Customer Reviews

Spy Who Loved Him (A Year Of Loving Dangerously) (Harlequin Romantic Suspense)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Merline Lovelace's addition the A Year of Loving Dangerously series is a well paced story with strong characterization. The reader gets the first close look at Simon, the villian bent on betraying the top secret SPEAR agency, and is treated to a first rate romance between Carlos and Margarita. It's definitely one of the better installments of the series.

Though he would like to think otherwise, there is more to Margarita Alfonsa de las Fuentes than Deputy Minister of Defense, Carlos Caballero can admit to. He sees a beautiful and willful woman who is strong and impassioned about improving their country, Madrileno. What Margarita can never reveal, however, is her loyalty to the American-based SPEAR organization, which is in the process of tracking down a traitor. To the strong-willed Margarita, Carlos's cool and controlled courtship leaves a lot to be desired. It is only when the two must survive together in Madrileno's dangerous jungle that Carlos reveals a side of himself that intrigues and fascinates the SPEAR agent.

Merline Lovelace's installment of the Year of Loving Dangerously series has all the components of an excellent romance. The hero and heroine are complex enough to yield a satisfying development when it comes to their relationship. The overarching subplot involving Simon is built upon rather well and there is enough danger and action without the traitor complete with details about the danger the jungle poses to both protagonists. The one fault with this story lies in its length. The reader gets the impression that Lovelace could have expanded even more upon the romance if she'd had the opportunity to write a longer story. As it is, however, this story gives an interesting, if rather brief, glance at an imaginary country with a great deal of potential.

Excellent writing with well developed characters. I can tell within the first few pages if I am going to like a book; this was one of those. The ending was complete but yet set up an exciting opening for the next book. Well done Merline.

Author of al-Qaeda Strikes Again

By allowing herself to become captive of SIMON, Margarita de las Fuentes gets to put into practice some of her elite training she received from SPEAR.

Carlos Caballero is a suave, self-controlled urban man, with the traditional outlook of his country. This thoroughly agravated Margarita who was more liberal in her outlook and training. She didn't want to be protected by a male.

When Marcus Waters sent Margarita to interview and make sure that the man suspected as SIMON was held for the SPEAR Agents, he didn't expect her to offer herself as hostage. He ended up haveing to come to the rescue of Carlos and his military men.

Carlos was shocked and dismayed at the obvious affection and friendship shared by Margarita and Marcus. The testosterone started flying.

Finally a story worthy and in keeping with the series of Jonah's hunt for Simon - and we get another look at the madman who is trying to take down Jonah and SPEAR.

Now onto #8 -- SOMEONE TO WATCH OVER HER by Margaret Watson and the SPEAR agent Marcus Waters - has Simon now turned into a kidnapper? Marcus calls on another SPEAR agent.

Highly Recommended --M --add this to your collection

Back Cover description: THE AGENT: Stunning spitfire Margarita Alfonsa de las Fuentes. THE MISSION GONE AWRY: Being taken hostage by the traitor she was trying to trap. THE ESCAPE: Fleeing into the jungle with her darkly handsome rescuer! Although headstrong Margarita was mesmerized by Carlos Caballero's fearless courage, she wasn't about to bow down to any man. But the temptress in her yearned to surrender to her ardent suitor's sizzling seduction. Now, with a murderous band of criminals hot on their trail, the beautiful secret spy struggled with the contradictory emotions Carlos's fierce protectiveness stirred in her. How was she supposed to choose between sworn duty...and unrelenting desire?

I liked the fact that both main characters were Latinos, and both strong willed. But these two needed to talk about a lot of things--they always clashed, and over silly stuff. At least she did, Carlos was very patient, although he was a little too controlled, and there is the problem. Margarita wants him to let loose, get wild, and he doesn't. I have some issues with this undercover operation, why does she have to go in to interview this creep right away, she can't wait till morning? And I also think we were all in the jungle too long. I do like the choice Margarita makes in the end, nicely done.

I have already read it a few times. Each time I enjoy it more. Adventure and romance are well intertwined. Both lead characters of Margarita and Carlos are more than what they seem on the surface. I also loved the fictitious locale and the latino influence of how the characters acted and reacted.

This story is part of a series called 'A Year of Loving Dangerously'. This is also my first novel by Merline Lovelace. It will not be my last.