Set against the backdrop of impending war between Russia and Ukraine, Lex's Story finds Rogov striving to fulfill his duty to his country and his struggles with the many relationships in his life, familial and romantic. Blending domestic drama, romance, and military action, Biggerstaff has written a fast paced and immersive story that jumps straight into the action, exploring how far Lex will go to fulfill his sworn duties as a military man—and what he's willing to sacrifice, including love and potentially his life. Rogov proves to be a strong and resolute soldier, one who will even continue his original assignment after he becomes convinced that Devin has turned him over to the enemies. Rogov must swallow his pain and trauma to succeed and possibly get revenge.
Biggerstaff creates a character that embodies the loyal soldier archetype, one that readers will sympathize with and root for. With crisp dialogue that drives the story and direct prose that wastes no time, Lex's Story will please readers who relish emotional stories of domestic espionage, loyalty, and cover-ups The twists shock, and the violence is more graphic than the romantic clinches, but Lex’s Story has lots of heart.
Takeaway: Emotional military thriller of domestic espionage and romance.
Comparable Titles: Sandie Jones’s The First Mistake, Jane Elizabeth Hughes’s The Spy’s Wife.
Production grades
Cover: B
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: B
Marketing copy: A-
Lex’s Story dives into the riveting world of Alexi (Lex) Rogov, a freshly graduated lieutenant from the Air Force Academy. With a unique skill set, he’s immediately chosen for his maiden assignment as an intelligence officer with the Central Intelligence Agency. Paired with Agent Nikita Devin, herself a novice, the plot thickens when suspicions arise about her allegiances. It becomes Rogov’s mission to determine her loyalty.
From the outset, the narrative thrives on crisp, clear dialogue, aptly mirroring the sharp-witted nature of the characters it portrays. This brisk dialogue serves as an accelerator for the book’s pacing. While Biggerstaff’s directness in description captures the essence of a high-stakes intelligence environment, I think a touch more elaboration would enrich the reader’s experience.
One of Biggerstaff’s commendable strengths is her knack for creating suspense. A notable instance is the cliffhanger that goes, ‘”Um, you know who Barrett’s father was, right?” “Yes, I know.” Such moments not only propel the reader forward with an insatiable curiosity but also seamlessly integrate subsidiary characters, enriching Rogov’s backstory without inundating the narrative.
Lex’s Story is a well-crafted tapestry of intrigue and suspense. For those eager to immerse themselves in a captivating espionage thriller and perhaps explore more from Biggerstaff’s collection, this book is a definite recommendation.
Lieutenant Alexi Rogov, also known as Lex, received a classified assignment from the Bush Center for Intelligence. His task was to monitor and report on the activities of Nikita Davin, whose loyalty was in question. He was assigned to work with Agent Delgado, with whom he would maintain secret communication throughout the assignment. This assignment also meant that Lex would be joining Niki in her first role as a handler, placing her in a superior position to him. After signing the necessary paperwork, he was stationed in Germany, awaiting the call. Little did he know that a more dangerous mission lay ahead, and the mission involving Niki might not be as straightforward as he thought, potentially affecting not only his life but also the lives of his family members.
Lex's Story by Kimberly A. Biggerstaff is a military romance and thriller that delves into the life of a US Air Force personnel who receives a military assignment that would have profound implications for his family, personal life, and love life. Survival becomes a central question as he embarks on these high-stakes missions.
This story captivates readers from the very first page with its suspenseful start. The conflict is established swiftly, drawing readers into Lex's journey as he takes on heart-pounding missions from the Central Intelligence Agency, the CIA. Lex's character is portrayed as passionate and dedicated to fulfilling his assignments. The character of Sam, strong, principled, and skilled, plays a pivotal role in trying to make Lex and Erin's relationship work despite challenges related to their sexual orientation. John, a supportive character, is there for the women and Lex. Katrina, a mother, demonstrates the lengths parents would go to for their child, even when faced with disrespect from Lex. She only wants his happiness.
While I enjoyed the book, I was left with a sense of dissatisfaction when Erin broke Lex's heart, considering how deeply he was in love with her. Although I don't see it as a flaw in the book, I found the plot twist disappointing. However, I believe the author included this intentionally to add mystery and an element of tragedy to the story, which some readers may find engaging. The book is professionally edited, with only a few typos, earning it a solid 5 out of 5 stars. It's a must-read for suspense and romance enthusiasts, and I highly recommend it to them.
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Lex's Story
