First things first, anyone familiar with Joss Whedon's "Dollhouse" will see shades of that running rampant with the way that Marissa goes under deep cover. At first I had a lot of trouble with that. It did make for some mighty awkward scenes for poor Trevor though. The guy couldn't catch a break. His hot crush is coming onto him in the smallest nightie set in existence and he can't lay a finger on her skin because its not REALLY her.

That's what happens when you have scruples folks. They get in the way of getting laid. I'm mostly joking--I did feel really bad for him because the guy was unnerved as heck. She thought he was her loving fiancee, and much like knocking boots with her would be taking advantage of her, Trevor could not bring himself to hurt this "false" Marissa.

What I found aggravating about him was that every time he would get close to the real Marissa he'd fling himself so far back that it was a wonder that he didn't wind up in a different state. His reasoning, that she was a crook and would likely jump at the chance to become one again given half a second to herself, grated on my nerves. Not quite as much as Marissa constant self-flagellation, but it was pretty far up there. They treated her former life with her parents less as youthful misguidedness and more like a disease that at any moment would flair to life and take over. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but can conning/stealing be as thoroughly addicting as a drug? So much so that you lose ALL sense of self?

The story got lucky though because I wanted to see when Trevor got his head on straight. Marissa wises up about how to deal with her crush on him and from there it seemed the best move she could have made. I liked watching him squirm. A lot.

While I definitely enjoyed this second TRAIT novel, this is a much spicier read then GAMING FOR KEEPS was and was less on the humorous side. A bit more scifi too. Still I'm hoping there's more in store for this spy network because I'd love to know what's up with Josh... ( )

Fun fake-dating spy romance with fun characters who both have hearts of gold but just need to overcome their past. This isn't erotica, but it is steamy romance. It also has (entirely appropriate and in-character) swearing, and while that didn't bother me at all because it fit the characters, more sensitive readers should be aware.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series Gaming for Keeps) so I don't know why it took me this long to read book two. ( )

Marissa is teamed with Trevor, one she's partnered with for years now, on this mission to get a famous painting away from the deadly gangster like father. The kicker in the irony, she has deep feelings and desire for Trevor and this mission...to pose as engaged and a group wedding at the end of the week. Maybe their pasts will get in the way of the mission, or their desire for each other.

This is the second story in the Agents of TRAIT series. We pick up with Marissa and Trevor, which we meet in Gaming for Keeps with Cal. Marissa and Trevor are partners that worked with Cal at the convention. Cal is mentioned as he's off at a convention with his girlfriend. Marissa and Trevor are the couple we focus on here.

Marissa and Trevor have been flirting for years, but when she decided (after clues from him) to make the move he scowled at her and keeps their "relationship" that way - scowling. We learn of both Marissa's and Trevor's histories. Both are a little jaded and affect them now. Something they both hold on to hoping to escape it. Marissa, a thief with her family. Trevor, gangs and the murder of his best friend. Trevor, and Marissa quietly, worry that Marissa will slip back to the life of thievery as she's wanted this particular painting since before her and her parents were caught.

Seleste is talented in creating unique circumstances in her stories. In this book she's created a group wedding with a mobster like father coming his son's wedding and handing down a priceless piece of art. This was a neat setting, but what caught my eye was the hypnotizing. Marissa is hypnotized and transformed into a character to play. She's not aware of it, but there are fall safes for things getting out of control in order to bring her out. This little twist reminded me a tad of Dollhouse. I liked that, but then I worried as Trevor does have feelings for Marissa and he doesn't want to take advantage of her when she's not herself.

This is definitely an adult read. Smexy all the way. A great little escape for you with a mission and love. ( )

I thought this was a really fun read. It has really enjoyable characters and a story line that had me laughing out loud at several spots. Would recommend reading. I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ( )