A Model Spy

I would have missed out on this great James Bond-like novel if it hadn't been a Bombshell. It's not my usual fare as it revolves around high society and modeling but Natalie Dunbar did an excellent job at drawing me into the story and creating likeable characters. Vanessa Dawson was a famous model who quit the business after conquering an addiction to cocaine. Now, as an undercover operative for the Gotham Roses, Vanessa has ventured back into modeling to stop a drug smuggler and find out who killed two models. She is partnered with DEA agent Cody Mackenzie who poses as one of her photographers. The list of suspects includes Caulfield Carouthers, Taye Rollins, and Hector Guerra. Vanessa quickly reconnects with the modeling scene and begins the parade of parties and meeting all the suspects, as well as the models being used as mules for the drug smuggling. In the process, she finds herself attracted to Taye Rollins and conflicted over his involvement as his childhood friend, Jerrell Vaughn, is obviously involved in the scheme. Natalie Dunbar does an excellent job of maintaining a balance between the aspects of the fashion world that will attract chic lit readers and yet keeping the action flowing. Overall, this was a very enjoyable read.

Vanessa Dawson enjoyed her modeling work until the downsizing of the jet set party lifestyle hammered home with the abundance of drugs available; she became an addict. Realizing she needed to quit the drugs, Vanessa also concluded her modeling life left the temptation too great so she left that too to start over. Vanessa has also joined the Gotham Roses whose mission is to insure justice is meted to the wealthy who break the law without a care. However, The Roses assign her to go back into the modeling world where drugs hooked her; she fears the temptation is too great. Someone murdered two models in Miami including her former roommate with rapper-clothing designer Taye Rollins as the prime suspect. Vanessa is to work from within to uncover whether he committed homicide and if not who did. Vanessa is an absorbing protagonist as she fears going right back into the fishbowl with the conditions that led to her fall yet intrepidly does so out of loyalty to her murdered friend. Trey would also be interesting, but pales next to Vanessa. Readers will enjoy the murder investigation as Vanessa, who already has doubts about her judgment, kicks herself for falling in love with the prime suspect. Though the ending seems abrupt and rushed, fans of the Gotham Roses will appreciate their latest mission. Harriet Klausner