Risky Match

Royal Spies, Book 1

De: J.D. Carothers

Narrado por: Stephanie Nemeth-Parker, James Joseph

Get ready for a high-stakes game. The players include billionaires, royals, spies, athletes, and criminals. Money, love, and life are on the line. And the winner is …

Blake
I’m laser-focused on my goal. No one will stop me this time.
At least that’s what I thought before Brianna showed up.
Her body is toned to perfection. Her beauty is effervescent. Her allure is undeniable.
I’ll never forget the glorious night we spent together two years ago. Afterward, we agreed to never cross that line again. It would make our lives too complicated.
But now that she’s here, I’m consumed with the need to pull her against me and recreate those passionate, steamy nights. She’s a distraction I don’t need, but I crave her. If I’m not careful, she’s going to ruin everything.

Briana
When I trained to spy for my country, I never dreamed my first real mission would target the hot, handsome man who cherished my body for a blissful night.
I knew we only had the one time. But even if I’d dreamed of a repeat, that’s impossible now. Blake is suspected of an international crime, so he’s completely off limits to a titled billionaire like me.
The problem?
My body didn’t get the message. When we’re near each other, a magnetic pull draws me to him, and an almost uncontrollable desire pulses through me.
I’m screwed.

Welcome to the world of Royal Spies where intrigue and unexpected turns lead to happily-ever-afters.

©2025 Dreamlific Publishing (P)2025 Dreamlific Publishing

Great royal, sports, spy romance!

Risky Match is the 1st book in the Royal Spies series and is a mystery/spy, royal, sports romance featuring tennis. Briana is a princess who plays pro-level tennis when she can balance it with her royal duties. Blake is a tennis pro struggling with anxiety who really hopes this will be his year at Wimbledon. Their magical night together 2 years ago notwithstanding, when they are paired up as doubles they are both determined to do their best to focus on the win. While they are fighting a very strong attraction to each other, they are gaining respect and true admiration as they progress through the tournament. Blake is fighting some demons and Bri is very patient with him while remaining focused on her duty. Even with the underlying mystery and suspicion, Bri’s undercover assignment can’t overshadow their connection entirely. I enjoyed how the author balanced all of the complexities of this story with the romance, suspense, and underlying fear of failing both in the tournament and in her assignment.

Duet narration by James Joseph and Stephanie Nemeth-Parker really made this story for me, and is the reason is chose to make this my next listen. They are both fantastic performers who really fit together in duet. They both did a wonderful job of bringing all of the characters to life while differentiating who was speaking at any given time and still driving the story and the complex emotions involved. Excellent casting!

This series is starting off HOT! 🔥

Risky Match is book #1 in the Royal Spies series. This story is like an episode of Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous! Blake Knight is the #2 tennis pro in the world, uber-wealthy, and focused on his career (and that elusive Wimbledon win). Brianna is a princess, a talented tennis player, and a covert royal operative (spy). The chemistry with these two is smoking hot from the night they meet. Brianna's latest mission throws her right in the middle of Blake's world again, but with secrets, lies, and antiquities theft. The author paints a lavish picture of the royal lifestyle, high stakes intrigue, witty banter, and steam that makes the hot tub sizzle! This is going to be a fantastic series!!

The dual narration is spectacular. James Joseph and Stephanie Nemeth-Parker were perfectly cast as Blake and Brianna, two very posh characters that exude sophistication topped with passion. Loved this duo! 5/5 stars!! 🌟

What a Match

Love it! The narrators did a wonderful job. The accents were perfection and really got me into the whole British vibe. Briana and Blake have an amazing one night stand and then reconnect after two years when she is sent to spy on him. Their story is a bit of an emotional roller-coaster with lots of spice, angst and action. I love how Briana wears many hats, I mean, she is a spy, Tennis player and Princess. Blake is a wealthy Tennis player but so much more as well. These two come from very different backgrounds but after all the drama find their way. I thoroughly enjoyed this opposites attract, Royal spy romance and can't wait for the next book in the series. Definitely a 4.5 star must read or listen.

I was sent an advanced copy audiobook from HCB and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.

Love means nothing 🎾

High-stakes tennis, sizzling chemistry, and a Royals twist—Blake and Briana are an unstoppable match. With spies, passion, and intrigue on and off the court, this 007-style sports romance keeps you hooked. Stephanie and James bring every steamy, tense, and playful moment to life—Risky Match is a grand slam listen.

“If I’m not careful, I could fall for the beautiful princess.”

This was such a fun listen. JD Carothers has definitely turned into a go-to author when I'm in the mood for romantic suspense. I love trying to put all the pieces together, and I gotta say this time I missed some of the clues until nearing the end.

Not only did I enjoy the mystery side of the story, but I also loved the connection between Brianna and Blake, and it was so painful to see when the whole truth came out. But, I loved how everyone worked together to help Blake win her back.

I really liked the whole Royal Spies concept and the fact that Brianna is much more than a mere princess.

The narrators did a really great job with this narration. I loved all the accents and how easy it was to keep track of everyone involved.

Quote: “You’ve invited me to the hot tub to protect you, Princess. But who’s going to protect me from you? I’ll be defenseless again just like the last time you invited me over.”