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Spy vs. Spook #2
Not My Spook!
Highly ranked CIA officer Quinton Mann finds himself in a relationship with Mark Vincent-for exactly five days. At that point, Mark uses the excuse of going to Massachusetts for his mother's funeral to end it. But Quinn's a spook, and you can't fake a faker.
Mark fears he's getting in too deep with Quinn, hence the disappearing act. Then Quinn does something unexpected, something nobody has ever done before: he comes after Mark. Maybe being in a relationship with Quinn isn't such a bad idea. In the meantime, something strange is going on in the intelligence community worldwide. When Quinn disappears while investigating a rogue antiterrorist organization, Mark makes up his mind. Quinn might be a spook, but he's Mark's spook, damn it-and once he gets Quinn home, he intends to keep him. He just has to find him first.
Mark fears he's getting in too deep with Quinn, hence the disappearing act. Then Quinn does something unexpected, something nobody has ever done before: he comes after Mark. Maybe being in a relationship with Quinn isn't such a bad idea. In the meantime, something strange is going on in the intelligence community worldwide. When Quinn disappears while investigating a rogue antiterrorist organization, Mark makes up his mind. Quinn might be a spook, but he's Mark's spook, damn it-and once he gets Quinn home, he intends to keep him. He just has to find him first.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2012
18 people are currently reading
597 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
January 7, 2025
7th re-read January 2025
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This series is so much fun to read, it didn't even register when I got to the end of the book!! I could read books like this all day long and still want more.
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This series is so much fun to read, it didn't even register when I got to the end of the book!! I could read books like this all day long and still want more.
July 29, 2012
I am in love with this series, it just keeps getting better and better IMO! Mark and Quinn push every button for me, I love how Mark tries so hard to be tough but practically melts when Quinn is on the scene its subtle but its there and boy does Mark try to fight it, he hasn't a hope in hell of escaping Quinn. I love them, every little flaw and idiosyncrasy along with the smart ass banter and sexual tension that hovers between them heavenly. Not My Spook continues to be suspenseful and taut with friction the crime and investigation is fabulous, I was on the edge of my seat throughout.
This time around Sweetcheeks, Pretty Boy and even Wills took a backseat within the story and what a pity because they livened things up in Houseboat on the Nile. I was hoping they would feature more here but it wasn't to be, maybe in the next installment. I know I am showing signs of being a fan-girl but even with its faults those dreaded repetitive POV'S which can drive some readers crazy lol. There is something special about Mark and Quinn the way they interact the storyline all of it, for me it was great. A suspenseful and entertaining read bring on number 3 please!
This time around Sweetcheeks, Pretty Boy and even Wills took a backseat within the story and what a pity because they livened things up in Houseboat on the Nile. I was hoping they would feature more here but it wasn't to be, maybe in the next installment. I know I am showing signs of being a fan-girl but even with its faults those dreaded repetitive POV'S which can drive some readers crazy lol. There is something special about Mark and Quinn the way they interact the storyline all of it, for me it was great. A suspenseful and entertaining read bring on number 3 please!
May 12, 2013
Book two is fantastic!
I now know what it means to be in love with every aspect of a series and have no complaints. Yes, it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but Tinnean's series sure is mine and I adore this series. Between the first two books you get a lot of information that helps us to love and understand the characters as well as leaving you wanting more.
Not My Spook! is the second book in this series and picks up from where Houseboat on the Nile left off. Again, we have two POV's and it goes back over scenes from the others man's voice. I enjoy that about these books because I'm not left wondering how he felt or what he saw. You get that from the series without questioning things.
Mark and Quinn have a lot going on in their relationship. It progresses and we finally see Mark bottoms for the first time in their relationship! We also learn some of Mark's history and we get to see a different side to both men. I loved how Tinnean dealt with their growing feelings and allowed us to connect more.
Not my spook!
I loved reading the scenes where Quinn was missing. Those and the ones at the funeral were touching and helped both the story and the overall couple development. I loved seeing the secondary characters too. I adore Portia. She is one of the funniest characters in the series and makes it a bit lighter.
Highly recommend this series!
I now know what it means to be in love with every aspect of a series and have no complaints. Yes, it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but Tinnean's series sure is mine and I adore this series. Between the first two books you get a lot of information that helps us to love and understand the characters as well as leaving you wanting more.
Not My Spook! is the second book in this series and picks up from where Houseboat on the Nile left off. Again, we have two POV's and it goes back over scenes from the others man's voice. I enjoy that about these books because I'm not left wondering how he felt or what he saw. You get that from the series without questioning things.
