The Two Gentlemen of Altona

Playing the Fool, Book 1

By: Lisa Henry, J.A. Rock

Narrated by: Nick J. Russo

Length: 5 hrs and 11 mins

Publisher's summary

Mischief, thou art afoot.

Special Agent Ryan "Mac" McGuinness is having a rough week. Not only is he on a new diet, but he's also been tasked with keeping Henry Page - the world's most irritating witness - alive. Which is tough when Mac's a breath away from killing the Shakespeare-quoting, ethically-challenged, egg-obsessed Henry himself. Unless killing isn't really what Mac wants to do to him.

Con man Henry Page prefers to keep his distance from the law... though he wouldn't mind getting a little closer to uptight, handsome Agent McGuinness. As the sole witness to a mob hit, Henry's a valuable asset to the FBI. But he's got his own agenda, and it doesn't involve testifying.

When evidence surfaces of a mole in the FBI office, Mac and Henry are forced to go into hiding. Holed up in a fishing cabin, they're surprised to discover that their feelings run more than skin deep. But as the mob closes in, Henry has to make his escape. And Mac has to decide how far he's willing to go to keep Henry by his side.

©2014 Lisa Henry and J.A. Rock (P)2016 Riptide Publishing

Witty, Light Romantic Suspense

What did you love best about The Two Gentlemen of Altona?

Short Answer: Everything

But, to elaborate, I was taken by the characters, the banter, and the tone of the story while getting a side dish of suspense to keep things interesting.

What did you like best about this story?

Probably the characters of Mac and Henry. Such opposites and yet they appreciated each other and had great chemistry.

Have you listened to any of Nick J. Russo’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes, this is my third time listening to his narration. This one ties Christmas Kitsch as my favorite. He did great making me hear both Mac and Henry's voices and made the humorous aspect shine while doing well with Henry's complexities.

If you could rename The Two Gentlemen of Altona, what would you call it?

The Cop and the Con Artist Take to the Road

Any additional comments?

This book has an abrupt ending because it is the first installment of a trilogy so the reader needs to go in knowing that this isn't really a standalone though the main conflict does tie up.

Funny Smart Characters

The only reason I got this book was because of the narrator (He's the best) and if you are reading this Nick thank you soo much for your preformance. Just Personally not a big fan of m/m romance or any kind of romance novels didn't know what i was getting into at first. Big fan of good stories though, fantasy urban stuff lots of action like the knight chronicles, my best series yet made up there because of Nicks performance like I said only reason I got this and that it was supposed to be funny, after listening to great stories back to back this story was ok just the back and forth between characters was awesome, story itself could have been one of the episodes in any of the countless detective tv series should tell you I hate cliff hangers and this one has one that's why you get 3 stars not cool when tv shows do it not cool when authors do it too. My 2 cents. Still worth listening at least once you ow yourself that much.

characters with chemistry!

I really grew to love the two main characters. the chemistry was natural and didn't feel forced at all. can't wait for part two!

uggggghhh

kind of disappointed. I hate cliffhangers...this ending to the story doesnt compelled me to finish the series...the narration was good tho...ugggghhh such a waste mannnnn

enjoyed it

Did the story keep me engaged: yes
Were there any parts I found annoying: had an abrupt ending (because it is the first instalment of a trilogy).
Did I feel an emotional connection to the characters: yes
Would I listen to it again: yes

• Light entertainment, witty and fun for the most part.
• Book 1 introduces the characters and starts a slow build romance, there's plenty of action and it has a good pace.
• Nick J. Russo does a fantastic job at bringing the characters to life, his narration is spot on with terrific timing and great character voices.

I'm diving straight into Book 2.

cheated

I felt cheated that the book was not a stand-alone. I felt like I had walked into a movie theater 45 minutes into the film.

Fun but

I'm not a fan of cliff hangers but I like Henry! This book is full of more hilarity than suspense.

Funny story great narration

This is a funny first book of a three book series. In book one we are given the set up. Why Mac and Henry are together: Mac is keeping Henry “safe” for his trial against the mob, Henry wants to run away.

Giving us the two MCs basic characters: Mac, somewhat overweight, FBI agent on a diet, grumpy because of diet, not your typical MC but still very masculine. Henry: conman, chatty, sly, eager to push Mac’s buttons.

Setting up the beginning of their romance: These are early days, there isn’t a lot of hot and heavy sexy times, but we can hope in the next installment there will be more to come!
I love the “imperfect” MC and in this book we get two!

Be warned- cliff hanger – This is a super funny book and I am eager to move on to book 2!

Audio

Nick J Russo is the PERFECT choice of narrators for this book. He’s got a naturally gritty tone that really suits this PI book with a tongue in cheek feel. Nick is always easy to listen to and he does a nice job differentiating all the different voices – including the ladies ☺ Henry and Mac’s voices are perfect and exactly as I’d imagined.

I highly recommend this book and the audiobook and I look forward to the next in the series!

4.5 of 5 stars

So much fun!

An FBI agent and a con man… It has got to be one of the more ironic matches ever made. But oh, it was an entertaining one.

Being a witness to a murder can put a serious damper on your life, and even be very hazardous to your health. Especially when said murder is a hit for the mob and you are the only witness – and intended next victim…

Let’s just say that Henry Page is not keen on sticking around to see how things play out. He values his own life too much to testify. So first, and every, chance he got really, he slips away, often by causing some diversion or other – in plain sight no less. I have to say that his diversion tactics are... well far from subtle and I admire his ingenuity.

Henry always made sure of landing on his feet and had loads of experience in getting out of sticky situations, say like police or FBI custody – and multiple of times. His manipulating skills are off the charts. As is his charm. He knows exactly how to play people and situations to his advantage. He could charm anyone – me included. Very reluctantly so I might add as on several occasions there was nothing I’d have loved more than to strangle the man – or at the very least tie him up or have him In a leash.

I’m also sure that’s how Mac felt too, along with the frustration and reluctant fascination. Especially considering he recently was forced off the good stuff in life, such as sugars, carbs – and caffeine. Grumpy was only the beginning of it. And Henry constantly tempting him didn’t help matters, and he was tempting in so many ways. I loved the banter, how they danced around each other. Well Henry danced and Mac reluctantly followed every move, wishing to participate. The overall plot wasn’t credible, but it wasn’t meant to be. It was entertaining and fun – just like Henry.

The performer of this tale was none other than Nick J. Russo. And he made this experience a fun one. He made you feel Mac’s frustration with Henry. His bewilderment when Henry organized a part in the middle of FBI’s offices – while in custody no less. He also nailed the pacing of the story and his intonations were spot on. I can’t wait to get into the rest of the series!

Their story doesn’t end here, there are two more books to follow and I can’t imagine what troubles Henry will get into (cause) next.

A copy of this book was generously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review for Love Bytes.

Shakespeare would have enjoyed the listen

A hard ass FBI agent and a Shakespeare obsessed con man. The perfect setting for a romantic comedy, that plays out like a tragedy. Shakespeare would be so proud. There is no sex in this book, they try but something always stops them I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the book and immediately purchased book 2. I highly recommend!!!