What do you think?
Rate this book
Two is a Pattern
A charged lesbian romantic suspense set in the early nineties, with gripping twists, turns, and surprising secrets.
A mission gone wrong leads to rising-star CIA operative Annie Weaver quitting her job and reinventing herself as a college student. But the CIA, desperate for her skills, refuses to let her go without a price.
Annie finds herself juggling classes in Criminology and falling for her beautiful landlord, Professor Helen Everton, while dealing with off-the-books secret missions for an increasingly controlling ex-boss.
As the perceptive Helen circles ever closer to the truth, Annie has to figure out how to keep her freedom without putting Helen in danger—and without revealing her own past.
A mission gone wrong leads to rising-star CIA operative Annie Weaver quitting her job and reinventing herself as a college student. But the CIA, desperate for her skills, refuses to let her go without a price.
Annie finds herself juggling classes in Criminology and falling for her beautiful landlord, Professor Helen Everton, while dealing with off-the-books secret missions for an increasingly controlling ex-boss.
As the perceptive Helen circles ever closer to the truth, Annie has to figure out how to keep her freedom without putting Helen in danger—and without revealing her own past.
235 pages, Paperback
Published January 17, 2024
112 people are currently reading
1009 people want to read
About the author
Emily Waters
2 books145 followersEmily Waters is a fiction writer. Her debut novel, Honey in the Marrow, was released by Ylva Publishing in October 2022.
Besides writing, Emily is a full time librarian. She holds a BA in English Literature from Chapman University and earned a Masters of Library Science at Indiana University.
Emily lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and likes coffee, puttering around her backyard garden, staying home, and binge watching old TV shows starring strong-willed female leads with pretty hair.
You can find Emily on social media at @emilyraywaters or contact her by email at emilyraywaters@gmail.com.
Besides writing, Emily is a full time librarian. She holds a BA in English Literature from Chapman University and earned a Masters of Library Science at Indiana University.
Emily lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and likes coffee, puttering around her backyard garden, staying home, and binge watching old TV shows starring strong-willed female leads with pretty hair.
You can find Emily on social media at @emilyraywaters or contact her by email at emilyraywaters@gmail.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
April 6, 2025
**'Sometimes the only true aspect of a decent story is the between it's protagonists..'
Enjoyable read!
...........................
Enjoyable read!
...........................
March 3, 2024
Annie Weaver is snagged after college to work for the CIA. Her skills in languages and and later interrogation were much needed during the time of perestroika in the 1990’s Soviet Union. Annie eventually burns out of the CIA and attempts to live a normal life but her handler has other ideas. There are still jobs to be done.
Two is a Pattern is the beginning of a love story that is interrupted by intense action, intrigue, spy stuff and lots and lots of secrets. Waters’ writing is captivating. There is a lushness to her language that attracts me. Waters’ story and character building is right on point. She creates the characters we remember and love.
If you are a fan of good writing then make sure to add this novel to your list.
I received an advance review copy from Ylva Publishing through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily
Two is a Pattern is the beginning of a love story that is interrupted by intense action, intrigue, spy stuff and lots and lots of secrets. Waters’ writing is captivating. There is a lushness to her language that attracts me. Waters’ story and character building is right on point. She creates the characters we remember and love.
If you are a fan of good writing then make sure to add this novel to your list.
I received an advance review copy from Ylva Publishing through NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily
January 10, 2025
With Emily Waters’ sophomore release, Two is a Pattern, she has most definitely moved to the top of my auto-buy list.
I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll just say read the blurb if you haven’t. This isn’t a traditional romance where the romance is front and center. However, I absolutely adore what is there. Helen has my whole heart and I for sure want more of her in a follow up to this. Also, this is set in the 90’s and I’m just old enough that is made me a little nostalgic a few times.
What I love about Waters’ writing is that she draws me in and makes love the characters. She has a talent for not only what she says, but also for what she doesn’t say. She doesn’t follow the traditional formula, which is a nice break.
I know I’ve mentioned Helen, but she isn’t the main character. Annie, whose point of view this is from, is the star. Waters makes her feel real and you can’t help but to root for her. She’s messy and chaotic but in the best way. She’s brilliant and just fantastic but doesn’t seem to know it. She’s trying to navigate a life she didn’t exactly ask for and is doing the best she can.
So, I’m going to go ahead and a give spoiler. There isn’t a happy ending here, it’s more of a hopeful one if you squint and tilt your head sideways and read between the lines. This is the reason for me wanting a follow up. I’m gonna need that second chance romance so Helen can have her well-deserved happy ending, Annie too, I guess. The reason I'm mentioning it is that I know it can irritate people when it doesn't have a well defined happily ever after.
Highly recommended from me.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I don’t want to give anything away so I’ll just say read the blurb if you haven’t. This isn’t a traditional romance where the romance is front and center. However, I absolutely adore what is there. Helen has my whole heart and I for sure want more of her in a follow up to this. Also, this is set in the 90’s and I’m just old enough that is made me a little nostalgic a few times.
What I love about Waters’ writing is that she draws me in and makes love the characters. She has a talent for not only what she says, but also for what she doesn’t say. She doesn’t follow the traditional formula, which is a nice break.
I know I’ve mentioned Helen, but she isn’t the main character. Annie, whose point of view this is from, is the star. Waters makes her feel real and you can’t help but to root for her. She’s messy and chaotic but in the best way. She’s brilliant and just fantastic but doesn’t seem to know it. She’s trying to navigate a life she didn’t exactly ask for and is doing the best she can.
So, I’m going to go ahead and a give spoiler. There isn’t a happy ending here, it’s more of a hopeful one if you squint and tilt your head sideways and read between the lines. This is the reason for me wanting a follow up. I’m gonna need that second chance romance so Helen can have her well-deserved happy ending, Annie too, I guess. The reason I'm mentioning it is that I know it can irritate people when it doesn't have a well defined happily ever after.
Highly recommended from me.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 23, 2024
I think it’s been a month trying to find a sweet, spicy and heartwarming sapphic romance that worked for me. I still haven’t found it but, after a month of dnfing or barely finishing dull books with flat characters and unoriginal plot lines, Two is a Pattern was the breath of fresh air I didn’t know I needed.
I’ve never read a book like this before. The blurb promises a gritty suspense that sounds more like a thriller than a romance, but this book is more about characters and healing than action. Don’t get me wrong, I’d still shelf it as a suspense sapphic romance, it’s just so much more than that.
Ex-CIA agent Annie Weavers is running away. She’s traumatized by the power of her skills, she can’t stand the feeling of blood in her hands. But her ex-boss is not happy about that decision. She’s afraid she’s being followed. She’s afraid she is putting everyone around her in danger. She’s afraid they are not going to let her escape.
