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Under Cover!

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THE STORY: It’s 1990 and a coup has overtaken the Russian Government. America needs to keep her guard up and her two newest FBI agents are struggling to get along. They respect each other for their strengths, but would never volunteer to work together. The Director assigns them to work together to stop a Russian spy ring. They know there is a leak, but are not clear on how the secrets are leaving the building. Not only do they have to work together, they need to be a newlywed couple in love...and Mormon because that is something the spies would never suspect. Andie winces when the Director says, "This is the Book of Mormon. Read it, Learn it, know it, Live it. That is all." They are to meet at the Dulles International Airport in the morning for their flight to California.

That truly might sound easier than it is to do, but Andie knows about Anson’s past as a Naval Air Top Gun Pilot and all about his heroic mission. However that mission was not without a price. A near fatal mishap with his plane has caused him to not enjoy air travel. She also knows the commitment to lifestyle change when you choose to live as a Mormon. They are to meet at the Dulles International Airport in the morning for their flight to California. This is their chance to prove their worth to their Country, crack the case and become heroes. First, Anson must conquer his fear of flight without alcohol.

The agency has given them a completely furnished home right across from the suspect’s home. There is a bungalow in the back which houses former McCarthy era agents, who will watch over the couple as their housekeeper and handyman. It has 5 bedrooms but the master bedroom remains unoccupied. The two side bedrooms are occupied by Andie and Anson respectively as it should be.

There are some interesting moments, like when they have a catered event at their new home and a couple from the church wanders upstairs at different times. One happens into the master bedroom, which obviously, is just for show and the other accidentally goes into the surveillance room. The husband, a former Top Gun wingman of Anson’s, knows something is afoot as soon as he steps into the room. With his military experience, he knows a top secret surveillance operation when he sees one. She in turn, after seeing the separate bedrooms and the obviously unoccupied Master Bedroom, is sure they are having marital difficulties and in need of counseling by what she encounters.

One of Andie’s objectives is to get close to the wife and daughter of the suspect. What they don’t realize is that they are being held hostage and terrorized by the Russians for the plans. So learning about little Faith and why she is sad all the time is as important as bugging John Smithe’s home. Audience for this book is anyone who appreciates the Mormon Lifestyle and humor.

117 pages, Paperback

First published February 8, 2017

1 person is currently reading
252 people want to read

About the author

Karen S. Meyer

14 books21 followers
Karen Suzanne Meyer is the mother of 5 and stepmother of 7 amazing grown-up people. She would like to just say she and Ted have 12 grown successful children, but in this day, she wants to also be politically correct. She and her husband Ted are serving as the North America South West Area Family History Advisers in Scottsdale, Arizona helping people with their Genealogy.

She has written several novels, each having a variety on a spiritual theme and all are either mystery and intrigue or romance novels.

Her spare time is spent, writing, designing websites, doing genealogy and is an Avon Honor Society Leader. Of course, her greatest joy spending her later years with the love of her life and watching 13 grandchildren grow.

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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Nastaran Masoomi.
172 reviews7 followers
March 28, 2023
3.5⭐

If you are a fan of fictional detective stories, I recommend this book. 
The story was fascinating and addictive and reading it was a good experience for me. However, I would have liked to see the characters a little more so that I could feel closer to them. 
Thanks to the dear author and book tester who provided me with a copy of this book.
Profile Image for ash✿.
234 reviews10 followers
March 25, 2023
|No spoilers here|
I got this book in PDF format via booktaster for a fair review but had been putting off reading it since i usually read only epubs.

However yes, i started it this evening and it took me only four hours to finish it. It's really a short but an addictive one.

The plot was actually great with all the detective stuffs going on and the fake marriage on the side to top the cherry. Tho i have to admit Anson and Andie's relationship development feels a little too fast from enemies to lovers; then again it's understandable since it's such a short novella.
I also get the feeling that, Anson never actually hated Andie from the start which i might have squeal at the idea of it.
I enjoyed their wittiness and how they actually get into character as soon as their job starts off. Yes m talking about their professionalism.

And one thing i really find it so realistic is how they decided to convert to the religion. Considering the fact that every religion preaches goodness in one way or the other, if one actually studies so much and so deep about a religion, they'll get the understanding as to why the people follows it and eventually will get attached. If they started to understand the real meaning behinds such teachings, they'll possibly start seeing things differently. Though yes it's just my opinion.

