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Spy Games #1
Her Spy to Have
The games are about to begin.
Au pair and Canadian ex-pat Isabelle Beausejour has been living abroad for most of her twenty-four years, traveling the world with her irresponsible father. When Isabelle finds herself stranded in Bangkok, with no job, no money, and nowhere to turn, she soon becomes desperate.
Canadian Security Intelligence Service officer Garrett Downing is on the hunt for Canadian military goods that have gone missing. Instead, he finds himself coming to the aid of a young Canadian woman with more resourcefulness than common sense.
Isabelle has no choice but to accept a stranger’s help in getting back home to Canada. Once there, however, as enemies turn into lovers, it soon becomes a game of keeping secrets. Garrett is more than he seems. Isabelle knows more than she’s willing to admit. Will she choose loyalty to her father over the love of a man who tells lies for a living?
Au pair and Canadian ex-pat Isabelle Beausejour has been living abroad for most of her twenty-four years, traveling the world with her irresponsible father. When Isabelle finds herself stranded in Bangkok, with no job, no money, and nowhere to turn, she soon becomes desperate.
Canadian Security Intelligence Service officer Garrett Downing is on the hunt for Canadian military goods that have gone missing. Instead, he finds himself coming to the aid of a young Canadian woman with more resourcefulness than common sense.
Isabelle has no choice but to accept a stranger’s help in getting back home to Canada. Once there, however, as enemies turn into lovers, it soon becomes a game of keeping secrets. Garrett is more than he seems. Isabelle knows more than she’s willing to admit. Will she choose loyalty to her father over the love of a man who tells lies for a living?
224 pages, Paperback
First published March 4, 2016
About the author
Paula Altenburg
33 books183 followersPaula Altenburg grew up in rural Nova Scotia knowing that at some point in her life she was likely to be a fiction writer. Swapping Louis L’Amour and Zane Grey books with her father guaranteed she wasn’t going to be the next Jane Austen, much to the dismay of her English teacher mother.
A degree in Social Anthropology from the University of King’s College and Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, again meant writing was the logical (meaning only) career path for her, although it did confirm her belief that learning is a life-long experience. She’s taken business courses, writing courses, and physiology of aquatic animals courses, all at the university level and all for fun.
She has worked in the Aerospace industry, although now makes writing her full-time career. Happily married, with two terrific sons, she continues to live in rural Nova Scotia but makes a point of traveling as much as she can.
She reads in all genres, but fantasy and contemporary romance are her writing loves.
A degree in Social Anthropology from the University of King’s College and Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, again meant writing was the logical (meaning only) career path for her, although it did confirm her belief that learning is a life-long experience. She’s taken business courses, writing courses, and physiology of aquatic animals courses, all at the university level and all for fun.
She has worked in the Aerospace industry, although now makes writing her full-time career. Happily married, with two terrific sons, she continues to live in rural Nova Scotia but makes a point of traveling as much as she can.
She reads in all genres, but fantasy and contemporary romance are her writing loves.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 6, 2016
Fantastic read with the perfect amount of sexy, romance, humor, and suspense! Garrett and Isabelle have shot to the top of my favorite couples list. Really loved this one.
March 7, 2016
While in Bangkok to meet an informant, CSIS officer Garrett Downing posing as an Embassy employee, spots Isabelle Beausejour attempting to sell her Canadian passport. When he intervenes, he discovers her last name is familiar and wants to know what she knows about Marc Beausejour and if she is in anyway involved in the theft of national defense property.
Confiscating her passport, he sends her back to Canada where he plans to keep an eye on her. Unbeknownst to him, his brother-in-law, Peter Mansford, a Nova Scotia Member of Parliament hires Isabelle as the summer nanny for his kids. Garrett and Isabelle meet up again when Garrett pays his family a visit, in hopes of getting more information out of Isabelle.
Confession time......I am a romantic suspense snob. Her Spy to Have didn’t bring the level of suspense I’m accustomed to in a romantic suspense. There was no edge of my seat, heart-pounding moments. The story was nice. Isabelle is definitely more than she seems to be, which only adds to Garrett’s curiosity. I found myself trying to figure out what games were being played and by who. There was a little surprise where your heart does end up going out to a character.
I definitely want to see where Paula takes this series next. I would loved to have had at least one of the characters from the next book introduced in this one.
**Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.**
Confiscating her passport, he sends her back to Canada where he plans to keep an eye on her. Unbeknownst to him, his brother-in-law, Peter Mansford, a Nova Scotia Member of Parliament hires Isabelle as the summer nanny for his kids. Garrett and Isabelle meet up again when Garrett pays his family a visit, in hopes of getting more information out of Isabelle.
Confession time......I am a romantic suspense snob. Her Spy to Have didn’t bring the level of suspense I’m accustomed to in a romantic suspense. There was no edge of my seat, heart-pounding moments. The story was nice. Isabelle is definitely more than she seems to be, which only adds to Garrett’s curiosity. I found myself trying to figure out what games were being played and by who. There was a little surprise where your heart does end up going out to a character.
I definitely want to see where Paula takes this series next. I would loved to have had at least one of the characters from the next book introduced in this one.
**Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest unbiased opinion.**
June 19, 2017
First of all, thanks to NetGalley for giving me a chance to read and review this book!
Short Blurb:
The games are about to begin.
Au pair and Canadian ex-pat Isabelle Beausejour has been living abroad for most of her twenty-four years, traveling the world with her irresponsible father. When Isabelle finds herself stranded in Bangkok, with no job, no money, and nowhere to turn, she soon becomes desperate.
Canadian Security Intelligence Service officer Garrett Downing is on the hunt for Canadian military goods that have gone missing. Instead, he finds himself coming to the aid of a young Canadian woman with more resourcefulness than common sense.
Isabelle has no choice but to accept a stranger’s help in getting back home to Canada. Once there, however, as enemies turn into lovers, it soon becomes a game of keeping secrets. Garrett is more than he seems. Isabelle knows more than she’s willing to admit. Will she choose loyalty to her father over the love of a man who tells lies for a living?
Cover Review:
The cover is simple, alluring and in tune with the storyline! I would surely have picked it up to know more about it after seeing that cover.
Review:
The first thing that drew me to this book was when Isabelle met Garret for the very first time, when she was trying to sell her passport. There were mysteries all around. Why was she selling her passport? Who was Garret? Who was Isabelle?
The plot was interesting, mysterious, alluring, passionate and all that I look for in a book. There wasn't much in the way of plot twists, but it was still worth it without them.
The characters though, were full of mysteries. Especially, the character of Isabelle. There was so much I wanted to know about her. But she kept it all hidden. Even after the book ended, there were things I wanted to know, that the author had deemed unimportant to mention. The characters were also realistically described. For once, the heroine wasn't the prettiest lady in the world. For once, the character's inner beauty was focused on. That was the most beautiful part of this book.
The dialogues were witty, the writing style engaging. It is the kind of read that you have to continue reading once started. Otherwise, you'd be left wondering about a million questions!
The ending was the sweetest, most heartwarming I could've asked for. It warmed my heart to know that they'd finally found each other, to have and to hold.
Her Spy To Have gets 4 stars for its heartwarming, mysterious and alluring story and characters.
Short Blurb:
The games are about to begin.
Au pair and Canadian ex-pat Isabelle Beausejour has been living abroad for most of her twenty-four years, traveling the world with her irresponsible father. When Isabelle finds herself stranded in Bangkok, with no job, no money, and nowhere to turn, she soon becomes desperate.
Canadian Security Intelligence Service officer Garrett Downing is on the hunt for Canadian military goods that have gone missing. Instead, he finds himself coming to the aid of a young Canadian woman with more resourcefulness than common sense.
Isabelle has no choice but to accept a stranger’s help in getting back home to Canada. Once there, however, as enemies turn into lovers, it soon becomes a game of keeping secrets. Garrett is more than he seems. Isabelle knows more than she’s willing to admit. Will she choose loyalty to her father over the love of a man who tells lies for a living?
Cover Review:
The cover is simple, alluring and in tune with the storyline! I would surely have picked it up to know more about it after seeing that cover.
Review:
The first thing that drew me to this book was when Isabelle met Garret for the very first time, when she was trying to sell her passport. There were mysteries all around. Why was she selling her passport? Who was Garret? Who was Isabelle?
The plot was interesting, mysterious, alluring, passionate and all that I look for in a book. There wasn't much in the way of plot twists, but it was still worth it without them.
