Good things may come to those who wait, but sometimes the expectation and build-up can dull the thing when it finally arrives. I haunted my bookstore for about a week waiting for this book because I liked Sally Tyler Hayes’ first spy novel, Dangerous to Love so much. Although Spies, Lies, and Lovers, is good, the anticipation of it exceeded its actuality.

Geri Sinclair is an agent on a mission: find Alexander Hathaway, a brilliant scientist who discovered a new explosive. He is also a suspect in the murder of one of Geri’s good friends, who is also an agent. When she finds him, or someone she thinks is him, the mind games begin.

There was a lot to like about this book. The sexual tension between Geri and Alex is so thick it rises from the pages. Each is drawn to the other even when they know they should be a little more careful. And, the author makes you feel Geri’s complex emotions. She is sexually drawn to Alexr even though she suspects he murdered her friend. And while some of his behavior towards her does not fit the profile of a mad scientist/murderer, things keep emerging that lead her to believe he is the man she’s hunting. My head whirled right along with hers, and I knew who he was.

Alex is an appealing hero. He’s got a sense of humor, despite being wanted for murder, and he’s determined to protect Geri (she’s led him to believe that she’s being physically abused by a man). He can also be a little dangerous.

Part of this book is very frustrating, however. When Geri and Alex find out each other’s true identities, the accusations fly, even though each is as guilty of lying and “betrayal” as the other. And if Geri thought that Alex was using sex as a weapon, she should have realized that he might think she was doing the same thing. I kept thinking about that old saying, “People in glass houses. . . .” Another quibble was that the author, when leading into (or describing) their dialogue, used, “she complained” or “he complained” too much, leaving them sounding whiny. Lord knows these are two people who shouldn’t have been whiny, especially Geri, who is a rough-and-tumble spy.

Things improved tenfold once they decided to work together and find out who set Alex up. They stopped complaining and got smart. And they started to be honest with their feelings. Plus, it was fun catching up with Dan and Jamie from Hayes’ previous novel, Dangerous to Love.

A good beginning, frustrating middle and great end combine to make this an pretty good overall read. I recommend it, especially if you like spy novels.