The Secret of Flirting

AudioBook Review Stars: Overall 4 Narration 4 Story 4 The first I’ve read in this series, the story is clever and quite engaging – with plenty of mystery to ferret out. The hero, Baron Fulkham, Gregory, is in service to the crown, as were many of his station to combat the scourge of Napoleon and the upheaval throughout Europe. In the midst of some delicate manipulations and political delicacies, there is a ball thrown, a ball in which Gregory is destined to meet the formerly reclusive Princess of Chanay. Unfortunately, Gregory is convinced that the woman, posing as the princess is an actress he met a few years back, one Monique Servais. He’s determined to get to the bottom of the charade, and to see just why (and how) she is using her skills to impersonate someone else. Monique was approached by someone claiming kinship to the ‘real’ princess, and in need of Monique’s skills – skills that she has been using at every opportunity to provide home and security for her ill grandmother. Gregory recognizing her is bad enough, but his digging into her reasons, AND placing her in dangers she didn’t expect as the stakes for gain and political one-upsmanship grow larger each day. Together, both Monique and Gregory are delightful – snark, sizzle and steam rise from their every interaction as they struggle with their own feelings of attachment, and wonder how to uncover truths while not destroying relationships, reputations or negotiations. Fully realized, completely engaging and utterly well-suited in intelligence, temperament and that pesky thing called attraction, it’s time to see another formerly reserved and uptight man find his match in one wholly unexpected, emotionally available and intelligent woman. Narration for this story is provided by Justine Eyre, and she’s managed to capture the dueling (and dual) characters and personalities with flair – never over-reaching or overacting to make a point. Monique has a flexibility that shows a flash of humor and enjoyment when sparring with Gregory, Gregory’s rather ‘stick up butt’ initial and public persona is quite obvious through tone and pace, while his quiet moments, when he lets his guard down and actually relates with Monique, shows an enjoyment that is evident in the delivery. Never too fast or hesitating far longer than necessary for moments of import, the performance highlighted and served the writing beautifully and helped to hold my interest throughout. I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Simon and Schuster Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.