The characters though, were full of mysteries. Especially, the character of Isabelle. There was so much I wanted to know about her. But she kept it all hidden. Even after the book ended, there were things I wanted to know, that the author had deemed unimportant to mention. The characters were also realistically described. For once, the heroine wasn't the prettiest lady in the world. For once, the character's inner beauty was focused on. That was the most beautiful part of this book.
The dialogues were witty, the writing style engaging. It is the kind of read that you have to continue reading once started. Otherwise, you'd be left wondering about a million questions!
The ending was the sweetest, most heartwarming I could've asked for. It warmed my heart to know that they'd finally found each other, to have and to hold.
Her Spy To Have gets 4 stars for its heartwarming, mysterious and alluring story and characters.
July 31, 2017
Her Spy to Have is an exciting, fast paced romantic suspense. Isabelle Beausejour is stuck in Thailand, thanks to her father, who didn't show up when he was supposed to. Now she's trying to find a way back home. She's been working and living abroad most of her life, following her father as he works at what she has always thought was a respectable job. Garrett Downing, a CSIS officer (Canadian Security Intelligence Service) watches as Isabelle sells her Canadian passport, and is very, very interested in the young, seemingly plain young woman's actions. As he shepherds her on her way with an offer to buy her some food if she'll explain to him what she was doing selling her passport, she and he, have no idea that their chance meeting will change both their lives.
Garrett doesn't realize that when he arranges for her way home to Canada, to have someone meet her (and watch her after that to make sure she stays out of trouble) that his brother-in-law would end up hiring her as his nanny, thus ensuring that Isabelle and Garrett would be intertwined in each other's lives from then on. He also has no idea that the young woman whose father he (and the rest of the CSIS and other international agencies) is very interested in catching and bringing to justice, will be the one he falls deeply in love with, even if nothing can ever come of that love.
I really liked Her Spy to Have. It had just the right amount of intrigue and suspense bolstering the ensuing love story. Both Isabelle and Garrett are engaging, likable characters and their chemistry is pretty hot. I liked seeing Isabelle grow and come into her own with Garrett's love and guidance. I am looking forward to more Spy Games stories now!
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
Garrett doesn't realize that when he arranges for her way home to Canada, to have someone meet her (and watch her after that to make sure she stays out of trouble) that his brother-in-law would end up hiring her as his nanny, thus ensuring that Isabelle and Garrett would be intertwined in each other's lives from then on. He also has no idea that the young woman whose father he (and the rest of the CSIS and other international agencies) is very interested in catching and bringing to justice, will be the one he falls deeply in love with, even if nothing can ever come of that love.
I really liked Her Spy to Have. It had just the right amount of intrigue and suspense bolstering the ensuing love story. Both Isabelle and Garrett are engaging, likable characters and their chemistry is pretty hot. I liked seeing Isabelle grow and come into her own with Garrett's love and guidance. I am looking forward to more Spy Games stories now!
I received an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
July 18, 2017
Isabelle Beausejour is an au pair, and Canadian ex-pat, who hasn't had the easiest life. After her mother died, she's taken all over the world with her irresponsible father, so she learned early on, how to take care of herself. But when she gets stranded in Bangkok with no job, nor money, and even her father stood her up, she got desperate. Canadian Security Intelligence Service officer, Garrett Downing has been tasked to find Canadian Military goods that have gone missing. While trying to meet an informant, he instead comes across Isabelle trying to sell her passport in order to get home. He basically blackmails her before taking her to eat, then he even helps her get home to Canada, all the while keeping her passport. However, secrets cover them both, as Garrett is more than he seems, and Isabelle knows more than she will admit. Since this a book of suspense, I'm not giving anything else away. Her Spy to Have was a story that I enjoyed a lot. Isabelle and Garrett with all their cat and mouse games was entertaining to say the least. This is the first book that I've read by Paula Altenburg, and I quickly discovered that she has a talented writing style that drew me in instantly. Twists and turns made for some loud f-bomb dropping moments, while the witty banter was some well placed humor. My issue, (and this is only MY OPINION) was the ending seemed too rushed after the big build up. Nonetheless, I will be reading more by this author asap, so I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
July 21, 2017
Of course I had to dive into this book. It is about spies! I received a copy from Barclay Publicity in exchange for an honest review. Her Spy to Have is the first in the new One Spy Games Series by Paula Altenburg. It is off to a great start. Isabelle, a Canadian citizen is stranded with no money in Bangkok and waiting to meet her father who has not shown up so far. Garrett is an undercover agent/program officer also in Bangkok investigating a weapons deal that just might have something to do with Isabelle's father. She thinks her dad is a security consultant who guards people are over the world, but, Garrett suspects he is much more than a consultant and just might be in the middle of what Garrett is investigating. Garrett helps Isabelle get home to Canada right where he can keep an eye on her.