Mark and Quinn have a lot going on in their relationship. It progresses and we finally see Mark bottoms for the first time in their relationship! We also learn some of Mark's history and we get to see a different side to both men. I loved how Tinnean dealt with their growing feelings and allowed us to connect more.
Not my spook!
I loved reading the scenes where Quinn was missing. Those and the ones at the funeral were touching and helped both the story and the overall couple development. I loved seeing the secondary characters too. I adore Portia. She is one of the funniest characters in the series and makes it a bit lighter.
Highly recommend this series!
November 14, 2024
Mark y Quinton se están acostumbrando a vivir juntos en una "no-relación", y aunque Quinton esta comenzando a aceptar su cercanía a Mark, Mark esta negado a aceptar que lo que tienen entre ellos pueda ser duradero. Sin embargo, cada día uno esta pendiente del otro y poco a poco se van acoplando a su vida en pareja. Pero cuando Quinton desaparece por una misión, el único que moverá cielo y tierra para traerlo con vida es Mark, y quizás así acepte al final lo que siente por Quiton, ¿o no?.
En esta historia ambos protas comienzan a sentirse mas humanos, sin embargo, todavía la terquedad de ambos para aceptar lo que tienen y vivir "abiertamente" su relación me da risa. Fue bastante entretenida, pero estuve esperando durante mas de la mitad del libro a que pasara algo emocionante, y cuando por fin paso, todo paso sin pena ni gloria.
Además esta el tema de la repetición de las escenas desde cada punto de vista, que vuelve la historia repetitiva, y si, aunque aquí fue menos que en el libro anterior, todavía hubieron momentos que solo quería pasar las paginas y llegar al centro del asunto, y saber que es lo que realmente estaba pasando.
En fin, estoy suficientemente intrigada con esta serie para seguir la lectura y ver que va a pasar ahora, y si por fin pueden tener una relación abierta y conocida por ambas agencias, así que seguiré leyendo la serie.
En esta historia ambos protas comienzan a sentirse mas humanos, sin embargo, todavía la terquedad de ambos para aceptar lo que tienen y vivir "abiertamente" su relación me da risa. Fue bastante entretenida, pero estuve esperando durante mas de la mitad del libro a que pasara algo emocionante, y cuando por fin paso, todo paso sin pena ni gloria.
Además esta el tema de la repetición de las escenas desde cada punto de vista, que vuelve la historia repetitiva, y si, aunque aquí fue menos que en el libro anterior, todavía hubieron momentos que solo quería pasar las paginas y llegar al centro del asunto, y saber que es lo que realmente estaba pasando.
En fin, estoy suficientemente intrigada con esta serie para seguir la lectura y ver que va a pasar ahora, y si por fin pueden tener una relación abierta y conocida por ambas agencias, así que seguiré leyendo la serie.
February 8, 2013
The adventures of Ice Man Quinn Mann and Hot Head Mark Vincent continue... and IMO they just get better and better!
Carrying on practically from the finish of Houseboat, Quinn andMark are still engaged in extra curricular * cough * shenanigans outside of work whilst trying to uphold their ' feud' within it! I love, love, love these guys!!!
They still can't keep their hands off each other, shady goings on are becoming more apparent in spook/spy land and we meet a muahahaha!!! cat stroking style villain worthy of any Bond film. I'm actually having fun reading them and book 3 is beckoning as we speak.
No complaints from me at all- me likey a lot.:D
Carrying on practically from the finish of Houseboat, Quinn andMark are still engaged in extra curricular * cough * shenanigans outside of work whilst trying to uphold their ' feud' within it! I love, love, love these guys!!!
They still can't keep their hands off each other, shady goings on are becoming more apparent in spook/spy land and we meet a muahahaha!!! cat stroking style villain worthy of any Bond film. I'm actually having fun reading them and book 3 is beckoning as we speak.
No complaints from me at all- me likey a lot.:D
January 30, 2018
*Re-read* I still love this series 😍🔥 I read these when they were free, long before she published them, and these books were written long before the mainstream of M/M of today. I know there are some imperfections, but I can overlook them. Along with Ty and Zane, Prophet and Tommy, Vadim and Dan and Jeremy and Simon, Mark and Quinn (the original trailblazers) will remain one of my favorite couples in a law enforcement series. ❤️
March 30, 2014
3.5 STARS
This one was def better than the 1st.
Mark and Quinton burn up my pages.
Burn and sear and burn and sear.
The dual POV thing again.... ahhhh.... the book would be a 5 star without that.
