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Undercover in Venice Beach
By trading places with her twin, Audrey Powell has the opportunity she's always wanted, running her late mother's teahouse. When she fails to create food that delights the palate, she hires Liam James--a sexy-as-sin Brit with a flair for cooking. He tries to seduce her with titillating dishes and his charm, but she's vowed to steer clear of romance. Working undercover, Liam's mission is to keep an eye on the teahouse. He poses as a chef to catch the traitor who is leaking UK security secrets. The last thing he wants to do is fall for a suspect, but when sparks fly, the romance starts to feel all too real.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 14, 2021
12 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
About the author
Melody DeBlois
4 books279 followersMelody lives in Sacramento (the City of Trees). She writes romance novels. She's partial to poetry, sun, rain, strong coffee, and her writing room surrounded by books. Besides California, she and her late husband lived part-time in a condo in Oregon overlooking the Pacific. That gave her a love for beach towns and whale-watching and sunsets--all the things that inspire the Love is a Beach series. The writing process fascinates her, the alchemy of layering and developing characters, the tinkering with language. There's so much to treasure in the world: family, friends, and those random, everyday moments that make life grand. She hopes to give her readers all of that.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 6, 2021
Rating: 3.5/5.0
“Undercover in Venice Beach” is a rollickingly good novel which keeps the reader guessing when disaster will strike as everyones identities are revealed.
Read full review in the 2021 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
“Undercover in Venice Beach” is a rollickingly good novel which keeps the reader guessing when disaster will strike as everyones identities are revealed.
Read full review in the 2021 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
July 7, 2021
Thoughts: I found the book very confusing at first. I had trouble figuring out who was who and what was going on. Had I not been reading it for review, I might have put it aside for later. BUT… I’m glad I kept on because it got much better for me later on and the ending is definitely worth the wait. It’s a perfect HEA.
What I liked: The imagery. Especially at the end in the wilds of England. And the change in syntax with the local dialect. Nicely done. And the beach walk near the teahouse. I also found the anti-technology ideals of the teahouse interesting, especially with the problems it causes for them. I liked how the family dealt with the death of the mother (Audrey and Lucy) and the uncle who’s so against technology that he loses a publication deal because he won’t go ebook. The characters are well-done and almost believable. There were a few quirks that had me cringing just a little, but overall likeable.
What I didn’t like: I got really confused with the twin swapping thing. Who was Audrey and who was Lucy and what the heck were they trying to do besides confuse everyone? And if Liam is this superspy, how did he not figure it out? Plot-wise, the only thing I wondered about was toward the end when the tape reveals that there is a spy who’s getting secrets. Or is that all part of the uncle’s book? Like I said, I was confused.
Recommendation: Overall, I thought this was a fun, quirky romance with an interesting plot and good characters. The HEA ending is definitely worth the read. I’d read it again just for that aspect. Recommended.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
What I liked: The imagery. Especially at the end in the wilds of England. And the change in syntax with the local dialect. Nicely done. And the beach walk near the teahouse. I also found the anti-technology ideals of the teahouse interesting, especially with the problems it causes for them. I liked how the family dealt with the death of the mother (Audrey and Lucy) and the uncle who’s so against technology that he loses a publication deal because he won’t go ebook. The characters are well-done and almost believable. There were a few quirks that had me cringing just a little, but overall likeable.
What I didn’t like: I got really confused with the twin swapping thing. Who was Audrey and who was Lucy and what the heck were they trying to do besides confuse everyone? And if Liam is this superspy, how did he not figure it out? Plot-wise, the only thing I wondered about was toward the end when the tape reveals that there is a spy who’s getting secrets. Or is that all part of the uncle’s book? Like I said, I was confused.
Recommendation: Overall, I thought this was a fun, quirky romance with an interesting plot and good characters. The HEA ending is definitely worth the read. I’d read it again just for that aspect. Recommended.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
July 20, 2021
Twins swapping identities, a British spy looking for a traitor… working undercover has never been more fun until love enters the equation. Still reeling from a devastating loss, Audrey Powell tries her best to run her mother’s teahouse. It’s a disaster and she almost burns the whole place down. Handsome Brit Liam James swoops in and offers to help. She’s attracted to him immediately so he must be a poet, her weakness. When her supermodel twin sister arrives, the two hatch a plan to swap identities, at least for a while. It all seems so innocent, but Audrey soon learns working undercover is hard work. When Audrey discovers Liam’s a British spy looking for a traitor, she realizes she’s in over her head. Does she know the traitor? Worse yet, is it someone close to her? Audrey and Liam will have to work together in order to capture the criminal. Working undercover has never been this rewarding, especially when it comes to falling in love.
Undercover in Venice Beach is a whirlwind of emotions fueled by love, secrecy, and tea. From the first page, the descriptive narration allowed me to escape to beautiful Venice Beach, California. I connected with Audrey right away. Her grief came out in strange ways, but honestly so. The sparks fly between her and Liam so it was entertaining to see them both try to deny their feelings for each other. The suspense subplot enthralled me, and I kept wondering what was going on and how it would be resolved. The plot moved at a fluid pace with plenty of colorful characters to interact with. The romance was slow at times and sweeping at other times. If you’re looking to be swept away, pick up Undercover in Venice Beach. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Undercover in Venice Beach is a whirlwind of emotions fueled by love, secrecy, and tea. From the first page, the descriptive narration allowed me to escape to beautiful Venice Beach, California. I connected with Audrey right away. Her grief came out in strange ways, but honestly so. The sparks fly between her and Liam so it was entertaining to see them both try to deny their feelings for each other. The suspense subplot enthralled me, and I kept wondering what was going on and how it would be resolved. The plot moved at a fluid pace with plenty of colorful characters to interact with. The romance was slow at times and sweeping at other times. If you’re looking to be swept away, pick up Undercover in Venice Beach. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
June 27, 2021
Undercover in Venice Beach is Book two of the Love is a Beach series. It is a sharply written, smart, sophisticated story of how a family deals with loss and grief and the consequences of lies and deceit.
Low key local newspaper editor Audrey Powell and her supermodel, high-profile twin sister Lucinda trade places after their mother’s sudden, violent death so Audrey could run their mother’s teahouse located in the heart of far-out and funky Venice Beach, California.
When Audrey’s culinary skills prove sadly lacking, she hires Liam, a drop-dead gorgeous Brit with a talent for cooking who seemingly appeared out of thin air. Unbeknownst to the Powell twins, Liam is actually an undercover British agent tasked with keeping an eye on the tearoom where it is suspected secrets are being leaked that threaten UK security. Neither wants to fall for the other, but despite their best efforts, they succumb and can’t get enough of one another. When Liam is outed and Audrey fesses up to her true identity, their lies and deceit prove too costly and the relationship blows apart.
This is a cleverly woven story with snappy dialog and characters so flawed yet so utterly human one wants to shake some sense into them one moment and hug them the next. Melody De Blois takes the reader along on a fun romp through a famously quirky town. Her spot-on perfect depiction of the uniqueness of Venice Beach adds a delicious dollop of flavor to an already spicy tale. I highly recommend Undercover in Venice Beach and give it a well-deserved five-star review.
Low key local newspaper editor Audrey Powell and her supermodel, high-profile twin sister Lucinda trade places after their mother’s sudden, violent death so Audrey could run their mother’s teahouse located in the heart of far-out and funky Venice Beach, California.
When Audrey’s culinary skills prove sadly lacking, she hires Liam, a drop-dead gorgeous Brit with a talent for cooking who seemingly appeared out of thin air. Unbeknownst to the Powell twins, Liam is actually an undercover British agent tasked with keeping an eye on the tearoom where it is suspected secrets are being leaked that threaten UK security. Neither wants to fall for the other, but despite their best efforts, they succumb and can’t get enough of one another. When Liam is outed and Audrey fesses up to her true identity, their lies and deceit prove too costly and the relationship blows apart.
This is a cleverly woven story with snappy dialog and characters so flawed yet so utterly human one wants to shake some sense into them one moment and hug them the next. Melody De Blois takes the reader along on a fun romp through a famously quirky town. Her spot-on perfect depiction of the uniqueness of Venice Beach adds a delicious dollop of flavor to an already spicy tale. I highly recommend Undercover in Venice Beach and give it a well-deserved five-star review.
October 2, 2021
Kindle Copy for Review
I received a free copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
A woman trades places with her twin sister as she run their mothers teahouse. She is set on making fine cuisine and isn’t interested in romance.
She does expect to fall for a sexy Brit who has a flair for food. Things heat up between them but there is a slight problem he is a spy who is stalking the teahouse. What will happen to them when she finds out who he really is?
A charming read with a smidgeon of mystery.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via Voracious Readers Only in exchange for an honest review.
A woman trades places with her twin sister as she run their mothers teahouse. She is set on making fine cuisine and isn’t interested in romance.
She does expect to fall for a sexy Brit who has a flair for food. Things heat up between them but there is a slight problem he is a spy who is stalking the teahouse. What will happen to them when she finds out who he really is?
A charming read with a smidgeon of mystery.
March 14, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Undercover in Venice Beach was an engaging and enjoyable read, filled with compelling characters and a story that kept me hooked from start to finish. The writing was immersive, and I loved the way it made me feel completely transported into its world!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Undercover in Venice Beach was an engaging and enjoyable read, filled with compelling characters and a story that kept me hooked from start to finish. The writing was immersive, and I loved the way it made me feel completely transported into its world!
December 13, 2021
A fun, light, easy read, perfect to read while sitting by the pool or on the beach. Just the right size format to put in your purse and read anytime. Great character development and memorable settings.
September 12, 2021
A cute mystery set in Venice Beach. The story revolves around twin sisters who have to run their late Mother’s Tea and Poetry shop Throw in a quirky uncle and handsome British spy for more intrigue. Delightful characters. Thank you to Voracious Readers Only and the author for this preview copy.
July 20, 2021
Twins swapping identities, a British spy looking for a traitor… working undercover has never been more fun until love enters the equation. Still reeling from a devastating loss, Audrey Powell tries her best to run her mother’s teahouse. It’s a disaster and she almost burns the whole place down. Handsome Brit Liam James swoops in and offers to help. She’s attracted to him immediately so he must be a poet, her weakness. When her supermodel twin sister arrives, the two hatch a plan to swap identities, at least for a while. It all seems so innocent, but Audrey soon learns working undercover is hard work. When Audrey discovers Liam’s a British spy looking for a traitor, she realizes she’s in over her head. Does she know the traitor? Worse yet, is it someone close to her? Audrey and Liam will have to work together in order to capture the criminal. Working undercover has never been this rewarding, especially when it comes to falling in love.
Undercover in Venice Beach is a whirlwind of emotions fueled by love, secrecy, and tea. From the first page, the descriptive narration allowed me to escape to beautiful Venice Beach, California. I connected with Audrey right away. Her grief came out in strange ways, but honestly so. The sparks fly between her and Liam so it was entertaining to see them both try to deny their feelings for each other. The suspense subplot enthralled me, and I kept wondering what was going on and how it would be resolved. The plot moved at a fluid pace with plenty of colorful characters to interact with. The romance was slow at times and sweeping at other times. If you’re looking to be swept away, pick up Undercover in Venice Beach. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Undercover in Venice Beach is a whirlwind of emotions fueled by love, secrecy, and tea. From the first page, the descriptive narration allowed me to escape to beautiful Venice Beach, California. I connected with Audrey right away. Her grief came out in strange ways, but honestly so. The sparks fly between her and Liam so it was entertaining to see them both try to deny their feelings for each other. The suspense subplot enthralled me, and I kept wondering what was going on and how it would be resolved. The plot moved at a fluid pace with plenty of colorful characters to interact with. The romance was slow at times and sweeping at other times. If you’re looking to be swept away, pick up Undercover in Venice Beach. Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the author in the hopes I'd review it.
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews