To Wed a Scandalous Spy

(NOTE: I would recommend reading Celeste Bradley's Liar's Club books before this one b/c some of the supporting characters play an important role in this one, and the hero in this one plays important supporting roles in those as well.) Ok, so Celeste Bradley novels aren't for everyone (I realized this when I notice only one or 2 of her books are stocked in B & N or not at all.) but I would recommend her at least ONCE (book 2 of the Liar's Club The Impostor is my favorite so far and on my DIK list). Her books are NOT easy breezy reads to just skim through - the plot and action is very rich and a very integral part of the novel - not just a setting for a romance. Plot: Layered so well that it's easy to get sucked into it. The first 120 pages are about how the hero and heroine meet and they ride to his home while he's trying to spy on a villain. There are also two major plot twists near the 2nd half of the book that are related to the Liar's Club books, and I'd imagine that a reader couldn't fully appreciate them if they haven't read the Liar's books first....I was VERY excited when those twists happened, but I don't want to spoil it. I love spy romances like this for all the dangerous elements that add to the story - not just a heroine wondering, "oh, does he love me?" And I'll always declare that Celeste Bradley writes the BEST flashback scenes I've ever read in romances - I feel like I get transported back in time whereas with other novels reading a flashback scene can feel like the plot is stumbling blindly through the pages.... Characters: One thing I LOVE about Bradley's romances is that no two characters are the same - I distinctly remember the differences and personalities of EVERY character I've read in her books so far....Another thing - they don't ALWAYS get a long and live as one happy family - the way they intertwine reminds me of Kleypas' books only more clever - not all of the heroines are trusting friends right away when they first meet - and sure some of the heroes from previous books might be a bit jealous of the other heroes for certain reasons but not one of her characters is completely perfect and paragon w/ out a fault - they are VERY human and full of life and when I read about them I get totally drawn into her books. The heroine in this one seems a little scatter-brained but she's VERY smart with animals and biology. The hero (who has the spy alias "cobra") is told by the heroine that he is "just like a cobra" and at first he panics thinking that she's figured out his secret - but she explains to him that he's just sensitive and he'll puff-up if he's cornered but normally he just prefers a cool distance and he's rather harmless and reserved. I love the Great Aunt and the dress maid Lily that helps Willa prepare for Kitty's party - (I wish I had a "Lily" to help me with wardrobe!) Oh yeah - and all the villain's get their due punishment! :) Final Grade: A very high B+ to a low A- This one isn't on my Desert Island Keeper l

This book was amazing. I really enjoy reading each one of her books for the simple fact that each character is unique to that book. So many authers get into rut where each character seems more like the last. Not with Bradley, she always weaves very intersting character with their own unique quirks. I loved how Willa had such a flighty nature and Nate so wanted to be the hero to her. Even the sex scenes were unique to this book and very steamy. While the plot line was a little unbelievable it still was so much fun to read I didn't mind. I found myself laughing out loud quite a bit. Bradley always delivers great characters, great dialoge and great fun. This book really lived up to her other ones.

This story grabbed my attention right away. It wasn't a real intense book but it was very enjoyable AND interesting enough that I read just about every line there was to read. (I tend to skim thru alot of books) There certainly was a great amount of humor which I loved and Willa was so cleverly funny that I found myself chuckling quite a bit throughout the book. Not an easy feat for someone hard to please. I am looking forward to the next installment...THE ROGUE. Sounds like another winner. This book(SPY) got me out of the reading doldrums. I've been following Ms. Bradley since her first book FALLEN, which I loved. I have not liked all of hers as much but reading TO WED A SCANDALOUS SPY was truly a delight!

because it seemed like a run of the mill regency. You know, the undercover patriot trying to protect the king, etc...and the ditzy miss. Well, the story isn't unique BUT the dialogue is the best I've read in a long time. It is very witty!! Willa, our orphaned miss, is really quick on the uptake. Not so usual in the 18th century. It compensated for any story flaws I contemplated. For a fun read, likeable characters, and many smiles, take a read. It's a keeper just for the writing. I gather ms bradley must be quite a spitfire herself to come up with willa and nathaniels' dialogue.

I've decided to forgo a lengthy synopsis (which would eventually tell the major plot points of the story) and just write my opinions. After a long awaited sitting with this book,(for I had several other books just waiting to be read) I finally got to it and without regret! The wait just made the story more enjoyable. One would assume that following his introduction and eventual downfall in The Imposter, Reardon's story would basically start off somber, with a down and out hero; of course, in essence, that is what he is but doesn't entirely play to that stereotype. Thankfully, Bradley didn't engulf the story with that problem and focused a bit more on the relationship between Reardon and Willa. Although his ostracized state was a character,a driving force if you will, in several instances, it didn't dampen the story. Their conversations, especially Willa's openness, definitely brought a lot of laughs and made the book more light-hearted. That's not to say that the books lacked any serious scenes; rather, it's more accurate to say that there was a combination of both. I enjoyed this story through and through, hopefully the upcoming three will be just as entertaining.