) that had me rolling my eyes and recalling why I typically don’t read this kind of stuff.

The Bottom Line: A fast-paced spy story with all the necessary rom-com ingredients, minus the spice.