Already started book 3.
Mare~Slitsread
This one was def better than the 1st.
Mark and Quinton burn up my pages.
Burn and sear and burn and sear.
The dual POV thing again.... ahhhh.... the book would be a 5 star without that.
Already started book 3.
Mare~Slitsread
October 21, 2014
Perfection.
April 12, 2014
★★★★★5 I-absolutely-loved-it Stars★★★★★
This book focused a lot more on Mark and Quinn's relationship than the previous one, which was perfectly fine by me.
At the beginning, we have Vince who is still reluctant to admit that he wants a relationship with Quinn and that what he is feeling goes way beyond sex. Even though he keeps telling us how special Quinn is and how he can't believe no one has claimed him yet, it. Is. Still. Just. Sex. to him.
I just wanted to reach through my Kindle, hit him over the head with his Glock, and say
But of course Mark doesn't pull his head out of his ass. Instead, he panics because he is letting Quinn get too close and breaks up with him. But, Quinn, not willing to give up on Mark, chases him down.
And tells him, in no uncertain terms, that he is not letting him go that easily. And there we have it, the start of a beautiful relationship, whether Mark wants to or not!
One of the things that I loved about this book was that we got a lot more parts from Quinn's POV than we did in the first book. I just adore Quinn. He knows what he wants from his relationship and is not afraid to get it. Mark was also definitely a lot more appealing to me in this book than the previous one. We get to learn more about his childhood and why he is so afraid to let anybody get close to him. And once he admits that he wants Quinn for more than just sex, he proves to be an extremely attentive and affectionate lover. We see how much he truly cares for Quinn when Quinn disappears without a word to anybody. But he didn't do a complete 180 from the previous book. He's still a misogynistic prick at times and completely nonchalant about killing others.
Eh, but he wouldn't be Mark otherwise...
Overall, I loved seeing how the relationship developed between the two characters and seeing them finally admit to each other that there is something more than physical attraction.
Moving on to book three...
This book focused a lot more on Mark and Quinn's relationship than the previous one, which was perfectly fine by me.
At the beginning, we have Vince who is still reluctant to admit that he wants a relationship with Quinn and that what he is feeling goes way beyond sex. Even though he keeps telling us how special Quinn is and how he can't believe no one has claimed him yet, it. Is. Still. Just. Sex. to him.
I just wanted to reach through my Kindle, hit him over the head with his Glock, and say
But of course Mark doesn't pull his head out of his ass. Instead, he panics because he is letting Quinn get too close and breaks up with him. But, Quinn, not willing to give up on Mark, chases him down.
And tells him, in no uncertain terms, that he is not letting him go that easily. And there we have it, the start of a beautiful relationship, whether Mark wants to or not!
One of the things that I loved about this book was that we got a lot more parts from Quinn's POV than we did in the first book. I just adore Quinn. He knows what he wants from his relationship and is not afraid to get it. Mark was also definitely a lot more appealing to me in this book than the previous one. We get to learn more about his childhood and why he is so afraid to let anybody get close to him. And once he admits that he wants Quinn for more than just sex, he proves to be an extremely attentive and affectionate lover. We see how much he truly cares for Quinn when Quinn disappears without a word to anybody. But he didn't do a complete 180 from the previous book. He's still a misogynistic prick at times and completely nonchalant about killing others.
Eh, but he wouldn't be Mark otherwise...
Overall, I loved seeing how the relationship developed between the two characters and seeing them finally admit to each other that there is something more than physical attraction.
Moving on to book three...
February 8, 2014
I am loving this series, it’s fast paced, exciting, funny. Mark and Quinn are adorable, dangerous, and simply wonderful together. I also like the changing POV’s, I enjoy knowing what each character is thinking and feeling. What I didn’t care for was the way the author would make each changing POV go so back in history, I would have to revisit the scene I just went through. And the first 20% of this book felt like a rehash of the last 20% of book 1.
Once, I got past those issues I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Like the blurb states Mark starts to get cold feet about how emotionally attached he is getting to Quinn. So he takes off when a family situation happens. But, what I really liked Quinn response, did he simply wait for Mark to change his mind? Hell no!! Quinn may have the reputation of being the “Ice Man”, but that his not who he really is, he is a warm, caring, at times insecure man that I simply found adorable! And Mark, the tough and deadly intelligence officer was simply captivating and delicious! And again, on the inside you get a totally different side of him, hurt, wounded and longing for someone to love him. And like the blurb states Quinn goes missing, and when Mark finds out he instantly goes of in search for what’s his…Quinn. Oh be still my heart! *swoon*
I loved the banter between the two and the chemistry, OMG the sex scenes were hot hot hot!! Mix that with them increasingly growing closer emotionally, and my heart was totally pulled in. Big happy sigh for this reader! *sigh*
Once, I got past those issues I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Like the blurb states Mark starts to get cold feet about how emotionally attached he is getting to Quinn. So he takes off when a family situation happens. But, what I really liked Quinn response, did he simply wait for Mark to change his mind? Hell no!! Quinn may have the reputation of being the “Ice Man”, but that his not who he really is, he is a warm, caring, at times insecure man that I simply found adorable! And Mark, the tough and deadly intelligence officer was simply captivating and delicious! And again, on the inside you get a totally different side of him, hurt, wounded and longing for someone to love him. And like the blurb states Quinn goes missing, and when Mark finds out he instantly goes of in search for what’s his…Quinn. Oh be still my heart! *swoon*
I loved the banter between the two and the chemistry, OMG the sex scenes were hot hot hot!! Mix that with them increasingly growing closer emotionally, and my heart was totally pulled in. Big happy sigh for this reader! *sigh*
February 13, 2013
Better! - Actually some sort of plot going on here, and quite good at that, but doesn't start until halfway through the novel.
Still more graphic sex than is necessary, but so great that Mark goes to Paris to find Quinn. Death of Mark's mother? Not sure where that sub plot's going, perhaps book 3 will enlighten me.
The best character in this novel and the previous novel if truth be told, is Portia, Quinn's mother. The boys (the MC's) are just too horny to be real and it seems the majority of spies and spooks are gay. Still too much description of food on the plate (this is not Enid Blyton)although I can relate to Mark's facination with the way Quinn eats oysters, but I really don't want in depth discussions on the main course, pudding and the wines and coffee beans. It's just non relevant. Can't believe that nobody apart from Portia has picked up on the MCs' relationship. This is a 3.5 going on 4 star. Better after the 50% mark.
Still more graphic sex than is necessary, but so great that Mark goes to Paris to find Quinn. Death of Mark's mother? Not sure where that sub plot's going, perhaps book 3 will enlighten me.
The best character in this novel and the previous novel if truth be told, is Portia, Quinn's mother. The boys (the MC's) are just too horny to be real and it seems the majority of spies and spooks are gay. Still too much description of food on the plate (this is not Enid Blyton)although I can relate to Mark's facination with the way Quinn eats oysters, but I really don't want in depth discussions on the main course, pudding and the wines and coffee beans. It's just non relevant. Can't believe that nobody apart from Portia has picked up on the MCs' relationship. This is a 3.5 going on 4 star. Better after the 50% mark.
April 17, 2013
Hmm, not really sure what all to say about this book without sounding like a rambling, gushing idiot. But I love Mark and Quinn! There's just something about these two that just do it for me. They are hot and sexy and still haven't fully figured out they are in love with each other. Some of these scenes between them just make my tummy flutter...and I don't mind for a second at getting them twice. It does get A LOT repetitive but I love getting both POVs. Yep, I'm rambling AND gushing so make your own opinion if you don't like mine.
Starting Forever now.
Starting Forever now.
April 16, 2020
This book didn't work for me for several reasons. The main one is because I started the series with the second book. I know, I know... It's always a gamble, and this time it really didn't pay off. Lol I literally felt like I was thrown in the middle of a story, and I didn't understand the relation that half of those characters had with each other. Yup, definitely my fault on this one.
That said, the book also had dual POV, which I hate. I get that sometimes it helps because you get two different perspectives. However, in this book, we were literally reliving every major event TWICE. In one chapter, we'll get Quinn's POV on event X. In the next chapter, we'll get Marc's POV on the same event with the same dialogue. It got tiring after a while.
Another thing that bothered me was the French dialogue. I understand that Pierre is French and that a part of the story happens in France. However, the use of the language felt very unnatural to me. Like, do people really call their boyfriend "mon très cher"? It just sounds so 17th century to me. Plus, Pierre saying "mon ami" in every sentence annoyed me to no end. "I must go now, mon ami", "One moment, mon ami", "You'll need this, mon ami"... Ugh...
Last thing that bothered me: There's sooo many sex scenes 😳
That said, the book also had dual POV, which I hate. I get that sometimes it helps because you get two different perspectives. However, in this book, we were literally reliving every major event TWICE. In one chapter, we'll get Quinn's POV on event X. In the next chapter, we'll get Marc's POV on the same event with the same dialogue. It got tiring after a while.