Lately I’m getting tired of generic romance storytellings that feel all written from the same hand. Emily Waters has a narrative that transports you in time, that screams talent and elegance. I’m finally reading about women who seem human, complex and relatable. Two is a Pattern deals with healing and grief while keeping the suspense that comes with being on the wrong side of the CIA.
Annie is a really compelling narrator; she likes keeping secrets from the reader and half of the experience is trying to figure out what happened before she reveals the mystery. She reminded me a bit of Lisbeth Salander (Millennium trilogy), which makes sense because it’s hinted that Annie’s also autistic. However, they are really different in the way they act; Annie is more predictable and reliable, and also easier to understand.
Usually I avoid age-gaps romances-which makes finding a good sapphic romance even more difficult, people LOVE that trope-, but here it made sense. The love interest of the story, Helen, is a mother of three children, Annie’s landlord and her future professor at university. She has her own traumas, but I don’t want to get into details because Helen herself is part of the mystery. I simply adored how she couldn’t help caring about the new addition to her home as if it was one more child, which is weird because I usually don’t like those dynamics. Maybe it helped that Annie was an ex-CIA agent who was more than capable of protecting herself, not a twenty year old naive college student crushing on her professor. Maybe it’s just because their feelings grew so slowly it made sense when it finally happened. What I’m trying to say it’s that they complimented each other and made a good team so everything made sense when they finally reached the romance part.
This book shows that you can like almost any trope if the delivery is good. Usually I’m not a fan of what happened in the third act either, but here it made perfect sense and I wouldn’t have believed the love story otherwise. It was the kind of book that deals with terrible real things and doesn’t forget about that premise later on just to have a romance full of rainbows where everything went alright. Yes, we all know maybe Annie could have done it differently, but she was just a scared twenty-seven year old. I’m sure I would have chosen the same path if I were her.
Overall, Two is a Pattern was a delightful experience that made me realize maybe I shouldn’t be looking for sweet-easy romances after all. I would recommend it if you are tired of generic romances that start to feel too repetitive and need something different. Or if you like general fiction with suspense and romance, but mainly it’s a book for those who enjoy following interesting characters in difficult positions.
I’ve never read a book like this before. The blurb promises a gritty suspense that sounds more like a thriller than a romance, but this book is more about characters and healing than action. Don’t get me wrong, I’d still shelf it as a suspense sapphic romance, it’s just so much more than that.
Ex-CIA agent Annie Weavers is running away. She’s traumatized by the power of her skills, she can’t stand the feeling of blood in her hands. But her ex-boss is not happy about that decision. She’s afraid she’s being followed. She’s afraid she is putting everyone around her in danger. She’s afraid they are not going to let her escape.
Lately I’m getting tired of generic romance storytellings that feel all written from the same hand. Emily Waters has a narrative that transports you in time, that screams talent and elegance. I’m finally reading about women who seem human, complex and relatable. Two is a Pattern deals with healing and grief while keeping the suspense that comes with being on the wrong side of the CIA.
Annie is a really compelling narrator; she likes keeping secrets from the reader and half of the experience is trying to figure out what happened before she reveals the mystery. She reminded me a bit of Lisbeth Salander (Millennium trilogy), which makes sense because it’s hinted that Annie’s also autistic. However, they are really different in the way they act; Annie is more predictable and reliable, and also easier to understand.
Usually I avoid age-gaps romances-which makes finding a good sapphic romance even more difficult, people LOVE that trope-, but here it made sense. The love interest of the story, Helen, is a mother of three children, Annie’s landlord and her future professor at university. She has her own traumas, but I don’t want to get into details because Helen herself is part of the mystery. I simply adored how she couldn’t help caring about the new addition to her home as if it was one more child, which is weird because I usually don’t like those dynamics. Maybe it helped that Annie was an ex-CIA agent who was more than capable of protecting herself, not a twenty year old naive college student crushing on her professor. Maybe it’s just because their feelings grew so slowly it made sense when it finally happened. What I’m trying to say it’s that they complimented each other and made a good team so everything made sense when they finally reached the romance part.
This book shows that you can like almost any trope if the delivery is good. Usually I’m not a fan of what happened in the third act either, but here it made perfect sense and I wouldn’t have believed the love story otherwise. It was the kind of book that deals with terrible real things and doesn’t forget about that premise later on just to have a romance full of rainbows where everything went alright. Yes, we all know maybe Annie could have done it differently, but she was just a scared twenty-seven year old. I’m sure I would have chosen the same path if I were her.
Overall, Two is a Pattern was a delightful experience that made me realize maybe I shouldn’t be looking for sweet-easy romances after all. I would recommend it if you are tired of generic romances that start to feel too repetitive and need something different. Or if you like general fiction with suspense and romance, but mainly it’s a book for those who enjoy following interesting characters in difficult positions.
February 9, 2024
Despite what most people seem to think, Annie Weaver isn’t just a girl. Until very recently, she was a CIA agent, but after an operation in Eastern Europe went wrong, she quit and is about to go back to studying in Los Angeles. Apparently though, the CIA isn’t happy with the breakup and Annie gets caught in a deal she can’t decline. This deal, however, leads her to find a different place to live, bringing her to one of the teachers’ garage apartment.
Set in 1992, Two Is a Pattern, an adaptation of Waters’ fanfic Your Heart Like A Dam When It Breaks, is a roller coaster of a story, both for the characters and the reader. When a book belongs on my mental best-books-of-all-times shelf, I rarely read the synopsis of subsequent books by the same author. I, therefore, didn’t have a clue what the story was going to be beyond the author’s promotional graphic on Instagram. From the cover, I expected it to be different from Honey in the Marrow, which it is, but it didn’t go in the direction I expected. If you think a pretty cover with palm trees means romcom, you’re wrong. It’s Emily Waters after all, and while this story is not as heavy with grief as Honey in the Marrow, it’s not terribly fluffy either. It’s not all darkness and despair—though there’s definitely that as well. There are quite a few lighter moments, and some very sweet yet hot scenes between Annie and Helen. I loved the romance arc and every interaction between the two MCs. Both Annie and Helen are a tad judgy at times, but maybe that comes with the territory.
