The Nobleman and the Spy by Bonnie Dee and Summer Devon
Narrated by Todd Scott
Book release: 2010, Audio release: 9/2016
Historical M/M Romantic Suspense
Audible Studios
Reviewed by Mandi
Blurb: They once faced each other on a battlefield. Now soldier-turned-spy Jonathan Reese must keep watch over the man he’s never forgotten. A close encounter reveals Karl von Binder, the count’s son, also recalls the day he spared Jonathan’s life.
Sparks fly between the former enemies and Jonathan begins to lose perspective on his mission. He knows he must maintain distance because the heat he encounters in Karl’s touch stirs him far too deeply for his own good. He can’t keep away — especially when he suspects someone is trying to kill the nobleman.
The spy becomes a protector as Jonathan guards the man he’s begun to care for. Together the men try to puzzle out who would benefit from Karl’s death — and how much they’re willing to trust each other when a torrid sexual fling threatens to become an affair of the heart.
Years ago, Reese and Karl met on the battlefield and for some reason, spared each other’s lives. In present day, Reese is now a spy, and his latest assignment is to watch Karl, a count’s son. Reese doesn’t have many details as to the ‘why’ of his assignment, but he will do his duty. Karl is no dummy, and quickly realizes he is being followed. They end up confronting each other, and quickly playing on an attraction they have to each other, confront each other with no clothes on. (it’s true! lol). Reese immediately feels guilty for his lusty actions, and decides to act more professional – but Karl is much more forward and it makes it difficult for Reese to keep his distance and professional demeanor. When Karl’s life is threatened, they have to work together to find out who is after him.
Normally in a romantic suspense book, if the spy and spied upon make-out after meeting once, I would roll my eyes, but these authors made it work. They have strong chemistry to start. Reese is more introverted and awkward and Karl is outgoing and talkative. Their personalities play off each other well. For less than 200 pages, it’s a very steamy book. I enjoyed their romantic relationship.
I think the weaker part of the book is the suspense and the second half. Once the fireworks between Reese and Karl are explored, the book loses a little steam. The person trying to kill Karl was not all that suspenseful at all. The ending result was somewhat of a let down. Karl by far shined in the book while Reese gets left behind. I felt like he never truly grew into his character.
The narration was just okay for me. The narrator didn’t really change his voice to portray both men and didn’t stand out to me. Not bad, but just average.
Grade: C
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