The Charmer (Liars Club, Book 4)

Good read. Had to go out and get all the rest of her books.

The Plot: The plot is much like Space Mountain at disneyland - it's very fast moving, but smooth and fun and enjoyable and you laugh out loud and go through dips and turns. Honestly this was such a quick read - I finished it in less than a day with only 5 hours sleep. Again, CB's books aren't normally "quick" and I never find myself "skimming" any phrases - but I was actually able to absorb the entire story and it only felt like a few minutes later I was in chapter 18! The HEA in this one TOTALLY delivered and I had the STUPIDEST grin pasted on my face when I was done reading it and I wanted to jump up like Austin Powers and shout, "yeeeeeah baby!" or do a touchdown dance or something . . .. I was just so excited and I know that sounds REALLY DORKY and NERDY and whatever - but it's true.... The Characters: Collis. *sigh* so flirty, but no annoyingly so. We've seen him in a few of the previous Liar books. Handicapped with a left arm that has damaged nerves from battle, he really hasn't been with a woman in a while...the tension between him and Rose is the very opening paragraph of the book - and the very first sentence describes his awesome chest. enough said. Rose Lacey was an abused maid (introduced in Book 2 The Impostor) who has Collis pinned - both physically and emotionally - but she constantly feels bad about the class difference between her and everyone else in the spy academy. Again - there hasn't been a heroine from a CB novel yet that I didn't like - Rose stands out b/c she is very quick thinking under pressure and she is a very solid strong person with great morals and she truly is a HEROINE - she saves the day in one part of the book (I won't spoil it). The Prince Regent George - absolutely hilarious. He had me laughing from his first scene. In fact, his character was so funny and great and witty and fruity that I won't be able to think of him written any other way by another romance author - I know. That's a drastic thing to say. But his crazyness and shenanigans are so great - that it will be forever burned in my memory. Ethan Damont the gambler, drinker, school-friend of Collis, introduced in this one and plays a major supporting role - reminds me EXACTLY of Johnny Depp. *sigh* He's the hero of Book 5, The Rogue, which I'm reading now! FINAL GRADE = A+ This is on my DIK list right next to The Impostor - if you are a Celeste Bradley fan - this book is NOT to be missed! Points that made it "Desert Island Keeper": of course the passion/angst, and comedic portrayal of the Prince George, and the action of the plot.

Collis Tremayne, is determined to become a member of the Liar's Club, a secret government agency of spies. At the top of his training class, Collis' only competition is the former house-maid Rose Lacey. Rose is clever, brave, and seemingly immune to Collis' legendary charm. As his frustration with Rose grows, so does his desire for her. When Rose Lacey is given the chance to better herself and become a spy for England's Liar's Club, she works tirelessly to meet the challenge. Infuriated with the ease in which Collis achieves success and his arrogant confidence, Rose works even harder to best him while fighting her increasing attraction for her high-born competitor. When their rivalry gets out of hand, the pair are assigned a secret mission to test their skills and ability to work together. Facing a dangerous threat to England's security, Collis and Rose must use all of their skills to outwit and thwart the enemy. Can Collis and Rose work together without their tempers and passions exploding? I have read every book in the Liar's Club and enjoyed them all. The Charmer is no exception. Rose may be common by birth, but her driving desire to better herself makes her a strong, yet sympathetic, heroine. In addition, she has beauty, intelligence, and determination. It's no wonder Collis is drawn to her. Collis is charming, witty, and handsome. Despite his position in society, he doesn't let societal strictures rule his heart. These characters are a perfect balance for each other. I found the plot full of intrigue, the characters compelling, and the dialogue witty. I especially loved the amusing scenes involving the Prince Regent. Celeste Bradley does an excellent job of infusing sparkling humor into her books. While The Charmer can be read as a stand alone book, I would recommend reading the series in order. I love how character's from previous books cross over into The Charmer. A delightful read, I recommend The Charmer and the entire Liar's Club series. Annabelle Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

In 1813, the Liars Club members train the next generation of recruits to serve as spies to protect the country. Two of the better newcomers, former servant Rose Lacey and aristocratic Collis Treymayne are intense rivals trying to better one another in every test. The leadership is concerned over the rivalry interfering with their progress. So the duo is assigned to a phony scenario to steal a document, but must work together as a team or else. As they fuss over the assignment, they break and enter, but Rose takes the wrong file. Soon the pair finds themselves outside the classroom and in the real world of espionage in which one mistake means death. As the danger mounts, they fall in love, but she is a commoner and he is a nobleman. THE CHARMER is a wonderful Liars' Club Regency romance starring two fabulous antagonists who compete whether it is on the mats or in the classroom. Rose is a fabulous heroine who though she is a top student and can hold her own even in hand to hand combat, still mentally struggles with her reflex reactions to aristocratic males from years in service. Collis is a perfect counterpart as he loves to get Rose's goat, but hates to lose to her even if he has one bad arm. Together as they struggle to uncover a plot against the Regent, they freshen up a series that will send new fans seeking the previous three espionage romances. Harriet Klausner