Several months later Garrett and Isabelle meet up again and the sparks are still flying between them. Garrett is torn between his attraction to Isabelle and his duty to the government. Isabelle is torn between her duty to her father and her attraction to Garrett. She is in a good place right now but, she is worried about her father who she still has had no direct contact with in over six months. She is worried that Garret might be right to be suspicious about her father, but, he is still her dad and she wants to protect him. Garrett wants to protect his country from illegal arms trading, especially if the weapons could possibly make their way into hands that can do a lot of damage in the world. Her Spy to Have has a great clean romance with a good mystery. It is my first foray into the Canadian spy world and I quite enjoyed it. The characters are well-developed. The reader is torn between hoping that Isabelle's dad is innocent and it is all a big mistake and just wanting him caught so the weapons can be located and Garrett and Isabelle can work things out. I look forward to reading the next book in the series! Review can also be read at ladytechiesbookmusings.blogspot.com.
Several months later Garrett and Isabelle meet up again and the sparks are still flying between them. Garrett is torn between his attraction to Isabelle and his duty to the government. Isabelle is torn between her duty to her father and her attraction to Garrett. She is in a good place right now but, she is worried about her father who she still has had no direct contact with in over six months. She is worried that Garret might be right to be suspicious about her father, but, he is still her dad and she wants to protect him. Garrett wants to protect his country from illegal arms trading, especially if the weapons could possibly make their way into hands that can do a lot of damage in the world. Her Spy to Have has a great clean romance with a good mystery. It is my first foray into the Canadian spy world and I quite enjoyed it. The characters are well-developed. The reader is torn between hoping that Isabelle's dad is innocent and it is all a big mistake and just wanting him caught so the weapons can be located and Garrett and Isabelle can work things out. I look forward to reading the next book in the series! Review can also be read at ladytechiesbookmusings.blogspot.com.
September 8, 2017
when garrett catches isabelle trying to sell her passport in bangkok in her spy to have, he's both furious and impressed. isabelle is clearly resourceful and up to something. and when it turns out that she might coincidentally be the daughter of the man he's searching for he's compelled to follow the lead. but he's also compelled to help her, because isabelle is clearly down on her luck and in need of rescuing.
once back in canada isabelle ends up as garrett's sister's new nanny, she assumes that he has everything to do with her newfound employment. obviously, he wants to keep tabs on her. obviously, he's not just a government program officer. she's well aware of his interest in her father, but she believes that her father is misunderstood. she can't believe that the man who raised her would truly be involved in something illegal that could harm people.
garrett admires her loyalty. but at the same time it presents a problem. he doesn't think she actually knows anything about her father's less than legal transactions, but his superiors don't want to miss the chance that isabelle could lead them to him. the problem is actually that garrett finds isabelle compelling and attractive. he can't stay away from her, and it's not just because he's been ordered to spy on her. he wants her any way he can have her. and at the same time he knows that he shouldn't.
isabelle finds herself torn between her loyalties to her father and her attraction to garrett. it's even more difficult as it becomes clear that garrett is right about her father. being with garrett feels like a betrayal of the man who raised her. but her life is better when he is in it. she is happy when he is with her. garrett and isabelle are perfectly matched. her unconventional upbringing makes her the ideal partner in his unconventional life. and as long as they can get past her daddy drama, their future looks bright. which you know, it kind of exactly what you want in a romance novel. this one is surprisingly sweet, given that i was expecting more of a suspense thriller type deal. but that isn't a bad thing.
**her spy to have published on march 4, 2016. i received a digital copy for review courtesy of netgalley/barclay publicity in exchange for my honest assessment.
once back in canada isabelle ends up as garrett's sister's new nanny, she assumes that he has everything to do with her newfound employment. obviously, he wants to keep tabs on her. obviously, he's not just a government program officer. she's well aware of his interest in her father, but she believes that her father is misunderstood. she can't believe that the man who raised her would truly be involved in something illegal that could harm people.
garrett admires her loyalty. but at the same time it presents a problem. he doesn't think she actually knows anything about her father's less than legal transactions, but his superiors don't want to miss the chance that isabelle could lead them to him. the problem is actually that garrett finds isabelle compelling and attractive. he can't stay away from her, and it's not just because he's been ordered to spy on her. he wants her any way he can have her. and at the same time he knows that he shouldn't.
isabelle finds herself torn between her loyalties to her father and her attraction to garrett. it's even more difficult as it becomes clear that garrett is right about her father. being with garrett feels like a betrayal of the man who raised her. but her life is better when he is in it. she is happy when he is with her. garrett and isabelle are perfectly matched. her unconventional upbringing makes her the ideal partner in his unconventional life. and as long as they can get past her daddy drama, their future looks bright. which you know, it kind of exactly what you want in a romance novel. this one is surprisingly sweet, given that i was expecting more of a suspense thriller type deal. but that isn't a bad thing.
**her spy to have published on march 4, 2016. i received a digital copy for review courtesy of netgalley/barclay publicity in exchange for my honest assessment.
June 12, 2017
They Why: It was a fast paced, sexy, but thrill ride of a book that brought two people in unusual circumstances together.
Isabelle is a former au pair and has been living abroad for most of her 24 years of life traveling with her father. But soon her father's disappearance and getting stranded in Bangkok makes her reevaluate her relationship with her father. well, hopefully since she was caught by CSIS- Garrett trying to sell her passport who's there for a different reason. She realizes that she's needs to work with him to find her father and what's he up to.
Garrett doesn't realize the woman he stopped in Bangkok is the daughter of a man who's is dealing with a deeper hole than they both realize. As he tries to keep his eye on Isabelle, but as he finds out more about her father, he begins to keep more than his eyes on her. I started to understand her attachment to her father, but she soon realizes that maybe her father was only doing this himself rather than her. Both of them tries to dance around their feelings and attraction to one another, haha! But in between was what made me chuckle the most.
Final Thoughts: I can't wait to read more of the series and also THAT ENDINGGG!
Isabelle is a former au pair and has been living abroad for most of her 24 years of life traveling with her father. But soon her father's disappearance and getting stranded in Bangkok makes her reevaluate her relationship with her father. well, hopefully since she was caught by CSIS- Garrett trying to sell her passport who's there for a different reason. She realizes that she's needs to work with him to find her father and what's he up to.
Garrett doesn't realize the woman he stopped in Bangkok is the daughter of a man who's is dealing with a deeper hole than they both realize. As he tries to keep his eye on Isabelle, but as he finds out more about her father, he begins to keep more than his eyes on her. I started to understand her attachment to her father, but she soon realizes that maybe her father was only doing this himself rather than her. Both of them tries to dance around their feelings and attraction to one another, haha! But in between was what made me chuckle the most.
Final Thoughts: I can't wait to read more of the series and also THAT ENDINGGG!
June 6, 2017
LOVED this book! I loved the premise of Isabelle being trapped in Bangkok when she encounters Garret. Odd circumstances put them at cross purposes and make for a very entertaining novel that I couldn't put down.
This novel had me turning pages just as quickly as possible, and yet sorry when it ended. If you enjoy smart and fast paced romantic suspense, you will love this book. While it's the first novel I've read by this author, it won't be the last. I can't believe that I've been missing out on her work until now and there is nothing better than finding an author new to you that you love. This author is in that category for me and I'll be working my way through her back list. This is a must read.
This novel had me turning pages just as quickly as possible, and yet sorry when it ended. If you enjoy smart and fast paced romantic suspense, you will love this book. While it's the first novel I've read by this author, it won't be the last. I can't believe that I've been missing out on her work until now and there is nothing better than finding an author new to you that you love. This author is in that category for me and I'll be working my way through her back list. This is a must read.
June 20, 2017
I loved the story line and premise of this book. The writing was fantastic and I thought that the main characters were interesting and well written. The protagonist had great character development, however the main critique that I had for the novel was that I felt held at arms length from the characters and I felt that the main character was a little bland personality wise. All in all I still really enjoyed the story and would love to read more by this author.
August 9, 2017
I received a Net Galley copy for an honest review:
The things I loved about this story was Isabelle's protectiveness for her father and the tension between her and Garrett as he tried to prove her father was trading secrets. I loved the background being set in different cities.
Characters were well developed and the writing was smooth and seamless.
The things I loved about this story was Isabelle's protectiveness for her father and the tension between her and Garrett as he tried to prove her father was trading secrets. I loved the background being set in different cities.
Characters were well developed and the writing was smooth and seamless.
December 28, 2018
Canadian Security Intelligent Garret was in Bangkok on an assignment, and contact person he was to meet was a no show. What he sees is Isabelle trying to sell her passport, for money. Wanting to get back to Canada. He buys her a ticket, has an officer meet her at airport and takes her passport. Now on a months.vacation, he finds Isabella looking after the two children of his sister and brother in law. Peter checked her as Garret wanted, and hired her. Telling him she had excellent references, spoke 4 languages, well traveled and needed a job. Still no contact with her father, he was a small fish in organize crime, was she involved As to being a father he was irresponsible dragging his daughter Isabella around the world. They both are after information, neither wants to give any, yet, want answers. For her she hasn’t heard from her father in months. Then the brother in law is concerned about the attraction that is going on between the two. Good start to the series, clean,enough light hearted intrigue that you want to keep reading.
March 19, 2016
Loving and tender romance between a daughter of an international criminal and Canadian spy, who takes interest in her, in more than just professional meaning.
The set up is interesting in this story, since Garrett first time meets Isabelle, when she is about to commit a crime. From the first moment, Garrett goes way beyond his duty, and gets tangled in Isabelle's life, maybe more than he should, considering the positions they both are, thanks to her father.
The story takes a look at Garrett and Isabelle's life, and the difficulties her father and his crimes, bring to them, and the possible relationship they could have. It is a story of a troubled young woman, who can thank her lucky stars, that Garrett game and saved her, again and again, it seems. The story is a romance, with a shadow of a mystery in the background regarding to her father, and the secrets they keep from each other. There's no suspense or action to speak of, so I would have a hard time classifying it as a romantic suspense story.
Garrett and Isabelle have a connection, they are attracted to each other, that is clear, but the situation they are in, is nearly impossible for them to act upon the growing feelings they have for each other. Garrett's family generously opens their home for her, and gives her a chance at life with a future, when it seems that there's no one else she can turn to for help. The tale provides plenty of fun, sweet, moments Garrett and Isabelle have with the kids of the family.
The story is well written, the plot very thought out, making the story flow nicely and freely. At times the dialogue felt a little stiff, mostly when the characters were talking about their feelings. The emotions, for me, stayed rather superficial, I had difficulties connecting with the characters on the emotional level. They both, Garrett and Isabelle, seemed a bit cold, emotionless, and detached most of the time. The utter desperation of her situation could have brought much deeper feelings, even little angst to the picture, in my opinion.
An interesting, noteworthy beginning of a new series
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
The set up is interesting in this story, since Garrett first time meets Isabelle, when she is about to commit a crime. From the first moment, Garrett goes way beyond his duty, and gets tangled in Isabelle's life, maybe more than he should, considering the positions they both are, thanks to her father.
The story takes a look at Garrett and Isabelle's life, and the difficulties her father and his crimes, bring to them, and the possible relationship they could have. It is a story of a troubled young woman, who can thank her lucky stars, that Garrett game and saved her, again and again, it seems. The story is a romance, with a shadow of a mystery in the background regarding to her father, and the secrets they keep from each other. There's no suspense or action to speak of, so I would have a hard time classifying it as a romantic suspense story.
Garrett and Isabelle have a connection, they are attracted to each other, that is clear, but the situation they are in, is nearly impossible for them to act upon the growing feelings they have for each other. Garrett's family generously opens their home for her, and gives her a chance at life with a future, when it seems that there's no one else she can turn to for help. The tale provides plenty of fun, sweet, moments Garrett and Isabelle have with the kids of the family.
The story is well written, the plot very thought out, making the story flow nicely and freely. At times the dialogue felt a little stiff, mostly when the characters were talking about their feelings. The emotions, for me, stayed rather superficial, I had difficulties connecting with the characters on the emotional level. They both, Garrett and Isabelle, seemed a bit cold, emotionless, and detached most of the time. The utter desperation of her situation could have brought much deeper feelings, even little angst to the picture, in my opinion.
An interesting, noteworthy beginning of a new series
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
April 26, 2016
A thoroughly enjoyable novel with just the right amount of romance, erotica, and plot! Unlike the typical cliché stories where everyone and everything is absolutely perfect, Her Spy To Have boarders reality much closer. The characters are relatable, have both strengths and weaknesses, and are undoubtedly attractive without seeming fake i.e. Garett isn’t a ridiculously ripped body-builder - he’s an attractive male whose appearance is much more attainable for men in reality. He also wears Khakis. Additionally, Isabella is a strong female character whose strength and intelligence is not undermined by the male, Garett. She maintains her independence and ferocity throughout the novel, even when she is falling for Garett. The characters – while wanting each other- do not rely on each other to the point where is it such a codependent relationship.
It is also refreshing to have a novel that takes place closer to home! (i.e. Canada). If you are a Canadian, you will enjoy the references to familiar places and some of the French-Canadian nuances. What’s more, I personally really enjoyed reading about a character involved in CSIS as opposed to the CIA, FBI or MI5 which usually take precedence in popular culture. Another key point I’d like to make is that it was engaging to see how the story is written from both character’s perspectives, which gives insight into Garett’s personality, thoughts, and feelings alongside Isabella’s. Unlike many romance novels, this style of writing sheds light into the male protagonist’s view, which makes the reader more of outsider looking in on events, rather than one with Isabella.
All in all, this is the perfect book for the busy person who needs a nice, light read after work or school. It’s sexy, relatively fast-paced, and enchanting.
It is also refreshing to have a novel that takes place closer to home! (i.e. Canada). If you are a Canadian, you will enjoy the references to familiar places and some of the French-Canadian nuances. What’s more, I personally really enjoyed reading about a character involved in CSIS as opposed to the CIA, FBI or MI5 which usually take precedence in popular culture. Another key point I’d like to make is that it was engaging to see how the story is written from both character’s perspectives, which gives insight into Garett’s personality, thoughts, and feelings alongside Isabella’s. Unlike many romance novels, this style of writing sheds light into the male protagonist’s view, which makes the reader more of outsider looking in on events, rather than one with Isabella.
All in all, this is the perfect book for the busy person who needs a nice, light read after work or school. It’s sexy, relatively fast-paced, and enchanting.
April 13, 2016
4.5 STARS!
I really, really enjoyed this story. A young woman, forced into a nomadic lifestyle due to her fathers narcissistic issues and shady career choice, finds love with a less-than-ideal man. Due to the duplicitous nature of how and when they met, Isabelle and Garrett's romantic journey is hindered by their distrust of each other.
It all makes for a an exciting will they/won't they romance. It's rare for me to connect with both MC's or like them both as much as I did. Isabelle is strong, smart and independent, but with realistic vulnerabilities. Garrett is a man of integrity and devotion. At first, it is a devotion to his job, but then transfers to Isabelle, as well. I enjoyed the tension between the two and their constant need to try to "read" the other person. They are the perfect match and I couldn't get enough of their interactions.
I'm so happy I found this book and look forward to reading the next one in the series, as well as additional books by Paula Altenburg.
I received a complimentary copy through Reading Deals in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
June 22, 2016
Her Spy to Have by Paula Altenburg combines romance and intrigue beautifully as Isabelle and Garrett embark on a dangerous journey that neither saw coming. This book started off with one of my favorite tropes; enemies to lovers and had me hooked from the beginning. Her Spy to Have is easy to read, full of mystery to keep your attention, and contains well-developed characters with more secrets than anything. This is my first read from this author, but it certainly won’t be the last. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
I received this book in return for an honest review and my words are my own.
I received this book in return for an honest review and my words are my own.
March 8, 2016
Set against the backdrop of Bangkok. Nova Scotia and Amsterdam, Her Spy to Have is a fast paced, action-filled romance between strong, sweet, cautious Isabelle, desperate to shield her father and panty-melting, strong Garrett out to expose her father as a thief of Canadian secrets.
I dived into this book and didn’t come up for air until I read that last page on a heartfelt sigh and a smile. It’s awesome and I loved it. Highly recommend.
I dived into this book and didn’t come up for air until I read that last page on a heartfelt sigh and a smile. It’s awesome and I loved it. Highly recommend.
September 10, 2016
Really enjoyed. Great romance and suspense in this one!
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