To be honest, i kept expecting their plan to go wrong somewhere at some point since that is how most books works— one fucked up, then a grand gesture and happily ever after, you know what i mean.
But surprisingly, there was no such nonsense in this one and ye i was impressed and also it's surprisingly satisfying to read an all-worked-out-according-to-the-plan book once a while.
Profile Image for Shelfisolated.
14 reviews
May 13, 2023
This book was given to me by a website called Booktasters. They give access to free books to you in pdf form and ask you to review the book which I think is very cool.
I could only read 76% of the book not because it was bad but because it was very fast paced for my liking. The book tells us about two FBI agents (Anson and Andie) trying to catch a mole inside a research facility.
Even if i ignore about the pace of the book I can't ignore the fact that Anson is a bit of a character. He has trouble working with women at one page but is very inspired to work with on another page (Dr. Brennery).
I also have an issue with the fact that there is not much world building going on and I wish that I could connect more with the main characters but it's go-go time all the time.
There's insta love and this para...

∆ She looked at him with adoring eyes and encouraged him to go on. She squeezed his hand and made him say the words. “…to be married. Right away, I think. We haven’t done anything inappropriate or anything like that,” he spoke quickly. ∆

They didn't have the proper talk and just by gazing at each other they decided to get married in front of the bishop out of the blue. Mind you Anson found Andie quite irritating in the first few chapters.

I liked the detective work and tech stuff.

The reading through pdf was uncomfortable so I bought the Kindle version which didn't cost me much. Thriller/spy lovers can give a fair chance to this book if they want to finish a book in less than 4 hours.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Varalika.
19 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2023
A thriller, crime based novel. easy to read, simply written, and swiftly plotted. just an unpopular novel that can be read when looking for a lighthearted story. Overall enjoyable.

Under Cover, as the book's title suggests, is the story of some FBI agents trying to bust a Russian spy group. The book is set up in 1990, California at Northrup.
The story begins with a group of FBI agents graduating and celebrating. The main characters of the story are Andrea Atkins, who goes by the name Andie and is also the valedictorian of her class, and Anson Wellings, another top-level graduate.
Back then, women were considered emotionally weak and gentler for an FBI agent's job, but Andie proved everyone wrong.
Later that day, the director summoned Andie and Anson for a top-level undercover agent meeting where they needed to pretend to be a married couple to investigate the suspected Russian spy group.
All the twists and turns begin here, with how the two FBI agents plan and collect evidence to blow up the spy racket for stealing the top-level military weapon's design and documents. While pretending to be a couple, their rivalry as students turns into a love affair, and they end up marrying each other.

Now, why and how did I choose this book? I just collaborated with BookTasters (find them on Twitter), and they gave me a free book to read in exchange for an honest review. I would appreciate this, as it would help different authors' books reach a wider audience.
I really liked reading the story as it was very easy to read, understand and engaging enough to complete it. I loved how two somewhat rival people initially fell in love while pretending to be in love and decided to be together in the end. Learning about a few military terms was an addition to my knowledge bank. It was just calming and peaceful to read.
There is also a very interesting take on religion in the book; though the characters were raised by a different community church, they loved the Mormon community and their beliefs and got married with those rituals. I won't write much on this as I'm not fully aware, but it was nice to read it.
I'm happy to recemond this book, it's a nice story. For early readers who are developing an interest in thrillers and crime, this can be a good book to start with.
Profile Image for Megan Rivera.
434 reviews72 followers
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October 30, 2020
“Wow Jack. That’s service. I give you a call and instantly, you appear at my door. Do you have a phone in your shoe?” This is great book about spies and the adventures they face. An overall great read. It kept me interested throughout the entire book. I really enjoyed this fast pace thriller about Russian spies and how this couple stop a Russian spy ring in California at Northrup.
Profile Image for Nerea Omulimi.
34 reviews3 followers
August 29, 2023
My opening commentary would be, “An incredible read worth the time, especially for readers who love books that feature espionage topics.”

Under Cover by Karen S Meyer is an incredibly well-written crime thriller intertwined with espionage themes, making the tale seem sweet to indulge. The characters are well-rounded with their identity clearly defined for readers to clearly follow their roles that make up this amazing tale of tens.

To briefly take you through the plot, two FBI agents, Andie and Anson, are assigned on an espionage Mission to Moscow, Russia. Their assignment was to spy on a Mormon couple working at Northrup in Moscow. The two were to fake their lifestyle by changing their identity so that they can successfully execute their espionage mission. What lifestyle were they to transition to? What were their new names? How did they manage their assignment while in Moscow? Grab a copy of the book to find out.

It took me a couple of days to complete reading the book, but it was worth taking the time to read it. I liked how the author made the events revolve around the characters in depth. This allows the reader to deeply understand each character and connect with them. I can’t say I had a favorite character, but the fake ‘couple’, Andie and Anson really made the story seem interesting, which is acceptable because if the main characters portray boring traits the story would sound off-ish and boring.

I laughed each time the two missed what they practiced to say and act before the world around them. Remember they were to own and live the fake life to avoid blowing their espionage cover. But you know, as imperfect humans they sometimes forget their roles in the cover and end up almost blowing it. You’ll find out more from the story. Just create time and read the book. It’s worth the time.

Happy reading.
Profile Image for Maria Rivas-mc.
267 reviews8 followers
October 3, 2021
I’m sorry but I couldn’t finish the book or, rather, I jumped to the end before I even got halfway.

Generally speaking the premise for the story appeared to be a good one. According to the book promo, newly minted FBI agents are assigned to stop a Russian spy ring in 1990s California at Northrup. They know there is a leak, but are not clear on how the secrets are leaving the building. Although they don’t get along, their cover is that of a newlywed Mormon couple.

The plot execution did not quite match up to its promise as the author’s main focus (at least what I read) was on explaining the Mormon faith rather than a spy thriller. I found conversations stilted and unreal. And, these top graduates? Seriously, what agent on a critical undercover mission, which requires him to live the part of a devout Mormon, whines about not being able to play golf on a Sunday? At that point, I checked the end to find that the FBI agents had actually converted and were going to be married by the Bishop of the ‘Ward’.

Add in some typos (such as, Stake House becoming Steakhouse) and I lost patience. I received a complimentary copy via Booktasters for a fair review.
19 reviews3 followers
March 11, 2023
Under Cover is a book about espionage. Two FBI Agents Andie and Anson are sent out on a mission as husband and wife to stop the Russian espionage that has been going on and their main target is John Smithe. Andie and Anson become a little close to Faith, Smithe's daughter to gain more information from their home little do they know that the Smithe's were being held as hostages by the Russian. Andie and Anson eventually get hold of important information for their mission and it is carried out successfully. The book is brief and really interesting to read. I think one of the points Karen tries to put out is that women can be good enough in places dominated by men and they can make the best partners as well. For instance Andie graduates top at the Federal Bureau of Investigation where most of her male counterparts didn't expect much from her. She also makes a perfect partner for Anson and they are able to successfully complete their mission disapproving the stereotype that women are the weaker sex or supposed to be. I loved the book and recommend it to anyone interested in espionage. Thank you Booktasters for the recommendation.
Profile Image for Sean.
46 reviews5 followers
August 26, 2022
Just finished reading Under Cover by Karen Meyer and overall it was an enjoyable read. The length is just short enough that you can remember all of the details and just long enough to tell a complete story without any loose ends. If you enjoy spy/espionage thrillers, then this is the book for you since it tells the story of a Russian spy ring here in America right after the Berlin Wall fell (set in the early 90s). The story centers around two FBI agents who have just graduated from the academy with a history of rivalry. A young man and a young woman surrounded by obvious sexual tension must work together undercover as a married Mormon couple in order to bust a Russian Spy ring operating at a Defense/technology company in Northern Virginia. Not only are the two agents inexperienced in undercover operations but they must pass themselves off as authentic Mormons in the community and church in order to maintain their cover. A very tricky scenario that makes for a fabulous read!
Profile Image for Vhonani Mulaudzi.
23 reviews4 followers
April 2, 2023
Thrillers and investigative stories are my favorite things to watch, but lately, I've given thrillers books a chance, and it's always amazing how so well written these books are.

Under Cover follows two new agents who just graduated from the FBI, Andrea Atkins (Andie), and Anson Wellings. These two aren't the best of friends and are now getting an assignment that requires them to pose as a newly married couple. A great challenge, given it's their first assignment.

I loved the Mormon context, as they had to use that as their cover. I've always been fascinated by the religion, and getting a glimpse of it was really nice.

