Customer Reviews

The Charmer (Liars Club, Book 4)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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

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

I've read all this series so far and simply fell in love with them. This was a book I couldn't put down till I finished. While I enjoyed the characters wholeheartedly I was a bit disappointed with the ending. It was rushed and left some things unresolved to my thinking. I wished there had been some dialogue with our heroine and Dalton (The Imposter). If nothing else he owed her some big apolgies! Also, I would have like to have seen Collis given an honorary title and land. If no other reason (since I can't give away the ending) then for saving the Regent or many British soldiers lives. Maybe Collis and Rose will get an honorable mention in the next LIAR'S series???

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 and Rose Lacey had joined the training school for the Liar's Club, one of His Majesty's spy agencies. Always sparring with each other and in conflict, the agency decided to force them to work together on a mission to see if they were in fact spy worthy.

While Rose and Collis had some interesting exchanges at times, and were a great rivalry in the Liars Club they just did not seem nearly as exciting as the other couples. Perhaps it was the case they were on. All that time in the tunnels just became so very boring.

This just did not have an interesting enough plot for me. Their storyline just paled in comparison to the other three books. I hardly ever start reading another book before finishing the first, but actually picked up The Rogue, and finished it quickly and then returned to The Charmer, but still had a let down feeling.

I agree with the person that said Bradley needed another book.She just did not create quite the storyline of the others. If you like Bradley and enjoy this series you will find this acceptable enough, but if you discovered it as an alone read, well then I feel you will be disappointed. Just a three star book for me.

Really 3 and 1/2 stars is more accurate; I can't rate it 4, because it's not as good as The Imposter. I was hesitant to read this one because I couldn't see the maid as an appropriate heroine. She is, in fact, a very strong character...perhaps too strong for Collis, as it turns out. The angst is minimal; it should be greater considering the class differences and Collis' disability.

The plot is interesting, but there are no surprises and few real thrills. Much of the humor comes from the Prince Regent, who has a big role. The book almost feels as though Bradley needed a third book, and Collis and Rose were the only leads she could come up with, so she tried to make it work--to questionable success.

I enjoyed the book; it's just nowhere near the quality of the first two. The historical accuracy isn't there either, and it often sounds too modern. Ethan Damont is a very interesting character and could make a nice hero; he's perfectly set for redemption.

I love, love, love alpha heroes. The more tortured, moody alpha the better, bring it on Anne Stuart. This book had an alpha . . . heroine. She makes all the decisions, heads up the investigations, wins all the combat, and rescues the hero. The hero waits to be rescued and makes dumb decisions and stupid mistakes. Not to mention the heroine "throws" the hero on the ground at least, at least three times. I did not like it hardly at all and was not amused. I like a girl with a strong character as well as anyone, but when that strength overshadows everyone else what does she need the hero for? Plus, she keeps a secret from the hero that if he were to ever find out that she knew would definitely lead to some major conflict. Absolutely read the rest of the series but skip this one.

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

I am new to Celeste Bradley's Liars Series. I really enjoyed this book. I especially love the humor in her writing and the very strong female lead. I will be buying more of this series.