Another thing that bothered me was the French dialogue. I understand that Pierre is French and that a part of the story happens in France. However, the use of the language felt very unnatural to me. Like, do people really call their boyfriend "mon très cher"? It just sounds so 17th century to me. Plus, Pierre saying "mon ami" in every sentence annoyed me to no end. "I must go now, mon ami", "One moment, mon ami", "You'll need this, mon ami"... Ugh...
Last thing that bothered me: There's sooo many sex scenes 😳
May 14, 2020
My love for mark and quinn will never die.
But did things start getting a bit repetitive at times yes. But did i still enjoy it? Yes!
But did things start getting a bit repetitive at times yes. But did i still enjoy it? Yes!
September 1, 2013
Well well well... Mark and Quinn did it again... bewitched me!
First things first... again there are two POV, and there are repetition of scenes, something that already happened in the first book of the series, Houseboat on the Nile .
BUT, as you may notice, this time even the repetition bother me a little, it's a 5 stars book!
Why?
Evidence number one: this book has a spy plot. Agents from various agencies are MIA. Both CIA (Quinn's agency) and WBIS (Mark's agency) are worried and it may be a very important threat.
Evidence number two: there is much more romance
Evidence number three: Mark is always an asshole.. but maybe now he is an asshole in love. That change EVERYTHING. :D
Evidence number four: in the story there will be more about Matheson and Theo... I LOVED it. Their story is very interesting...not just because it's hilarious to read Mark reaction to each time this relationship is in the book, but also because it's so cute! I love them :)
Evidence number five: Quinn and Mark... no more need to be said. It's not easy to two men as them be together, and it's certainly not easy to them be apart... so yeah. It's a story that certainly will be interesting to read!
P.S.: May I add something? I really hate the "lost of time" of Quinn's fantasy. Yeah, you are allowed to call me asshole, because I really hate all those pages, of him imagining how it would be meet Mark on the Olympics games. IMO, it was a waste of pages, that could have something from the present time -.-"
First things first... again there are two POV, and there are repetition of scenes, something that already happened in the first book of the series, Houseboat on the Nile .
BUT, as you may notice, this time even the repetition bother me a little, it's a 5 stars book!
Why?
Evidence number one: this book has a spy plot. Agents from various agencies are MIA. Both CIA (Quinn's agency) and WBIS (Mark's agency) are worried and it may be a very important threat.
Evidence number two: there is much more romance
Evidence number three: Mark is always an asshole.. but maybe now he is an asshole in love. That change EVERYTHING. :D
Evidence number four: in the story there will be more about Matheson and Theo... I LOVED it. Their story is very interesting...not just because it's hilarious to read Mark reaction to each time this relationship is in the book, but also because it's so cute! I love them :)
Evidence number five: Quinn and Mark... no more need to be said. It's not easy to two men as them be together, and it's certainly not easy to them be apart... so yeah. It's a story that certainly will be interesting to read!
P.S.: May I add something? I really hate the "lost of time" of Quinn's fantasy. Yeah, you are allowed to call me asshole, because I really hate all those pages, of him imagining how it would be meet Mark on the Olympics games. IMO, it was a waste of pages, that could have something from the present time -.-"
February 1, 2013
4 stars Still loving this series! Love Quinn and Mark. Their chemistry is off the charts. Love how Mark is the consummate 'tough guy', but practically melts when he's with Quinn.
The alternating POV's are getting a little irritating though. (only because you go over the same scene)
Can't wait to read book 3!!
April 1, 2014
Well now, that was much better! Still getting used to the POV changes but the story was great. Off to the next one!
October 5, 2013
In this follow up to Houseboat on the Nile, the action events in the plot are not significant, in and of themselves; rather, they provide the excuse for the development of Mark and Quinn's new relationship. Quinn, who is infinitely more emotionally grounded and mature, knows just how hard he has fallen for Mark, and is still falling; Mark, on the other hand, is still halfway inside of that houseboat on the River Denial, and his fear of commitment provides the early drama in the story. As the novel progresses, though, we see how Mark struggles to be honest with himself about his feelings, and it is during a moment of profound crisis that he starts to grapple, sincerely, with the depth of his attachment to Quinn. This was an enjoyable sequel, and Mark is much more palatable in this novel than he was in the first: . I would definitely recommend the series. It's light, easy, and fun. 4 stars. (N.B. You might find Quinn's hyper-waspy voice a little bit hard to take, but I got used to it after awhile. It felt a little bit contrived -- I know plenty of wasps who simply do not speak this way -- but whatever. It wasn't a dealbreaker for me.)
August 5, 2023
Loved this as much as the first! I do believe the title should be changed to "When Mark 'I'm the Best' Vincent finally decides to get his head out of his ass!"
One of the many things I enjoy about this series is not only the continuing development of the (do I dare say it?) relationship (yes, Mark an honest to God adult relationship) between Mark and Quinn but the stellar supporting cast... Matheson, the Rent Boys, Portia and even that asshole Drum.
Although I adore the hell out of this book and have a very personal, emotional connection to it I can still see it's flaws. Doesn't take away from my enjoyment, however. I can see where some might find the dual POV - which shifts regularly - annoying. Really the only thing that irritates me in this installment (in the first book it's the fucking title) is the repeating of information from the previous books. I know how that shit Sperling died and I don't need to be reminded of it 4 to 5 times. I have a good memory.
But this series is like comfort food for me .... the mashed potatoes and gravy might be a bit lumpy but they still taste yummy and make me feel good. If you haven't started this series or stopped after the first book, do you yourself a favor and get on these ASAP. Totally worth it.
5 plus stars
One of the many things I enjoy about this series is not only the continuing development of the (do I dare say it?) relationship (yes, Mark an honest to God adult relationship) between Mark and Quinn but the stellar supporting cast... Matheson, the Rent Boys, Portia and even that asshole Drum.
Although I adore the hell out of this book and have a very personal, emotional connection to it I can still see it's flaws. Doesn't take away from my enjoyment, however. I can see where some might find the dual POV - which shifts regularly - annoying. Really the only thing that irritates me in this installment (in the first book it's the fucking title) is the repeating of information from the previous books. I know how that shit Sperling died and I don't need to be reminded of it 4 to 5 times. I have a good memory.
But this series is like comfort food for me .... the mashed potatoes and gravy might be a bit lumpy but they still taste yummy and make me feel good. If you haven't started this series or stopped after the first book, do you yourself a favor and get on these ASAP. Totally worth it.
5 plus stars
October 13, 2015
Good lord, these two kill me. I loved this one, maybe even more than the first because there was much more time with Quinn and Mark and all the things they do together. Le Sigh.
I like that the POV's weren't as repetitive as the first book.
I love that Mark buys Quinn pajamas and WHY he buys them, again.
I love Sam the Second and damn that cover that makes me get all choked up.
I love that Quinn keeps remembering Mark telling him he need to be kissed long, and often and by someone who knew how because when these two kiss it's freaking HOT!
I loved the romance and the sex. The sex, was sexy and totally a turn on and the whole Olympics in the 80's deal? Damn.
I love how romantic Quinn is.
I love being in Mark's head, all the time. Regardless of what he's doing.
I love these two so stupidly.
OHHH!!!!
THE TITLE!
The title makes sense and I fucking loved it when it shows up in the story!
I like that the POV's weren't as repetitive as the first book.
I love that Mark buys Quinn pajamas and WHY he buys them, again.
I love Sam the Second and damn that cover that makes me get all choked up.
I love that Quinn keeps remembering Mark telling him he need to be kissed long, and often and by someone who knew how because when these two kiss it's freaking HOT!
I loved the romance and the sex. The sex, was sexy and totally a turn on and the whole Olympics in the 80's deal? Damn.
I love how romantic Quinn is.
I love being in Mark's head, all the time. Regardless of what he's doing.
I love these two so stupidly.
OHHH!!!!
THE TITLE!
The title makes sense and I fucking loved it when it shows up in the story!
June 23, 2013
3 stars
I really wanted to like this book and i tried too, but the book it's an absolutely mess the way it's written. I had the same problem with the 2 book in this series as i did with the first one, to repetitive.
Such a shame cause the subject and the plot are really good but the book it's still quite enjoyable. It's like something pulls me towards it to go and find out how Vince and Quinn's story will end.
I really wanted to like this book and i tried too, but the book it's an absolutely mess the way it's written. I had the same problem with the 2 book in this series as i did with the first one, to repetitive.
Such a shame cause the subject and the plot are really good but the book it's still quite enjoyable. It's like something pulls me towards it to go and find out how Vince and Quinn's story will end.
August 28, 2013
I vaguely remember the first book, the basics at least but what I didn't remember is getting the story twice. Once from each MC's perspective. That was a little annoying. However, I still love these guys. This book gave us a deeper look into their relationship and had some smoking hot sex. Yay!!!! Now onto number 3.