This is a very light read, and it was amazing. But I feel like some of the elements of the story were rushed. I also would have loved to see Andie more hands-on.

The two falling in love was a little predictable, but I didn't think they'd moved to all the other next steps as quickly.

This was an amazing read, I'd totally read a part two if there ever was one.
3 reviews
June 7, 2023
I really enjoyed reading this exciting spy story that takes place during the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. The author does a great job of incorporating the beliefs of the Latter Day Saints community into the story. The book is filled with suspense and a little bit of romance, and I found the interactions between the characters to be very interesting. The plot is well-researched and well-developed, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you worry that the main characters might get caught. The only thing I didn't like as much was the predictable romance between the FBI agents, but that's something we often see in stories. Overall, this book is a highly enjoyable and engaging read that also gives you a glimpse into historical events.

Whether you're relaxing on a sunny beach or by a calm pool, this book is a great choice. It's a clean and enjoyable story that anyone can enjoy.
Profile Image for Esther Bolatito.
1 review
March 9, 2023
From the first chapter, I already started having a smooth ride with the book. Being a first timer with detective fiction, I had much fun reading the book than I expected. I found the author’s style really intriguing.
Summarily, the book centers around the American FBI agents working together to stop the spy ring in California at Northrup from smuggling the American’ top secrets to the Russians…
If you are a fan of detective fictional novels, then this one is for you.
I give the book 5 stars, simply because the story is suspenseful, with a touch of romance, which made it more enjoyable.

Although everything happened too fast for me, especially that, as a reader, I barely got the chance to deeply connect with any character, the story was thrilling regardless.
I highly recommend.

Many thanks to Booktasters and the author for a free copy to review.
Profile Image for Kate.
692 reviews18 followers
August 30, 2017
This is a great story about Russian spies and FBI agents trying to catch them. The setting also brings in the Latter Day Saints and their beliefs. It is a very nicely written story, full of suspense and even some romance. I liked the way the characters interacted with each other. The plot was well researched and very well developed.

This is a great book to read on the beach or by the pool. It is a clean story that anyone would enjoy.
Profile Image for Chandra.
167 reviews13 followers
May 28, 2021
So I got this book, thanks to the author and @BookTasters , for a review. So, honestly speaking I was already expecting the story to be real good, and thankfully it didn't let me down. It is one of those books where you almost know that things will work out, you may even get where it will end on the halfway, but you'll keep reading just because you want to know how it all happens. Give it a try. It's worth it. Happy reading!
5 reviews
June 19, 2023
If you enjoy espionage thrillers, then this is the book for you! It follows the story of two rival rookie spies who had to go undercover together after when the Berlin Wall fell. Like all good spy stories, the trills and rollercoaster emotions are not held back.

If like me you are imaginative when you read stories, then you're in for a ride because its story takes you on an adventures with so much highs you wish you were one of the characters.
Profile Image for Mylife Style .
54 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2024
Under Cover is an intriguing crime thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Karen S. Meyer weaves a tale of espionage and suspense, set against the backdrop of a Russian spy ring. The characters, Andie and Anson, are well-rounded and their dynamic is both entertaining and compelling. The plot twists and turns, making it a thrilling read from start to finish. The added element of their undercover roles as a newlywed Mormon couple adds a unique twist to the story♥️🥺❄️🎀💜.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
12 reviews
Read
September 21, 2020
An interesting read with a mixture of criminal investigations, romance, espionage wars and religion. I love the interaction between Anson & Andie, from academy rivals, to partners in work & discovering spirituality together. I love the writing style, it's easy to visualise the scenes. Good job Karen!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
5 reviews
April 6, 2023
Intriguing read.
This is a real page turner, I did not expect to keep reading a book from cover to cover and not lose my interest at any page. A very well-written story about FBI agents trying to catch Russian spies. I really admire the characters development especially Andie’s. I also liked how easy the book was to read (even though English is my second language).
Profile Image for Summer Hong.
42 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2023
This is an interesting story, not simply a romantic one but also makes readers think about the equality between men and women. In the workplace and family, if we can try to get rid of the sterotype of men and women, and try to learn and understand more about each other, we'll achieve more success and happiness.
Profile Image for Molly.
11 reviews2 followers
May 17, 2023
This was a book that was given to me and it was addictive. You would think it was the type where one person messes up and puts in jeopardy the mission but it consistently all works out! Great book about spies and their adventures! Highly recommend!
2 reviews
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September 24, 2020