The spy arc, however, I found most frustrating. I loved the idea but I wish Annie had more agency, a lot happens to her, for reasons that are explained and can make sense, but it could have been balanced with a few scenes about her work, moments when she actually rocks at what she does. And while I like the very end of the book, I would have happily taken 20 or 50 more pages of the events leading to it. That last twist really feels rushed, to the point that it could, in itself, be the premise of another book. I even wondered near the end whether the author was setting us up for a sequel. Actually, I wouldn’t say no to another book that would look into the way Annie and Helen’s relationship would develop after the events of this book, how they’d overcome the pain and hurt and (at least in Annie’s case) PTSD, and where their careers would take them. 3.5⭐️
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read all my reviews on my blog (and please buy from the affiliation links!): Jude in the Stars
January 28, 2024
They couldn't be more different Annie and Helen but unknown to them, behind the scenes they are the same. Annie Weaver had a successful career with the CIA until she bungled it and resigned. Unsure of her future, trying to find sure footing once again, she is back at University for yet another degree: Criminology and also looking for somewhere to rent. Divorced with two children and fostering another, Helen Everton is an Adjunct Professor at the University and has a little rental unit. You get the picture.........Annie's past career won't let go - the tentacles reach far and wide and she is coerced into secret missions once again. Her landlady/Helen thinks she is an "escort" because of her secretive behavior until they meet face to face during a kidnapping investigation. Lt. Everton is with Internal Affairs LAPD. Oh yes, they both have secrets!
I liked Waters' unusual romance. The way Helen juggles being a good mom with her professional careers and Annie struggling to deal with missions and her uni classes but somehow they support each other. A trip out of town is the start to heavier emotions. The plot has angst, loathing, heat and parting from unexpected events and machinations. Years go by before Annie finds a semblance of peace, are happy days to come?
Set in the 90's I was carried along by the intrigue and possible happiness and easily recommend this book.
I liked Waters' unusual romance. The way Helen juggles being a good mom with her professional careers and Annie struggling to deal with missions and her uni classes but somehow they support each other. A trip out of town is the start to heavier emotions. The plot has angst, loathing, heat and parting from unexpected events and machinations. Years go by before Annie finds a semblance of peace, are happy days to come?
Set in the 90's I was carried along by the intrigue and possible happiness and easily recommend this book.
January 20, 2024
This is a story about Annie who is recruited into the CIA right after college graduation. Her job requires her to interrogate people who are victims or persons of interest to get more information to capture the lead bad guys. She spends several years in Eastern Europe and eventually quits after a very difficult case.
Back in the US she decides to go to California and get her masters degree at UCLA. There she meets Helen who is an associate professor.
I really liked Water’s writing style and character development. And this book had a great plot with some good action scenes.
Annie’s character was very unique and different than any character I have read lately. She was super intelligent and learned how to work the system to her advantage despite her misogynistic and evil boss. Annie’s and Helen relationship was excellent in my view. I also enjoyed Helen’s children. I think they added to show Helen’s character as a devoted mom and as a person who was comfortable with her self.
I would recommend this book to my book friends.
Thanks to Net Galley for allowing me read and enjoy this book.
Back in the US she decides to go to California and get her masters degree at UCLA. There she meets Helen who is an associate professor.
I really liked Water’s writing style and character development. And this book had a great plot with some good action scenes.
Annie’s character was very unique and different than any character I have read lately. She was super intelligent and learned how to work the system to her advantage despite her misogynistic and evil boss. Annie’s and Helen relationship was excellent in my view. I also enjoyed Helen’s children. I think they added to show Helen’s character as a devoted mom and as a person who was comfortable with her self.
I would recommend this book to my book friends.
Thanks to Net Galley for allowing me read and enjoy this book.
June 5, 2025
What a wonderful book. A romance with lots of exciting thriller elements.
Annie is a CIA agent, or rather she was. After terrible events, she has quit her job and wants to start all over again with a new degree. In LA she meets single mother Helen, who also teaches at Annie's university. Out of necessity, Helen offers her a place to stay. But Annie's past quickly catches up with her and she soon has to decide what to do with her life. Does Helen have a place in her dangerous life?
The story about Helen and Annie captivated me from the very first pages. Great writing that is very vivid and takes you deep into the events of the two women in the 90s. I also had to get used to it first: a pager, landline phones and not being able to contact someone else at any time via cell phone. The feelings between the two women really touched me. Annie's inner struggles were so wrenching and desperate. Both women were definitely very complex and I quickly liked them both. But it wasn't just the characters that I loved, it was also the plot. It wasn't linear and I didn't find it predictable at all. In addition to the main plot, there were several side stories that were just as touching. The book is told from Annie's point of view and I missed Helen's point of view in some places. I would have loved to know her thoughts.
Overall, I really liked the book! I would have liked to have read another 100 pages about this little family and I thought it was a shame that it was over so quickly. I also thought the ending was well done, but I would have liked it to have been a bit more detailed. A great book with lots of emotion, spice, longing and suspense.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC.
Was für ein wundervolles Buch. Eine Romanze mit vielen spannenden Krimielementen.
Annie ist CIA Agentin oder viel mehr war sie es. Nach schlimmen Ereignissen hat sie den Job an den Nagel gehangen und will mit einem neuen Studium noch einmal von vorne anfangen. In LA trifft sie auf die alleinerziehende Mutter Helen, die an Annies Uni auch unterrichtet. Aus der Not heraus bietet Helen ihr eine Unterkunft an. Doch Annies Vergangenheit holt sie schnell ein und schon bald muss sie entscheiden, wie ihr Leben weitergehen soll. Hat Helen einen Platz in ihrem gefährlichen Leben?
Die Geschichte über Helen und Annie hat mich schon nach den ersten Seiten in den Bann gezogen. Ein toller Schreibstil, der sehr bildlich ist und einen tief in die Geschehnisse von den beiden Frauen in den 90iger Jahren mitnimmt. Daran musste ich mich auch erst mal gewöhnen: ein Pager, Festnetztelefone und nicht die Möglichkeit haben jederzeit über das Handy mit jemand anderen Kontakt aufzunehmen. Die Gefühle zwischen den beiden Frauen haben mich sehr berührt. Annies innere Kämpfe waren so zerreissend und verzweifelnd. Beide Frauen waren auf jeden Fall sehr komplex und ich mochte schnell beide. Aber nicht nur die Charaktere fand ich sehr gut, sondern auch die Handlung. Es war nicht linear und für mich auch überhaupt nicht vorhersehbar. Neben dem Hauptplot gab es noch mehrere Nebengeschichten, die genauso berührend waren. Das Buch wird aus Annies Sicht erzählt und mir hat an einigen Stellen die Sicht von Helen gefehlt. Wie gerne hätte ich ihre Gedanken erfahren.
Insgesamt mochte ich das Buch sehr! Ich hätte gerne noch 100 Seiten mehr von dieser kleinen Familie gelesen und fand es sehr schade, dass es so schnell vorbei war. Das Ende fand ich auch sehr gelungen, hätte mir aber gewünscht, dass es vielleicht noch etwas ausführlicher gewesen wäre. Ein tolles Buch mit vielen Emotionen, Spice, Sehnsucht und Spannung.
