Book Review: Guarding Mr. Fine by Helen Kay Dimon

Guarding Mr. Fine by Helen Kay Dimon is a contemporary romance novel. As an agent with the CIA’s special activities division, Seth Lang lives for risk, and yet he’s stuck playing bodyguard to the U.S. consul general in Munich. Although Seth’s last assignment nearly killed him, babysitting some desk jockey in a suit sounds way too easy. But when he lays eyes on the new top man, tactical expert Rick Fine, Seth’s thrilled to see just how hard this job is going to get. Mr. Tall, Dark, and Quiet has a body worth guarding, and he requires hands-on attention day and night. Dispatched to a German consulate to expose the murder of his predecessor, Rick finds himself in an extremely vulnerable position. He needs a man like Seth, in so many ways. This mission will inevitably plunge them both into jeopardy, but each new threat only brings them closer. Rick just hopes that he can keep his deepest, darkest secret hidden, or else risk imperiling a relationship they’re both fighting for their lives to protect.

Guarding Mr. Fine is a solid romance, with aspects of danger- both emotional and physical, that keep the reader guessing. I think both Seth and Rick have their issues, and hide away pieces of themselves for protection. I like that they are both capable and complex men, with a significant mystery surrounding the death of the previous consul general and the missing vaccines. I think the solution was a little too expected, as I had my suspicious about that particular character from the very beginning. However, the journey toward the reveal and later the happy ever after, were well worth it. I liked that the characters were open about their faults, even if they were not open about their secrets. I found the give and take, and gradual emotional growth from Seth to be very well done. 

I think many readers will enjoy Guarding Mr. Fine. There is suspense, romance, and an accurate portrayal of gay and bi characters. I would not recommend it to readers that do not enjoy same sex romances with men in the staring roles. However, readers that like contemporary, suspense, and military or undercover agent style romances will enjoy the read.