Under Cover by Karen S Meyer is a romantic thriller that was released in 2017. Bearing ISBN-10:1542894859 and ISBN-13:9781542894852, the 190 paged 24 Chapter book tells the story of two FBI agents, Andrea Atkins and Anson Wellings who fall in love whilst working on a spy bust, become Mormons and get married whilst managing to stay afloat in their respective careers. The story shows the strength of the couple, their struggle with spirituality and tells their love story. Under Cover starts by telling Andrea’s story, then Anson’s story and rounds up with a sweet ending.
The story begins at the FBI Academy in Quantico, with Andrea becoming valedictorian in her male dominated class. She reflects on her journey and realised that she has beat Anson, a colleague of hers who pranked her but stopped his teasing when she threw him on a mat. Anson is depicted as this smug guy who doesn’t want to work with women. Unfortunately for Andrea and Anson, they are summoned to the Directors office to take up an assignment in which they have to play husband and wife. Anson and Andrea are to befriend John Smithe, the suspected spy in Northrup and find out what is going on.
Andrea and Anson are offered a luxury apartment close to the Smithes, with FBI members as staff. They pose as Mr and Mrs McArthur, with the aim of bugging the Smithes apartment and finding out if John is leaking secret data. Andrea and Anson attend church, but they worry that their deception will be discovered. They discover some new facts about each other while playing newlyweds and fall in love. The couple become friends with John Smithe and his daughter Faith, divulges some information to Andrea. Anson continues to work at the Northrup laboratory where he discovers a secret. The Bishop of the church and other elders suspect that Andrea and Anson are not married, but they say nothing.
Anson finds out that John is indeed involved in criminal activities and Andrea throws a party. Andrea finds out that Ivana Doblinsky, a kingpin under the FBI trail is actually living with the Smithes as a maid. The church members confirm their suspicions at the party where they discover that Andrea and Anson live in separate rooms. Both Andrea and Anson go to church, confess to the Bishop and receive baptism. The two decide to get married with the permission of the Bishop.
Andrea and Anson have their doubts about exposing Faith’s Dad, but a plan is set in place. John Smithe is assigned to top secret information in the laboratory that is fake. The couple and other agents round up a Russian boat in their country’s waters. They manage to break up the spy ring and trap Ivana, who had been blackmailing John Smithe. Andrea and Anson decide to stay in their new location and remain partners. Ivana manages to get away, but gets a toy model of a B2 Bomber instead of the airship she was trying to steal from the Northrup laboratory.
Under Cover is a feel good book, more of a spiritual romance than a thriller. It is written in clear, easy to understand text that makes comprehension easy. However, there are few twists and the story line is predictable. The story tells itself, instead of showing the journey of the characters. Under Cover, albeit was an interesting read which I would give a score of three out of five, and recommend to a dreamy friend who adores romance and spirituality.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nicole Harmon.
378 reviews5 followers
September 23, 2021
Please note this review is also posted on Amazon.com

Under Cover Book Review by Nicole Harmon

Title: Under Cover
Author: Karen S. Meyer
Publish Date: 2017
Publisher: Self-Published via Amazon
Rating: 5 stars





Book Blurb: “I don’t like to throw my best agents to the wolves like this, but after seeing what you have been able to accomplish, we feel that you’re the only two who are qualified for the job.” P 11

Summary:
Anson Wellings and Andrea Atkins recently graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation at Quantico, Va. Picked by the Director himself to find and prevent the sale of state secret cloaking system of the new B2 bomber. Setting them up in the Northrup Facility in California their mission is to find out if their suspect, Smithe, is indeed selling secrets and stop him.
During the investigation not only do the two agents fall in love, catch the Russian spy responsible only to let her go; they also convert to being Mormons and get married.
This may be the first in a series of books.

Analysis:
I give this book 5 stars. Why? It made me laugh, taught me some government-military terms, plus kept me reading. And it did it from start to finish. Apart from some minor spelling errors this book was well written. Having never been to that part of California, I relied on her description of the complex and neighborhood. Even I would want to live there. Plus, side, you don’t have to be a Mormon.
You, the reader, want to find out who would steal and sell the secret. You want to find out about Smithe’s family’s involvement. You want to find out about Ivana (sp).
All in all, it is an excellent two-day read.
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