Vielen Dank an Netgalley und den Verlag, die mir ein Rezensionsexemplar zur Verfügung gestellt haben.
Annie is a CIA agent, or rather she was. After terrible events, she has quit her job and wants to start all over again with a new degree. In LA she meets single mother Helen, who also teaches at Annie's university. Out of necessity, Helen offers her a place to stay. But Annie's past quickly catches up with her and she soon has to decide what to do with her life. Does Helen have a place in her dangerous life?
The story about Helen and Annie captivated me from the very first pages. Great writing that is very vivid and takes you deep into the events of the two women in the 90s. I also had to get used to it first: a pager, landline phones and not being able to contact someone else at any time via cell phone. The feelings between the two women really touched me. Annie's inner struggles were so wrenching and desperate. Both women were definitely very complex and I quickly liked them both. But it wasn't just the characters that I loved, it was also the plot. It wasn't linear and I didn't find it predictable at all. In addition to the main plot, there were several side stories that were just as touching. The book is told from Annie's point of view and I missed Helen's point of view in some places. I would have loved to know her thoughts.
Overall, I really liked the book! I would have liked to have read another 100 pages about this little family and I thought it was a shame that it was over so quickly. I also thought the ending was well done, but I would have liked it to have been a bit more detailed. A great book with lots of emotion, spice, longing and suspense.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC.
Was für ein wundervolles Buch. Eine Romanze mit vielen spannenden Krimielementen.
Annie ist CIA Agentin oder viel mehr war sie es. Nach schlimmen Ereignissen hat sie den Job an den Nagel gehangen und will mit einem neuen Studium noch einmal von vorne anfangen. In LA trifft sie auf die alleinerziehende Mutter Helen, die an Annies Uni auch unterrichtet. Aus der Not heraus bietet Helen ihr eine Unterkunft an. Doch Annies Vergangenheit holt sie schnell ein und schon bald muss sie entscheiden, wie ihr Leben weitergehen soll. Hat Helen einen Platz in ihrem gefährlichen Leben?
Die Geschichte über Helen und Annie hat mich schon nach den ersten Seiten in den Bann gezogen. Ein toller Schreibstil, der sehr bildlich ist und einen tief in die Geschehnisse von den beiden Frauen in den 90iger Jahren mitnimmt. Daran musste ich mich auch erst mal gewöhnen: ein Pager, Festnetztelefone und nicht die Möglichkeit haben jederzeit über das Handy mit jemand anderen Kontakt aufzunehmen. Die Gefühle zwischen den beiden Frauen haben mich sehr berührt. Annies innere Kämpfe waren so zerreissend und verzweifelnd. Beide Frauen waren auf jeden Fall sehr komplex und ich mochte schnell beide. Aber nicht nur die Charaktere fand ich sehr gut, sondern auch die Handlung. Es war nicht linear und für mich auch überhaupt nicht vorhersehbar. Neben dem Hauptplot gab es noch mehrere Nebengeschichten, die genauso berührend waren. Das Buch wird aus Annies Sicht erzählt und mir hat an einigen Stellen die Sicht von Helen gefehlt. Wie gerne hätte ich ihre Gedanken erfahren.
Insgesamt mochte ich das Buch sehr! Ich hätte gerne noch 100 Seiten mehr von dieser kleinen Familie gelesen und fand es sehr schade, dass es so schnell vorbei war. Das Ende fand ich auch sehr gelungen, hätte mir aber gewünscht, dass es vielleicht noch etwas ausführlicher gewesen wäre. Ein tolles Buch mit vielen Emotionen, Spice, Sehnsucht und Spannung.
Vielen Dank an Netgalley und den Verlag, die mir ein Rezensionsexemplar zur Verfügung gestellt haben.
January 18, 2024
4 Stars
I wanna focus on one of the main characters for my review, Annie, being so competent at her job that her work didn’t want to let her go. She’s smart AND attractive yet doesn’t give two shits about the favour her looks carries. She battled misogyny her whole career all day everyday and she was a trooper about it. Despite her competency in that area of her life she couldn’t make heads or tails of her personal life. She’s far from perfect and that’s what endears her to me.
It was a tentative start and maybeee a slow burn? For me it was. The cast of characters relationship growth felt natural and authentic. The secrecy added intrigue and excitement to the story.
I wanna focus on one of the main characters for my review, Annie, being so competent at her job that her work didn’t want to let her go. She’s smart AND attractive yet doesn’t give two shits about the favour her looks carries. She battled misogyny her whole career all day everyday and she was a trooper about it. Despite her competency in that area of her life she couldn’t make heads or tails of her personal life. She’s far from perfect and that’s what endears her to me.
It was a tentative start and maybeee a slow burn? For me it was. The cast of characters relationship growth felt natural and authentic. The secrecy added intrigue and excitement to the story.
February 26, 2024
The first half was a solid 3 stars for me, and I struggled with keeping my focus on the story, and it felt dragged. It also really needed better editing.
However, the second half won me over, and I was deeply invested. The time just flew by.
I liked how well the atmosphere of the 90s was preserved throughout the entire book and how realistic the spy side of the story was. It wasn't that overdramatic, and it was believable.
I also just fell in love with Annie as the main character. Because it is the Annie book foremost and the romance felt secondary. I believed in the "she's unbelievably smart and charming" pitch because she just is. I rooted for her and her happiness.
On the one hand, I would have liked a second instalment of this story instead of a rushed conclusion in the last chapter. But at the same time, I feel more or less satisfied with how it ended. The idea certainly felt fresh among the recent romance works in general.
However, the second half won me over, and I was deeply invested. The time just flew by.
I liked how well the atmosphere of the 90s was preserved throughout the entire book and how realistic the spy side of the story was. It wasn't that overdramatic, and it was believable.
I also just fell in love with Annie as the main character. Because it is the Annie book foremost and the romance felt secondary. I believed in the "she's unbelievably smart and charming" pitch because she just is. I rooted for her and her happiness.
On the one hand, I would have liked a second instalment of this story instead of a rushed conclusion in the last chapter. But at the same time, I feel more or less satisfied with how it ended. The idea certainly felt fresh among the recent romance works in general.
April 4, 2024
I absolutely adored Emily Waters' debut, Honey in the Marrow mainly due to the way she uses her characters to enhance her storytelling and Two is a Pattern is very similar in that way. I loved this book and it really came down to the characters.
Two is a Pattern is set against the nostalgic backdrop of the '90s and weaves a complex tale of love, self-discovery, and the shadows of the past. Waters masterfully crafts a world where the romance, though not the sole focus, resonates deeply, thanks to its richly drawn characters and the palpable chemistry among them.
Annie, our protagonist, is a study in contradictions - brilliant, chaotic yet undeniably relatable. Her journey from a CIA operative to general normalcy, all while navigating the complexities of love and duty, is compelling. I loved the way the author tells us her backstory and paints a picture of why she is the way she is. Helen, though not our main focus, steals scenes with her depth and vulnerability. Waters' ability to create such vivid, flawed, and lovable characters is where the novel truly shines.
Two is a Pattern invites readers into a meticulously crafted world where every detail, from the political intrigue of the '90s to the personal struggles of its characters, is woven together with a thoughtful consideration of what it means to find one's place in the world. This isn't just a book; it's an experience - one that ends on a note of hopeful ambiguity, promising more adventures to come. A highly recommended read for anyone who cherishes depth, diversity, and a dash of nostalgia in their storytelling.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Ylva Publishing for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
Two is a Pattern is set against the nostalgic backdrop of the '90s and weaves a complex tale of love, self-discovery, and the shadows of the past. Waters masterfully crafts a world where the romance, though not the sole focus, resonates deeply, thanks to its richly drawn characters and the palpable chemistry among them.
Annie, our protagonist, is a study in contradictions - brilliant, chaotic yet undeniably relatable. Her journey from a CIA operative to general normalcy, all while navigating the complexities of love and duty, is compelling. I loved the way the author tells us her backstory and paints a picture of why she is the way she is. Helen, though not our main focus, steals scenes with her depth and vulnerability. Waters' ability to create such vivid, flawed, and lovable characters is where the novel truly shines.
Two is a Pattern invites readers into a meticulously crafted world where every detail, from the political intrigue of the '90s to the personal struggles of its characters, is woven together with a thoughtful consideration of what it means to find one's place in the world. This isn't just a book; it's an experience - one that ends on a note of hopeful ambiguity, promising more adventures to come. A highly recommended read for anyone who cherishes depth, diversity, and a dash of nostalgia in their storytelling.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Ylva Publishing for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2024
Oooh unfortunately, the ending of this one gave me whiplash and soured me on it, a bit. if the ending hadn’t happened this had been careening toward a high four star read for me. But it shifted gears so fast it rlly left me wanting. I’ll try to be vague-ish with the spoilers but I’m not annoyed bc it’s not a HEA, I actually love when sapphic romance books kinda don’t follow the formula and do things a little different. but, that time jump and ending felt SO rushed. It felt like we were building up something intriguing, and things were picking up from the sort of slow build, only to have it cut off, a huge time jump, a speedy run down of what went down in-between (which felt… irritating from Annie, to say the least) and then jump cut to saying, “the end” with some jazz hands.
Which is SUCH a disappointment after how much I loved Honey in the Marrow. I’ll def still be on the lookout for this author, but the rushed whiplash of an ending here is making me a little more wary.
Before that tho? I was having a blast. So I wish she had stuck the landing or drawn it out and split it over two books. Idk. Smth else than this. Bc I was very into it and wanted more. And like, again, I’m not even solely talking abt the romance here, it felt like leaving the spy stuff in a lurch right as things were picking up, too. Just, totally rushed and honestly not great, which sucks! Bc I was having a great time until the time jump!!!
Which is SUCH a disappointment after how much I loved Honey in the Marrow. I’ll def still be on the lookout for this author, but the rushed whiplash of an ending here is making me a little more wary.
Before that tho? I was having a blast. So I wish she had stuck the landing or drawn it out and split it over two books. Idk. Smth else than this. Bc I was very into it and wanted more. And like, again, I’m not even solely talking abt the romance here, it felt like leaving the spy stuff in a lurch right as things were picking up, too. Just, totally rushed and honestly not great, which sucks! Bc I was having a great time until the time jump!!!
January 18, 2024
3.5 Stars
The ending felt rushed.. after they haven't talked to each other for like over a decade?!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2024
An intriguing glimpse into the mind of a woman who is used to deceive and play a part. A woman who ends up being used as a pawn in a dirty game herself, while trying to build a life of her own and falling for a woman she has no business falling for.
I received an advance review copy for free from Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Annie Weaver is done. Done with her life as a CIA agent after her mistake caused people to die. And done with her manipulating boss. She wants to start over. That’s how Annie ends up in L.A. planning to get her master’s degree and figuring out what is next for her. When a student housing mix up forces her to rent a garage apartment from a professor, she didn’t expect to slowly fall for her new landlord. But the most unexpected development comes in the form of her nasty, old boss who doesn’t want to release her from his clutches and forces Annie to work for him again.
I was immediately drawn to Annie’s manner of thinking about the people and the world around her. She is trained to be observant, but it is more than that. It seems she inherently knows how to position herself in a situation to get what she wants out of it. She plays people like an expensive violin all while coming across as trustworthy and authentic. That would normally make me dislike that person immediately, but somehow Emily Waters makes me love Annie a little bit more with every turn of the page. The way she lets you spend time inside Annie’s head is remarkable.
The relationship Annie builds with Helen and her kids feels like the only authentic thing in her life. Even though she starts out being very deliberate about her way of connecting with them, you can feel the switch in her thinking when she starts treating her time with Helen like a coming home. The relieve Annie feels when she can finally tell Helen more about her life is palpable.
I would have loved to see more of the actual relationship Annie and Helen build together. We only get brief glances into that and a few very steamy scenes. Though I am definitely not complaining about the latter 😉 I would have loved to read more about where they ultimately end up after so much has happened.
The story takes place in the early nineties. For me personally it was great to go back to that time and relive the first technical inventions like the matrix printer, the pager etc. It could actually hear that printer in my mind spewing out pages that were attached to each other and the little rim that you could tear off.
This is a very interesting read and definitely not a run of the mill sapphic romance. That in itself makes it well worth your time!
I received an advance review copy for free from Netgalley and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Annie Weaver is done. Done with her life as a CIA agent after her mistake caused people to die. And done with her manipulating boss. She wants to start over. That’s how Annie ends up in L.A. planning to get her master’s degree and figuring out what is next for her. When a student housing mix up forces her to rent a garage apartment from a professor, she didn’t expect to slowly fall for her new landlord. But the most unexpected development comes in the form of her nasty, old boss who doesn’t want to release her from his clutches and forces Annie to work for him again.
I was immediately drawn to Annie’s manner of thinking about the people and the world around her. She is trained to be observant, but it is more than that. It seems she inherently knows how to position herself in a situation to get what she wants out of it. She plays people like an expensive violin all while coming across as trustworthy and authentic. That would normally make me dislike that person immediately, but somehow Emily Waters makes me love Annie a little bit more with every turn of the page. The way she lets you spend time inside Annie’s head is remarkable.
The relationship Annie builds with Helen and her kids feels like the only authentic thing in her life. Even though she starts out being very deliberate about her way of connecting with them, you can feel the switch in her thinking when she starts treating her time with Helen like a coming home. The relieve Annie feels when she can finally tell Helen more about her life is palpable.
I would have loved to see more of the actual relationship Annie and Helen build together. We only get brief glances into that and a few very steamy scenes. Though I am definitely not complaining about the latter 😉 I would have loved to read more about where they ultimately end up after so much has happened.
The story takes place in the early nineties. For me personally it was great to go back to that time and relive the first technical inventions like the matrix printer, the pager etc. It could actually hear that printer in my mind spewing out pages that were attached to each other and the little rim that you could tear off.
This is a very interesting read and definitely not a run of the mill sapphic romance. That in itself makes it well worth your time!
January 27, 2024
As I initially forgot this is set in the early 90’s a couple of things surprised me, like using a pay phone in a hotel corridor, or listening to tapes in a car!
I read this in one sitting. This a rare blend novel where the romance and intrigue have 50% billing and they are intertwined, it’s not romance for half the novel, then an intrigue novel. Both happen at once. This really is one of the best romantic blend novels I have read. I enjoyed seeing the romance unfold as I wasn’t sure what would happen with the intrigue. The ending is perfect. To be so out of agency, to be so talented….. Not a neatly wrapped solution. Perfect.
Great job.
I read this in one sitting. This a rare blend novel where the romance and intrigue have 50% billing and they are intertwined, it’s not romance for half the novel, then an intrigue novel. Both happen at once. This really is one of the best romantic blend novels I have read. I enjoyed seeing the romance unfold as I wasn’t sure what would happen with the intrigue. The ending is perfect. To be so out of agency, to be so talented….. Not a neatly wrapped solution. Perfect.
Great job.
March 4, 2024
Not going to pretend otherwise, the ending threw me: but the tale was a good one, the premise a bit off the wall but close enough for me to buy and live. She writes really well and I’ll look for others by her. Recommended.
February 18, 2024
The idea of this book is fun enough, but I struggled with reading. It could have done with much tighter editing. It kind of made it unpleasant to read at times.
Other than that the book is ok, will not be my favourite.
Other than that the book is ok, will not be my favourite.
February 21, 2024
Romance with a Twist!
Annie has quit her job with the CIA after a mission that went horribly wrong, and decides to head back to college. The CIA however have other ideas, and Annie finds herself suddenly juggling a job and her courses while living in the garage of one of the professors, Helen. It’s not long before Helen starts putting pieces together about Annie, but Annie has to keep her from discovering the truth to keep Helen and her family safe.
Loved this! From the early nineties era it is set in, to the simplicity of a story centred around someone who worked for the CIA when tech was new and not the highly intuitive things they are nowadays. It was so reminisce of a time I sort of remember, and wish we still had today, like no phone in your pocket, and not being able to find every little detail of someone’s life on the internet. It meant Annie had her work cut out, had to go on missions that were potentially dangerous and invoked some sleuthing skills. What was great was all the red-herrings though, I was sure there was going to be something I overlooked or missed that’d really connect the dots between Helen and Annie on some other level, and yet it wasn’t like that at all, and I loved how unpredictable it all was.
Annie had been through some very traumatic events and she was desperate not to have history repeat itself. She quickly found herself really a part of Helen’s family and they were developing a relationship from a distance for the longest while before an opportunity to act on it had them delving in without consideration for the complications it might cause. Everything moved so fast, and at first Annie’s resistance to the CIA leaving her little choice was great, but at the end of the day there was no denying she was good at what she did and made for it.
Everything about this story was unexpected, to the point it had me addicted to learning more, so I just couldn’t put it down, and can’t wait to read it again. Such a great story!
Annie has quit her job with the CIA after a mission that went horribly wrong, and decides to head back to college. The CIA however have other ideas, and Annie finds herself suddenly juggling a job and her courses while living in the garage of one of the professors, Helen. It’s not long before Helen starts putting pieces together about Annie, but Annie has to keep her from discovering the truth to keep Helen and her family safe.
Loved this! From the early nineties era it is set in, to the simplicity of a story centred around someone who worked for the CIA when tech was new and not the highly intuitive things they are nowadays. It was so reminisce of a time I sort of remember, and wish we still had today, like no phone in your pocket, and not being able to find every little detail of someone’s life on the internet. It meant Annie had her work cut out, had to go on missions that were potentially dangerous and invoked some sleuthing skills. What was great was all the red-herrings though, I was sure there was going to be something I overlooked or missed that’d really connect the dots between Helen and Annie on some other level, and yet it wasn’t like that at all, and I loved how unpredictable it all was.
Annie had been through some very traumatic events and she was desperate not to have history repeat itself. She quickly found herself really a part of Helen’s family and they were developing a relationship from a distance for the longest while before an opportunity to act on it had them delving in without consideration for the complications it might cause. Everything moved so fast, and at first Annie’s resistance to the CIA leaving her little choice was great, but at the end of the day there was no denying she was good at what she did and made for it.
Everything about this story was unexpected, to the point it had me addicted to learning more, so I just couldn’t put it down, and can’t wait to read it again. Such a great story!
February 12, 2024
The book was very frustrating because it built up the cases Annie was sent to help with and then cut the scene off when things were starting to get interesting. We got no detail about what Annie ended up helping the police with. It was so much tell and very little show. I thought the book (from the blurb) would have more action and suspense but the tension was barely built and anytime there was something slightly dramatic, it was skipped over quickly.
Annie as a character was also disappointing. For such a smart and badass spy Annie was extremely passive in her interactions with people. It seemed like anyone and everyone bullied her into doing what they wanted or chose what was right for her and she let it happen. At the beginning of the story Annie had a lack of agency in her life and seemed like she didn’t like how her life was structured but by the end nothing had changed in her. It didn’t seem like she did anything to change her circumstances despite being unhappy.
The relationship between Annie and Helen also felt lacklustre, I wanted a bit more intensity and emotion from both of them.
Annie as a character was also disappointing. For such a smart and badass spy Annie was extremely passive in her interactions with people. It seemed like anyone and everyone bullied her into doing what they wanted or chose what was right for her and she let it happen. At the beginning of the story Annie had a lack of agency in her life and seemed like she didn’t like how her life was structured but by the end nothing had changed in her. It didn’t seem like she did anything to change her circumstances despite being unhappy.
The relationship between Annie and Helen also felt lacklustre, I wanted a bit more intensity and emotion from both of them.
