Emily

This story is fast-paced, with excellent plot twists and brilliant dialog. The love story felt believable, with plenty of physical attraction, as well as intelectual admiration. The spy-related content was exciting, creative, and even funny (think: The Scarlet Pimpernel).

I must say this book had me laughing out loud at several of the sarcastic remarks made by the characters. Annique (the lead female), was especially delightful. I found her to be very likable. Her dry wit and quick thinking made it fun to be inside her mind. The lead male, Robert, was more stoic (British), wise, and fierce, and likable in his own right. I also enjoyed the secondary character, Adrian, very well.

As far as the audiobook edition goes, I must say that the woman who read it was phenomenal. This is definitely one of those books that is actually made better by being read aloud. The accents (British, French and German) were all very well done, and the narrator's voice is rich and soothing. I generally don't like to listen to women reading (men's voices tend to be deep in a more pleasing way), but I think because a woman was reading the love scenes (especially because they are mostly in the perspective of the main female character), I was able to be transported in the moments, without feeling like there is a third person (the narrator) in the room. (When men read love scenes in audiobooks, I find it more embarassing to listen. Silly, I know.) Honestly, I have huge ammounts of admiration for the voice actress who read this book, and will seek out other works read by her, regardless of author or genre.

This is my first foray into the words of Joanna Bourne, and I'm excited to now go read all of her books.