Spies and Prejudice by Talia Vance

 GoodReads: Fields’ Rule #1: Don’t fall for the enemy.

Berry Fields is not looking for a boyfriend. She’s busy trailing cheaters and liars in her job as a private investigator, collecting evidence of the affairs she’s sure all men commit. And thanks to a pepper spray incident during an eighth grade game of spin the bottle, the guys at her school are not exactly lining up to date her, either.

So when arrogant—and gorgeous—Tanner Halston rolls into town and calls her “nothing amazing,” it’s no loss for Berry. She’ll forget him in no time. She’s more concerned with the questions surfacing about her mother’s death.

But why does Tanner seem to pop up everywhere in her investigation, always getting in her way? Is he trying to stop her from discovering the truth, or protecting her from an unknown threat? And why can’t Berry remember to hate him when he looks into her eyes?

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Expected publication date: 11/06/13

Mystery mixed with a touch of romance. Spies and Prejudice is a must read for fans of Veronica Mars!

Berry Fields works as a PI at her dad's private investigation firm, collecting evidence of the affairs she's certain all men commit. After an incident in the 8th grade involving pepper spray boys haven't exactly been lining up to date her. And she's cool with that, because really, who has time for liars and cheaters? Certainly not her.

One day after a stakeout Berry witnesses her best friend's father secretly exchanging a document that has to do with her mother's death. She never believed that her mother committed suicide, so this is the perfect opportunity for her to finally find out the truth about her death. Berry is thrust into a sticky situation, though. In order to find out more information she must sneak into her bf's fathers study...is finding out the truth really worth betraying her best friend?...

Spies and Prejudice features a fun and colourful set of characters. It's a refreshing change to read about a set of high schoolers that aren't dramatic or angst-y, but are still relatable. Berry was a fantastic protagonist. Strong and sassy, she is a no-nonsense kind of girl, who doesn't take crap from anyone. I also liked Berry's gadget making best friend Mary Chris. The genuine sense of friendship between these two was sweet.

When Tanner comes rolling into town Berry's life is turned upside down. She wants nothing to do with him, but she can't seem to get away from him as he always seems to pop up at the most inconvenient times  (specifically when she's trying to investigate her mother's death.)  Berry can't help but question why. Is trying to protect her? or is he trying to stop her from finding out the truth? Just what is Tanner hiding?

The whole 'handsome, but arrogant' love interest has been done time and time again, but Vance has created a love interest with a difference. While the romance isn't the focus of the story, it is still sizzling with chemistry.

Overall, the plot was well thought out and the mystery was engaging. My only complaint is that the ending felt a little bit rushed, and a small loose end wasn't tied up, which for someone like me who likes their loose ends tied up would have been nice. Aside from these minor qualms, I found Spies and Prejudice to be a fun read. (As for the "playful nod to Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice" I can't really comment on that, because I haven't read the book.)

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