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26 of 32 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Why do women do all the work?, November 10, 2004
I had a feeling I wouldn't like this romance in this otherwise very likeable series, because of the way the hero was introduced in The Pretender. The heroine is engaging, but since the hero is usually the point of attraction, he matters more to this reader. As aspirant to Isabel's attentions, Collis comes off as young and rather feckless, though his arm injury invites some curiosity and sympathy. He could have blossomed into hero material inthis novel had the heroine not stolen all his valor and glory. Collis is attractive and charming, but the premise that he is the magnetic rising star of the Liar's Club is not credible, as he keeps making mistake after mistake. His lapse of judgment in inviting the king for a lark while drunk, and other dubious judgment calls make him less than heroic.
A problem I've noticed more and more with current romances, of which this is an extreme example, is that the heroine outshines the hero in her new and improved "empowered" role. She rarely needs his help, much less his rescue. Often, she rescues him. Though occasionally, this is amusing, to see romance after romance trotting out this as the new standard in escapist fiction is tiresome and tiring. We women can be empowered in real life; in fantasy, let's let the heroes do some of the rescuing and sharp thinking; let them show that they are really smart, not just eye candy. In this sense, Dalton of the Imposor comes off as a more captivating a figure, while Simon of the Pretender is more endearing and responsible. They are men; Collis is a pretty rich boy coddled by his maid lover.
There is also an unbelievable lack of qualms over the two extreme class spectrums meeting; Collis barely considers this huge class difference, which could have added some intriguing romantic complication. For a better read, try the other Liars' Club books. The Impostor has the better plot, the Pretender the better couple. I do admire Rose, just not her choice of lover.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
strong Regency espionage romance, October 6, 2004
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
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another great addition to the Liar's Club!, October 11, 2005
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
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