September 13, 2013
Ok as this book is a direct continuation of the first book in the series I’m not going to recap character information or anything. If you’re interested read the review for “Houseboat on the Nile.”
First of all I have to say that despite still being annoyed at repeating scenes from two different characters points of view this book was significantly better than the first. Granted the doubling got used less and less as the book went on which was nice. At the same time, my attachment to Marc and Quinn continues to grow by leaps and bounds.
“Not My Spook!” picks up immediately where “Houseboat” left off, essentially the first sub-chapters here are a recap of the end of Book 1, now told from Quinn’s perspective instead of Marc’s. This book really allows you to get to know Quinn much better. I always felt comfortable with Marc and understood where he was coming from. I feel like after Book 2 I’m just as invested in Quinn. It’s interesting to see how Quinn’s background lets him accept the growing feelings he has for Marc a lot quicker than Marc can, even though neither man can get any sort of words past their lips.
I loved the fact that after essentially moving in with Quinn for the foreseeable future (What else can one do after you’ve indirectly blown up your own apartment?), Marc freaks out and uses his mother’s death to escape and blow Quinn off. It was such a fitting reaction for his personality and I was on pins and needles waiting to see when Quinn was going to come after him. And when the tables were turned later in the book, and it was Quinn that needed rescuing, I couldn’t wait to see what havoc Marc was going to invoke on his lover’s behalf. While there’s very little action in this book and even less intrigue I forgive it all since the character development here was so brilliant. This book is all about Quinn and Marc’s relationship and nothing else. Frankly I didn’t need it to be anything more.
On a slightly different note I adore the side characters in this series. Quinn’s mom, Matherson and Theo, DB, to name a few, they are all fun and have great little quirks about them. None of them are one dimensional in a way that feels like they’re just there taking up space. They really flesh out this world of spooks and spies.
If there’s one weakness to this book other than the repetitive story telling it’s that the writing is still very simplistic. There’s something about the author’s style that isn’t as rich as some other. Still the bare bones structure of it all suits the subject matter and for all that the book is relatively long skips along a quick pace.
In the end though all that matters is the developing feelings Marc and Quinn feel for each other even as they feel obligated to resist, or at least deny to themselves, what’s going on between them. The time period where they were living together was just so absolutely adorable one of them was going to have to get all squirmy sooner or later (of course Marc it would have to be you). I’m assuming that Book 3 picks up immediately after this one and I can’t wait to see where these two end up. One bitter rivalry is turning into such a beautiful, reluctant, love story.
First of all I have to say that despite still being annoyed at repeating scenes from two different characters points of view this book was significantly better than the first. Granted the doubling got used less and less as the book went on which was nice. At the same time, my attachment to Marc and Quinn continues to grow by leaps and bounds.
“Not My Spook!” picks up immediately where “Houseboat” left off, essentially the first sub-chapters here are a recap of the end of Book 1, now told from Quinn’s perspective instead of Marc’s. This book really allows you to get to know Quinn much better. I always felt comfortable with Marc and understood where he was coming from. I feel like after Book 2 I’m just as invested in Quinn. It’s interesting to see how Quinn’s background lets him accept the growing feelings he has for Marc a lot quicker than Marc can, even though neither man can get any sort of words past their lips.
I loved the fact that after essentially moving in with Quinn for the foreseeable future (What else can one do after you’ve indirectly blown up your own apartment?), Marc freaks out and uses his mother’s death to escape and blow Quinn off. It was such a fitting reaction for his personality and I was on pins and needles waiting to see when Quinn was going to come after him. And when the tables were turned later in the book, and it was Quinn that needed rescuing, I couldn’t wait to see what havoc Marc was going to invoke on his lover’s behalf. While there’s very little action in this book and even less intrigue I forgive it all since the character development here was so brilliant. This book is all about Quinn and Marc’s relationship and nothing else. Frankly I didn’t need it to be anything more.
On a slightly different note I adore the side characters in this series. Quinn’s mom, Matherson and Theo, DB, to name a few, they are all fun and have great little quirks about them. None of them are one dimensional in a way that feels like they’re just there taking up space. They really flesh out this world of spooks and spies.
If there’s one weakness to this book other than the repetitive story telling it’s that the writing is still very simplistic. There’s something about the author’s style that isn’t as rich as some other. Still the bare bones structure of it all suits the subject matter and for all that the book is relatively long skips along a quick pace.
In the end though all that matters is the developing feelings Marc and Quinn feel for each other even as they feel obligated to resist, or at least deny to themselves, what’s going on between them. The time period where they were living together was just so absolutely adorable one of them was going to have to get all squirmy sooner or later (of course Marc it would have to be you). I’m assuming that Book 3 picks up immediately after this one and I can’t wait to see where these two end up. One bitter rivalry is turning into such a beautiful, reluctant, love story.
March 20, 2014
3.5, 4 stars. I honestly can not explain my fascination with this series, by all accounts it doesn't make sense. The repetition KILLS me, though this one had significantly less of it than the first one. There are times when I just can't like Vincent, and then moments when I absolutely LOVE him. I enjoy Quinn almost all of the time.
Certain things do kill me...it is the repetition thing, not just the repetition of POVs, but just the same wording over and over. Like when Vincent refers to "his old partner that went and got himself killed like an idiot" or whatever, or when he continuously talks about how he couldn't possibly have real feelings for Quinn because he's CIA...now, I'm not a government agent so maybe I just don't get it...I mean, I was in the Army and I know how branches of the military give each other crap and all of that, but after a while I'm kind of like...why is this different branch SUCH a HUGE deal> I don't get it.
Having said that...it holds my interest. I love Vincent and Quinns moments together. I get nervous for them and I like some of the side characters though I admittedly don't trust anyone (except PrettyBoy). So, even though its weirdness and there are things that bother me, I still adore them, even when Vincent is heartless and awful and killing people. I will continue the series.
Certain things do kill me...it is the repetition thing, not just the repetition of POVs, but just the same wording over and over. Like when Vincent refers to "his old partner that went and got himself killed like an idiot" or whatever, or when he continuously talks about how he couldn't possibly have real feelings for Quinn because he's CIA...now, I'm not a government agent so maybe I just don't get it...I mean, I was in the Army and I know how branches of the military give each other crap and all of that, but after a while I'm kind of like...why is this different branch SUCH a HUGE deal> I don't get it.
Having said that...it holds my interest. I love Vincent and Quinns moments together. I get nervous for them and I like some of the side characters though I admittedly don't trust anyone (except PrettyBoy). So, even though its weirdness and there are things that bother me, I still adore them, even when Vincent is heartless and awful and killing people. I will continue the series.
March 23, 2014
What makes me continue with this series is the relationship of the two main characters. It builds from the first book. It is obvious they care deeply for each other, but boy do they fight it. Mark gets scared (yes Mark gets scared) by his feelings for Quinn and his feelings of not being worth Quinn's feelings in return. He runs. Quinn's reaction is a surprise to Mark. Then Mark goes missing. No one seems to care, certainly not the CIA. Mark is not concerned at first. He understands about having to be gone on a mission, but soon realizes something is wrong. Mark does his thing and infiltrates the CIA to find out what is going on. Of course this is Mark. He does not sit around doing nothing.
Neither Mark nor Quinn seem to be able to admit to love but actions speak louder than words. Their relationship is hot and fun and deep. To bad they cannot admit that.
This book has more action and less sex. I like the action. I would love more sex for them.
Neither Mark nor Quinn seem to be able to admit to love but actions speak louder than words. Their relationship is hot and fun and deep. To bad they cannot admit that.
This book has more action and less sex. I like the action. I would love more sex for them.
October 8, 2018
Okay so here's the thing. I love the characters. I love the plot. I love their dynamic. But these books are SUCH a chore to read because every.single.scene. is repeated ad nausem. I am shocked there was somehow forward momentum because you get chapters of one MC's POV, then suddenly with no warning you're timewarped backwards to get the same scenes from the other MC's POV (which I normally enjoy but this just felt jarring every time), and just when you think that's not enough recapping, when the POV switches back to the first MC he'll give you a recap of everything that you just saw happen twice just in case you really missed something. *sigh* if I'm not mistaken this was posted online first, and in that way it makes sense, but it should've been edited and revised. It's just so boring to read the same thing over and over again. BUT when there is momentum it's good. Like I said, I love the characters and the way their relationship progresses. It's what made me able to keep reading.
July 11, 2012
I would have given a higher rating except the batk and forth POV was getting a bit irritating. The same scene was basically written over again from the other POV...granted it wasn't detail by detail but enough to make me feel it's redundant.
I do like the MCs together. They're not perfect and that makes them more rounded
I do like the MCs together. They're not perfect and that makes them more rounded
November 27, 2012
Review posted as a series at The Armchair Reader and listed on GR at the review for the third book,
Forever
.
March 31, 2013
Wow...even better than the first book! Still some tediousness (if that is even a real word) with reading the exact same plot points twice (once from each characters POV), but overall worth dealing with.
July 6, 2012
love these two.
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