Reviewed by Annika
TITLE: The Two Gentlemen of Altona
SERIES: Playing the Fool #1
AUTHOR: Lisa Henry & J.A. Rock
NARRATOR: Nick J. Russo
PUBLISHER: Riptide Publishing
LENGTH: 5 hours, 11 minutes
RELEASE DATE: February 11, 2016
BLURB:
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.
REVIEW:
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.
RATING: 
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