Live, Love, Spy

by Lexi Blake

[Nadz@Totally Addicted to Reading]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Live, Love, Spy is the second book in the Masters and Mercenaries: New Recruits series. This book served as my introduction to the work of Lexie Blake. I chose this book, without realizing that it was part of a series. The synopsis made me curious about the story embedded in the pages of the book. Top secret mission, CIA, hero kidnapped, heroine rescuing the hero, friends to lovers, and unrequited love, were all the things promised with this instalment.

Regrettably, Live, Love, Spy failed to live up to my expectations. It would seem that making this book my introduction to the author's work wasn't a good idea. Firstly, it took awhile to get into the story. For a story advertised as romantic suspense, it was rather slow. I was tempted to DNF it several times, but I held on, hoping the pace would pick up, and I would get the story I so desired.

The hero and heroine frustrated me for the entire story. First, the hero claimed to have loved the heroine since childhood, but he never felt he was good enough for her, so for years he friend zoned her. It took his kidnapping, and a rescue effort led by the heroine, to make him acknowledge his need for her.  Of course, she did not buy into his revelation, and so the frustrating drama begins. He tried to persuade her, but she rejected him each time. It's obvious to everyone around them that they both loved each other, if only they would both get out of their heads and focus on what was in front of them.

The suspense thread took awhile to build up. It wasn't until about the last thirty percent of the book that things began unravelling and danger came knocking once again. All went well at this point until the ending, which revealed that the threat was not over. 

I see where some reviewers mentioned the feature of soft BDSM.  With my limited knowledge of BDSM, I cannot concur if it was soft or hard. All I can say, it didn't take over the story. The supporting cast added some flavour to the story with their sarcasm and humour, making the story easier to digest.

Although not my cup of tea, I've seen where other readers have enjoyed it. So, if frustrating drama and indecisive characters are your thing then look no further than Live, Love, Spy.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading