Ani has a talent for programming and hacking computer systems and has more than earned her keep, but she is anxious to go on her first undercover mission. Ani is asked to infiltrate Rexford.com to learn who has been selling Department of Defense secrets to the Chinese. The USSA suspects there is a traitor in the company, perhaps the CEO, Richard "Baby Rex" Rexford, and assigns Ani to get close to Richard and to hack into his home computer to see if he is the traitor.

Ani manages to get herself hired at Rexdford.com, but in order to get onto the boat where Richard lives, she decides she must start a dating relationship with Richard. When the two are together sparks fly, and not because the two are not compatible. They are more than compatible, especially in the bedroom.

Ani is uncomfortable with the arrangement because she is young (23) and very inexperienced and feels she should keep her mind on business. Richard is uncomfortable because he's a love 'em and leave 'em kind of guy and he finds himself falling head over heels for Ani. Ani also finds herself falling in love, but is certain it must be inexperience talking and decides she must get out fast and try another strategy to uncover the traitor.

There is a lot of possibility in this book, but at times the plot is uneven and often the language is awkward. Sometimes the language is very casual and other times stilted and formal, shifting the tone of the novel mid-scene. For the most part, the plot has a light-hearted feel, but then about three-quarters of the way through, it gets serious and intriguing, but quickly goes reverts to the original plot. There is a lot of graphic sex (not always a bad thing), but there is more sex than plot at times.

Ani is a compelling character, still naive, but very earnest in her desire to excel in her career. Richard shows possibilities every so often, but mostly comes across as a stereotypical smart, independent male who doesn't think he needs a serious relationship until the young ingenue arrives (think Richard Gere in Pretty Woman). In spite of the plot, language and characters, there is still something compelling about Spy Game that will make readers want to finish it. And as much as they may want to, they could find themselves rooting for Ani and Richard to share a happily ever after.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry