The Spy

First off - read these books in order - you will so much more enjoy them and understand them!! This was the best of all - partly because so many other stories had been building from the first book and were resolved but mostly because James and Phillipa might be the most connected of the couples. I just loved Flip - and James thinking her a young lad and liking her so much as a friend and her able to learn so much about James by being a lad - it was a unique way for them to become close. Then when she pretends to be his fantasy a harem dancer - wow that was just so romantic. The whole plot of this book was easier to follow and much more interesting than the prior book - and truly a page turner. There are still a few loose ends to tie up. And I cannot wait for the Charmer.

This was the best regency novel I've read in a long time. Spies, loyalty to the crown, and wonderful characters, it's got real plot. In this "Liar's Club" series, the men are dangerous, not just by being rich/titled, but also from their secret occupations serving the Crown. The women are smart, in no way absurdly silly in their mannerisms (like some other books). Sometimes I tire of the Stephanie Laurens series (her first series only has danger present from the ton, her new series being too long-winded), or the emptiness of some other Regency novelists. But Celeste Bradley writes excellent books, exciting, realistic, and wonderful plots. I will buy all her books. Highly recommended.

I've really enjoyed all three books in Celeste Bradley's series so far and eagerly anticipate the next one! James does come across as rather obtuse for a master spy, but there is a suggestion in the book that perhaps his talents really lay in other areas. James is far from the typical calm and collected spy that populates the pages of most romance novels. Rather, he's passionate, kind and rather impetuous. One senses that of the two Phillipa would have made the better spy! Kudos to Ms. Bradley for not going with the clichéd "Why am I lusting after a man?" plotline but rather developing a true friendship between the lead characters (and their sidekicks).

I could not put this book down. James, Flip, and Robbie are just such great characters! This was definitely the best in the Liar Club Series so far. It was also nice to see some of the characters from the other books too.

In 1813 London, James Cunningham trusts no one ever since his lady love Lavinnia Winchell kidnapped him to learn the names of the Liars Club members, troublemakers to her patron Napoleon. James feels guilty because he revealed those names and much of the group died. He seeks evidence to implicate Lavinnia, but she insists it was a love tryst that went wrong.Phillipa Atwater remains unsure what to do as she does not know what her missing father Rupert meant with the missive "watch out for James Cunningham". Dressed as a man, she arrives at James' home seeking the job of tutor to nine years old Robbie. She hopes to find a clue that will elucidate her dad's note and rescue him from the French who abducted him. She introduces herself as Phillip and obtains the position.James goes to the Liar's Club to discuss Rupert, who once was a cryptograph member, but now turned traitor and is working for Napoleon. They seek his missing daughter who might break Napoleon's latest codes developed by Rupert. She falls in love with her employer, but he believes she is "Flip", a weak male though he finds himself looking strangely at "him".Fans of the Liar's Club novels (see THE PRETENDER and THE IMPOSTER) will appreciate the return of delightful characters as they add depth to the exciting story line. The lead female protagonist is a courageous individual whose dilemma of safety vs. falling in love makes for fun reading. She/"he" make the novel. Though the resolution of James' "guilt" allows the cleansing of his soul and the tough evil villainess is pathetic, this is a fun tale as the audience will enjoy the often amusing adventures of Flip.Harriet Klausner