Book Review: Compact with the Devil (ARC)

Compact with the Devil (ARC)
Author: Bethany Maines
Pages: 400 pgs
Reading Level: Adult
Release Date: April 26th 2011
Review Source: Simon & Schuster
Available: Amazon / Borders / Barnes & Noble

Summary: (from goodreads) What do you get when you cross Avon Ladies with Charlie's Angels? A world-class intelligence organization run by women who really know their foundation. When Nikki Lanier signs up as a cosmetics rep at Carrie Mae, it's hardly her idea of a dream job. With a degree in linguistics and a hard-core workout regimen, the twenty-six-year-old redhead once had hopes for a real career. But unemployed and desperate to escape life at home with her nagging mother, she'll try anything; even selling makeup to housewives. Soon, Nikki learns that the powder and lipstick are simply cover-up for the Carrie Mae Foundation, a secret organization of international espionage and high-tech mascara founded for the purpose of helping women everywhere. Whisked off to Thailand with the legendary Carrie Mae agent Val Robinson, Nikki is soon in over her head. Between investigating the abduction of a human rights activist, tracking down a murderous arms dealer, keeping up with her wildly dangerous new partner, and occasionally trying to date a hunk who may or may not be CIA, Nikki has to use all the courage and cosmetic technology she's got to bring down the bad guys and get out alive. With the support of the colorful Carrie Mae crew, Nikki will overcome even the most harrowing obstacles;including incessant phone calls from her mother;or die trying.

If you like to read about espionage, the 2^nd installment of the Nikkie Lanier Series should be on your list. Nikkie works for an espionage agency that combines Agent 007 with Charlie’s Angels into one, under the cover of  a cosmetics company. After a failed mission, the company sends the team to cover separate jobs and Nikkie ends up in a tail spin adventure thru Europe. She is to capture an escaped assassin that has history with one of the other agents,  which happens to be her superior that is in a constant tug of power with her. This assassin goes after the family of the agent and Nikkie ends up  playing the role of guardian angel, disguise as a make-up artist for the rock star son’s tour. Needless to say that trouble and lots of complications follow the group, a lot of secrets come out and the team finally comes together to end with an explosive finish. This book is light, refreshing and  funny  with a side of action and mystery to make it a good read. Can’t wait for the next installment to see in what new adventures Nikkie falls  into.