January 16, 2024
In the clutches of the Company (CIA)
Set in the early 90s the story focuses on Annie, a mature student doing her second masters, after she left the Company (CIA), but once in their clutches it is nigh impossible to escape them.
First off I really liked how Waters sets the scene in the 90s: landlines (how did we ever live without mobiles, social media and google maps?), pagers, blatant misogyny whereever you looked or listened, guys hitting on every female …
Second there is a subtle and then not so subtle vituperation and loathing of the methods the CIA employs in the US and outside: the lies, the coercion, the corruption of people, the corruption full stop. It seeps more and more into the story and is even more noticeable since it contrasts against the other main character‘s (Helen) family and her kids - BTW I loved those kids and how Annie and the kids grew closer.
I was not a fan of the end though - seemed a bit abrupt and rushed.
Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
Set in the early 90s the story focuses on Annie, a mature student doing her second masters, after she left the Company (CIA), but once in their clutches it is nigh impossible to escape them.
First off I really liked how Waters sets the scene in the 90s: landlines (how did we ever live without mobiles, social media and google maps?), pagers, blatant misogyny whereever you looked or listened, guys hitting on every female …
Second there is a subtle and then not so subtle vituperation and loathing of the methods the CIA employs in the US and outside: the lies, the coercion, the corruption of people, the corruption full stop. It seeps more and more into the story and is even more noticeable since it contrasts against the other main character‘s (Helen) family and her kids - BTW I loved those kids and how Annie and the kids grew closer.
I was not a fan of the end though - seemed a bit abrupt and rushed.
Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. The review is left voluntarily.
March 13, 2024
I think the end was rushed and I wanted to read more about Annie and Hellen. But overall this book was really good. :)
January 15, 2024
Waters pens another novel about a woman in California navigating her way through the liminal space of big life changes, but the two novels could really not be more different in the best ways possible, each of them a gem in their own right.
In "Two is a Pattern," there's almost a frenetic kind of energy as we follow the protagonist, Annie, through her leaving the CIA and attempting to start fresh in grad school in California. Waters' style lends itself to building this energy - I very much felt Annie's adrenaline in a way that felt like treading water in a whirlpool - but it does so much more than that. Waters' distinctive writing style tells us exactly what we need to know, and in that, provides us with so much *more* left unsaid between the lines. It helps make the characters feel more lived in than they already are. It's another of Waters' strengths, the level of detail woven into the tapestry of the book as a whole to not only bring the characters to life, but to treat the environment almost as a character in and of itself.
My only "complaint," if we can even call it that, is that I was left wanting more. I wanted more time with the secondary characters. I wanted to know more about Helen. I wanted more time with her and Annie's love story (though I suppose that, in particular, is part of the point, given where we end pre-epilogue). I was worried going into this that the student/teacher and age gap were going to hit on personal squicks of mine, but Waters handles them well in a way that, for the most part, doesn't feel inappropriate. They're both adults over the age of 25, and the student/teacher dynamic doesn't come into play until later in the story, without any hints of uncomfortable power dynamics and imbalance.
But Waters judiciously chooses her words to the point where for all that's left said, you get almost a half book in the things she leaves unsaid, and it feels selfish to want more of all of the good we were already given.
Also, bonus points for Paula Abdul, I see you.
[NetGalley was kind enough to provide me with an ARC for this title.]
In "Two is a Pattern," there's almost a frenetic kind of energy as we follow the protagonist, Annie, through her leaving the CIA and attempting to start fresh in grad school in California. Waters' style lends itself to building this energy - I very much felt Annie's adrenaline in a way that felt like treading water in a whirlpool - but it does so much more than that. Waters' distinctive writing style tells us exactly what we need to know, and in that, provides us with so much *more* left unsaid between the lines. It helps make the characters feel more lived in than they already are. It's another of Waters' strengths, the level of detail woven into the tapestry of the book as a whole to not only bring the characters to life, but to treat the environment almost as a character in and of itself.
My only "complaint," if we can even call it that, is that I was left wanting more. I wanted more time with the secondary characters. I wanted to know more about Helen. I wanted more time with her and Annie's love story (though I suppose that, in particular, is part of the point, given where we end pre-epilogue). I was worried going into this that the student/teacher and age gap were going to hit on personal squicks of mine, but Waters handles them well in a way that, for the most part, doesn't feel inappropriate. They're both adults over the age of 25, and the student/teacher dynamic doesn't come into play until later in the story, without any hints of uncomfortable power dynamics and imbalance.
But Waters judiciously chooses her words to the point where for all that's left said, you get almost a half book in the things she leaves unsaid, and it feels selfish to want more of all of the good we were already given.
Also, bonus points for Paula Abdul, I see you.
[NetGalley was kind enough to provide me with an ARC for this title.]
November 27, 2024
Content warnings: mentions of past murders, police activity, sexism and misogyny, mentions of abusive parent and foster care, d-slur used.
Rep: Annie (MC) is cis, white, and bisexual. Helen (LI) is cis, white, and likely bisexual as well. No labels used.
This was great! I felt a specific kind of "ooof" when realising it was set in 1992, and the references to analogue and finally going digital with the world. It was done great, though!
The plot was fantastic, I enjoyed Annie's character a lot. I appreciated the development with Annie and Helen's relationship as well.
Words are hard, but this book was great!
Rep: Annie (MC) is cis, white, and bisexual. Helen (LI) is cis, white, and likely bisexual as well. No labels used.
This was great! I felt a specific kind of "ooof" when realising it was set in 1992, and the references to analogue and finally going digital with the world. It was done great, though!
The plot was fantastic, I enjoyed Annie's character a lot. I appreciated the development with Annie and Helen's relationship as well.
Words are hard, but this book was great!
January 5, 2025
This story was slow to start, but I’m very glad I stuck around. I fell in love with the Evertons and Annie & Helen. That storyline and friendship was so cute and sad and sweet. The pacing at times irked me a bit, it kind of broke off abruptly in scenes, but overall everything about this book was solid.
4.8 stars
4.8 stars
January 19, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
I’m not the biggest fan of spy/central intelligence/cop books but this was entertaining. I loved that it was set in the 90’s!
I’m not the biggest fan of spy/central intelligence/cop books but this was entertaining. I loved that it was set in the 90’s!
January 18, 2024
I read both of Emily Waters' books back to back. I didn’t realize Honey in the Marrow (Oct 2022) was her debut novel. Story wise this is very different, but her writing style is distinctive. Annie Weaver is a brilliant and talented CIA operative, recruited out of college. When a mission goes horribly wrong she tries to leave The Company, and they don’t want to let her go. She moves to California to pursue a second masters degree and her old boss makes things uncomfortable enough that she agrees to be lent to other local agencies that can use her interrogation or language skills. She is taking classes in criminology and ends up living over the garage of Helen Everton, one of the teachers in the department.
