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From Kirkus

April 15, 2024
Pop superstar Winter Young is again drawn into the world of secret agent Sydney Cossette in this follow-up to Stars and Smoke (2023). Though constantly on one another's minds, Winter and Sydney have resisted making any contact with each other since narrowly surviving a mission in which Panacea, the secret organization Sydney works for, tapped Winter to use his megastar status to infiltrate a wealthy and powerful criminal underworld. Ratcheting up the tension in this enemies-to-lovers romantic thriller is the fact that Sydney is being sent to Singapore to extract Tems, a fellow agent who also happens to be her ex. Winter, who needs a plus-one for a Warcross Championship gala in order to better maintain his cover, invites his former girlfriend. Witty insults and crossed signals abound in the pair's smoldering relationship, but this second installment is a bit darker than the first. If some of the betrayals and losses involved are easy enough to spot coming, they still pack an emotional punch due to the strong development of Winter's and Sydney's respective backstories, told in alternating third-person narratives, both involving abuse and psychological pain. Winter is Chinese American; Sydney is white, and there's a diverse cast of supporting characters whom readers will likely see again--Lu has left the ending tantalizingly open for another installment. Another engaging entry in this world of spies and international intrigue. (Thriller. 14-18)

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From AudioFile Magazine

This audiobook continues to follow the thrilling journey of pop star Winter Young and secret agent Sydney Cossette as they embark on a dangerous mission in Singapore. Becca Q. Co's versatile narration creates distinct voices for each character, making it easy for listeners to differentiate between them. Co portrays Sydney's emotional strength and vulnerability, giving depth to her character while infusing Winter with a charismatic confidence that captures his complex personality. Co's pacing maintains the story's tension during action scenes, while her emotional delivery enhances the romantic undertones between the leads. Even in moments of quiet intensity, Co's voice remains engaging and dynamic, adding rich layers that immerse listeners in this audiobook. F.S.M. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine