I would probably give this book 3.5 stars if I could. I don't know if it was the fact that Phillipa spent most of the time playing a man or what, but I just didn't enjoy this book as much. I would have to say this is probably my least favorite of the Liar's club. I had a hard time accepting any feelings for Phillipa on James behalf only because he thought she was a man most of the time. I just couldn't seem to get involved in the book. Having been reading and enjoying all of the Liar's books I didn't hate this one, but definitely my least favorite.

This is the 3rd in the series I've read and it shows Bradley's continual flaws. She writes an intriquing beginning filled with humor, tension and romance. Phillipa's situation as an impoverished wharfrat on the run tore at my heart. James's stuttering life as a cold betrayed spy burdened with guilt and the desire yet ignorance of how to become a father to the orphan boy he adopts made me fall for him.

But then Phillipa's turn to manipulator and her acts as harem dancer seducer harkened a usual Bradley twist into illogical characterization. Phillipa's act was professed as one of love but it was pure lust. Lust used to twist James further in his guilt. Her unveiling should have made him realize who and what she was about but instead became a perverted assumption of betrayal.

In the end, I lost those two charming characters of the early romance and instead found a couple of seducers who used each other for lust and betrayal. There was no love there. No happy ending, despite the pretty epilogue.

One wonders if Ms. Bradley only understands lust and not true love.

Still, for the great first 100-200 pages I award her high marks. Phillipa's masquerade as a young lad and her friendship with James and Robbie touching. Also the ball rescue for sweet Bitty.

I was appalled by the scene in the study where James was sleeping soundly,drunk, and Phillipa decided to touch him all over, intimately, against his knowledge. Wasn't that a bit like molesting someone? They didn't even know each other that well! The author did the same thing with Willa and Nathanial in their story, only a few days after they'd met, though Willa didn't go as far as Phillipa. But she did peak down his night shirt while he was sleeping to get an intimate look at him. Kind of weird to me. I don't know of any woman who would want a man to do that!
And aren't these guys supposed to be spies? Shouldn't a spy be more alert? James was drunk, so I can understand why he did not awaken while being molested, but Nathanial was merely sleeping and he didn't know Willa was touching his chest and shirt?

There wasn't a dull moment anywhere in this book! I loved the characters, especially young Robbie. James was a wonderful man who didn't deserve all the heartache he went through, but one thing Ms Bradley needs to work on - I've read two of her books now, and James and Dane from "Surrender to a Wicked Spy" weren't exactly top notch spies, were they? The heroines were right under their noses and they didn't know it.