Helen is a mother of two and fostering a baby as well and Annie enjoys helping with the kids. This is primarily Annie’s story and while she is extremely competent at her job, she can’t control much else in her world. I love the moments she and Helen share together. And if I had one complaint it would be there aren’t enough of those. I was riveted till the very end. The writing leaves the reader to read a lot between the lines. Every emotion and thought isn’t on the page but left for you to decipher. Rounding down only because the ending comes together almost abruptly.
I will watch for whatever Emily Waters writes next. Thank you to NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review. (4.5 Stars)
Helen is a mother of two and fostering a baby as well and Annie enjoys helping with the kids. This is primarily Annie’s story and while she is extremely competent at her job, she can’t control much else in her world. I love the moments she and Helen share together. And if I had one complaint it would be there aren’t enough of those. I was riveted till the very end. The writing leaves the reader to read a lot between the lines. Every emotion and thought isn’t on the page but left for you to decipher. Rounding down only because the ending comes together almost abruptly.
I will watch for whatever Emily Waters writes next. Thank you to NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for the ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review. (4.5 Stars)
Read
April 29, 2025Two Is A Pattern is an Adult Romantic Suspense novel that I really liked. I thought it was an engaging and quick read. I was expecting a little more suspense and external tension, but I’m okay with the focus being more on the build up between the main character and love interest. I’m always here for the romance haha
I really liked Annie. A badass, young spy who left the CIA after a mission gone wrong. She’s trying to start a new life in LA when her past comes back to haunt her.
I also really liked the love interest, Helen. An intelligent professor and loving mother who rents out her garage to Annie.
There’s a slow burn between the two of them. And some tension, as the novel is set in the early 90s, homosexuality is not exactly as accepted as it is today. Thankfully there isn’t too much homophobia on page—mostly gross/offensive comments.
That aside, I did enjoy this book. It’s a great read for anyone looking for a romance with some minor suspense on the side.
I really liked Annie. A badass, young spy who left the CIA after a mission gone wrong. She’s trying to start a new life in LA when her past comes back to haunt her.
I also really liked the love interest, Helen. An intelligent professor and loving mother who rents out her garage to Annie.
There’s a slow burn between the two of them. And some tension, as the novel is set in the early 90s, homosexuality is not exactly as accepted as it is today. Thankfully there isn’t too much homophobia on page—mostly gross/offensive comments.
That aside, I did enjoy this book. It’s a great read for anyone looking for a romance with some minor suspense on the side.
February 8, 2024
I enjoyed reading this book and I definitely think it deserves more attention. It's a great book with an interesting, original plot (spies!!) and it's set in the 90s, which was nice for a change.
I think that Annie's character was incredibly well written. Her backstory was interesting to me and made me want to know more about her. Although I liked the romance between her and Helen, it felt too distracting and took up space for the main plot. Their romance was a bit slow and definitely got more interesting when they admitted their feelings to each other. I also liked how Annie grew closer with Helen's children and really formed a connection with them.
I kind of lost interest in the book around 60% and I found the ending a bit rushed and messy. Overall it was alright, but it's definitely worth a try!
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I think that Annie's character was incredibly well written. Her backstory was interesting to me and made me want to know more about her. Although I liked the romance between her and Helen, it felt too distracting and took up space for the main plot. Their romance was a bit slow and definitely got more interesting when they admitted their feelings to each other. I also liked how Annie grew closer with Helen's children and really formed a connection with them.
I kind of lost interest in the book around 60% and I found the ending a bit rushed and messy. Overall it was alright, but it's definitely worth a try!
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 14, 2024
I finished the book yesterday. It made such an impact on me that I am still numb. It was serious, intelligent, emotional, sad, scary, intense, very sexy, and not anything even close to Honey in the Marrow, a book I’ve probably listened to multiple times because the storyline was something I could relate to in my own life.
Annie Weaver was caught in a web, beginning as an agent for the CIA, trained in interrogation and fluent in Slavic languages. Serving overseas, a woman and her two young children died because of a bad decision she made with her libido; a mistake that would cause her to fear future decisions. She was trapped in an abnormal situation by a boss who used his obsession with her to control her.
She had moved to Los Angeles to get another masters degree at UCLA, but she remained under the thumb of her CIA boss and his unreasonable demands of her. She rented a small room in the garage of an adjunct professor, Helen Everton, who was suspicious and concerned about Annie’s sometimes sudden disappearance in the middle of the night, and even wondered if she could possibly be a call girl.
I loved this storyline with Helen’s family and the sexual chemistry the two had, but the relationship was risky because of her previous mistake and her not wanting anything bad to happen to others in her life. The hurt and pain was difficult, as things happened that were out of her control.
I just loved this book. It was such great reading. I wished it had been longer but, in reality, it wasn’t necessary to drag things out. The ending was fine because things that could happen next were inferred.
This book was so well written and designed that I was glued to my sofa and couldn’t stop reading. I bow and cheer to Emily Waters and thank her for the joy I received from reading it.
I thank NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion
Annie Weaver was caught in a web, beginning as an agent for the CIA, trained in interrogation and fluent in Slavic languages. Serving overseas, a woman and her two young children died because of a bad decision she made with her libido; a mistake that would cause her to fear future decisions. She was trapped in an abnormal situation by a boss who used his obsession with her to control her.
She had moved to Los Angeles to get another masters degree at UCLA, but she remained under the thumb of her CIA boss and his unreasonable demands of her. She rented a small room in the garage of an adjunct professor, Helen Everton, who was suspicious and concerned about Annie’s sometimes sudden disappearance in the middle of the night, and even wondered if she could possibly be a call girl.
I loved this storyline with Helen’s family and the sexual chemistry the two had, but the relationship was risky because of her previous mistake and her not wanting anything bad to happen to others in her life. The hurt and pain was difficult, as things happened that were out of her control.
I just loved this book. It was such great reading. I wished it had been longer but, in reality, it wasn’t necessary to drag things out. The ending was fine because things that could happen next were inferred.
This book was so well written and designed that I was glued to my sofa and couldn’t stop reading. I bow and cheer to Emily Waters and thank her for the joy I received from reading it.
I thank NetGalley and Ylva Publishing for the arc in exchange for my honest opinion
August 22, 2024
There is something about Waters writing style that just draws me in. I devoured this book because at every page, I needed to know what happened next. I would not call this a romance per say, yes there is a slow burn romance brewing between the two mains but it felt secondary to this ex-CIA agent being forced back into her old job against her will. Some sapphic Alias vibes minus all the random fighting. Main knit: the ending felt incredibly abrupt and just left me wanting and un-satiated.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews