When Olivia Bevelstoke is told that her new neighbor may have killed his fiancee, she doesn’t believe it for a second, but, still, how can she help spying on him, just to be sure? So she stakes out a spot near her bedroom window, cleverly concealed by curtains, watches, and waits… and discovers a most intriguing man, who is definitely up to something.

Sir Harry Valentine works for the boring branch of the War Office, translating documents vital to national security. He’s not a spy, but he’s had all the training, and when a gorgeous blonde begins to watch him from her window, he is instantly suspicious. But just when he decides that she’s nothing more than an annoyingly nosy debutante, he discovers that she might be engaged to a foreign prince, who might be plotting against England. And when Harry is roped into spying on Olivia, he discovers that he might be falling for her himself…

I don’t really know what made me pick up this book — I think I wanted something to listen to while I was walking, and I thought this wouldn’t take a lot of brainpower to get through. It also didn’t look like a typical general market romance (no sultry poses or people on the cover). I wasn’t expecting much other than a brainless listen.

I was SOOOO pleasantly surprised! There was one sex scene in the book; the rest of it was full of humor, non-stereotypical characters, and fun. I don’t think this is for those who want 100% historical accuracy, but it’s enough history for someone like me. I loved that the focus really was on the characters and not the sex — right up my alley.

If you like the humor of authors like Janet Evanovich or Darinda Jones, I think you’ll enjoy Julia Quinn. Get your copy here!

Rated R for sex.