About the Book:
Title: The (Ex) Spy Who (Maybe) Loved Me
Author: Christi Barth
Publication Date: March 20, 2023
Publisher: Entangled: Amara
Synopsis: What happens when your off-the-charts hot, one-night stand…shows up at your office?
NYC is exactly what scientist Blake Montgomery needs. A little decadence and a whoooole lot of anonymity, well away from the prying eyes of her charming, touristy small town of Swan Cove. Now, at the end of a whirlwind trip, she has one final thing to cross off her to-do list: a sexy fling. And the hot, green-eyed stranger at the Maine airport bar might be her perfect one-night stand. Until, of course, he shows up in her town the very next day.
Wyatt Keene is just an average guy—now. But four days ago, he was a black ops intelligence agent who spent fifteen years being someone—anyone—except himself. For one hot night, Blake makes him forget he’s supposed to start his life all over again…as himself. Talk about mission impossible.
Except suddenly Wyatt and Blake are not only stuck in the same town together, but also sharing the same office, and there’s no escaping their scorching hot chemistry. Wyatt’s trying to convince everyone, especially Blake, that he’s just a normal guy—whatever that means. But nothing spells danger like trying to start a relationship with an ex-spy who hasn’t quite left his old life behind…
My Review:
This was a quick and fun read about Blake Montgomery, a researcher, and Wyatt Keene, a spy, who have a one-night stand. They are both shocked when, the next day, they see each other again and end up paired together for a new project at her work. Wyatt has just left his role in the government where he’s been a spy abroad for most of his adult life. Forced into retirement and now a civilian, he doesn’t exactly know what to do with himself. A talented artist, he is part of a competition at Blake’s work. Blake is a workaholic and has little time for much else. But when the two are paired together, they both come to realize that there’s more to life than work.
Wyatt and Blake have great chemistry from their first meeting, and you can tell there’s a strong connection between them. I love their easy banter and flirtations and how supportive Wyatt is of Blake and her work. There were times I wanted to shake Blake, particularly how insensitive she is about art and artists. She seemed a little judgmental, but I think as she learns more about Wyatt’s craft and talent, she becomes less single-minded in her views.
The story mostly takes place in a small town in Maine, which I loved. I’m always a sucker for a small town, and the citizens of this one are great. I enjoyed the secondary characters and how many of them welcome Wyatt so easily. It sounds like a charming place to live, and it’s extra special that Wyatt now lives in his aunt’s home.
The story has a bit of suspense too, but it’s not the focus of the novel. It added a bit of tension to the story, though I wish this aspect was a bit more developed. The focus really is on Wyatt and Blake and their growth, both as individuals and as a possible couple. I found Wyatt’s story really interesting, as he struggled with his new civilian life and seems a bit untethered. Being with Blake, living in this welcoming community, and living in his beloved aunt’s home definitely changes him.
Overall, I thought this was a quick and fun read. It’s not super spicy, but there are some sexy scenes. Thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Rating:
Favorite Parts:
- The romance.
- The setting.
