CIA operative, Talia Reynolds, finds herself in a predicament. As an agent working in Canada, she lives a double life. Her boyfriend, Danny, doesn’t know she’s an agent and thinks she’s a lawyer. She constantly has to break dates with him and yet, she can’t quite imagine a different career. Added to the craziness of her life is her partner, Elliot and having to keep him focused on the job at the hand. When she’s assigned a job that involves romancing a Russian aerospace executive, Talia realizes she’s in a difficult position; just when she and her fellow operatives have things figured out, Danny’s life is threatened and Talia must decide how much to sacrifice. Will she be able to save Danny without blowing her cover or will she realize there’s no going back?

Jordan McCollum’s I, Spy is a fast paced read, from the opening scene to the end, it’s non-stop action. Your heart begins to pound during the undercover operations and when it’s all over, you’re happy to breathe again. Narration is first person and if you’ve ever watched Burn Notice, you know Michael Westen narrates the show with little tidbits about spy life. McCollum utilizes this approach with Talia and it’s a fun way to bring a character to life and to tell a story.

Character development is a bit weak and McCollum focuses primarily on Talia and it makes perfect sense since she’s our narrator. Talia is dating Danny, an aerospace engineer, and I liked him, but I wished I knew more about him. He’s always on the back burner and doesn’t ask Talia many questions. I do believe there’s more to him than we see. There are a few scenes where Talia shows up at his building and when he spots her, he’s a bit unnerved to see her. Then we have Elliot, Talia’s partner. His mind isn’t focused on work because his wife is due to go into labor at any moment. Talia fights for Elliot to be at her side and she even realizes that his priorities have changed. Danny is jealous of Elliot because he spends more time with Talia than he does and she never talks about her work. McCollum needed to add additional tension to their relationship, although there’s something between Elliot and Talia. Maybe some unresolved attraction. Finally, we have Fyodor Timofeyev, the Russian who refuses to give up any information. He is shrouded in mystery and remains so even towards the end.

I, Spy is Latter-Day Saint/Mormon centered with regards to Talia and Danny. There’s mention about how Talia doesn’t drink alcohol including caffeine and where she went for a mission. Although McCollum sets up her characters with a Mormon background, there are no religious undertones.

My favorite quotes:
James Bond never had to deal with wardrobe malfunctions.

What are you talking about? Don’t tell me you’re falling for me, too.

If you’re a fan of spy thrillers, you’ll enjoy Jordan McCollum’s I, Spy. There was a bit of unfinished business regarding an earlier surveillance case and I’m hoping McCollum will wrap it up in later book. I, Spy is a heart stopping thrilling action ride. ( )

5 STARS

I was contacted last week and was offered this book I Spy to read. Told me it was about CIA agent working in Canada and a clean read. One person brought up Alias show it reminded them. So I thought I would sample it and see if it was a book I wanted to read this week for their blog tour. I did not want to put the book down. It grabs you and keeps you wanting more.

I did not realize it was published by a Orem company. When she talked about not having to make excuses because she did not drink. It clicked in my head. Then I went and read a little about the author. Hey it is a LDS fiction standards. No gospel taught. But did mention mission is why she speaks Russian, no alcohol drinks.

I Spy was just liked it was billed. A Spy novel that was full of drama, action, romance, danger, humor and a clean read. Every time I think things have calmed down something else happens and the danger is elevated again. Love the characters.

Talia is a CIA operative working in Canada. She speaks four languages and one of them is Russian. She has been dating her boyfriend for a year but lately as stood him up a lot because of work, take phone calls from work or be late. The case she is working with the Canada task force she is one of two agents that speak Russian. So she is on call right now a lot.

Danny is a smart guy working in Canada on top secret clearance. He has no idea that Talia is a agent not a lawyer. He is jealous of her co-worker Elliott who is always interrupting their dates. He wants a special date. No phones, no canceling at last moment no Elliott.

Elliott has not had his head in the game lately. His wife is his due anytime to go into labor. He took a phone call and was not being back up for Talia and she almost got caught. It could have cost her life. She tells her boss Will to give him one more chance. Will told her it could be her life on the line.

Their are some funny scenes with all three in a tight enclosures. Where Elliott is really standing in between Danny and Talia. This is a fast paced book. Most of it takes place in one day.

I definitely want to read more of Jordan McCollum's books in the future.
I was given this ebook and asked to give honest review of it when finished.
Publisher: Durham Crest Books (May 27, 2013) 312 pages ASIN: B00D1WWAZW ( )