Don't miss the hot new romantic comedy follow-up to the smash hit The Negotiator...
Hot, filthy rich, and usually irresistible, Hudson Carlyle just met the one woman in Harbor City who’s immune to his legendary charm. Nerdy ant researcher Felicia Hartigan is the unsexiest dresser ever. She trips over air. And she’s in love with totally the wrong man. Hudson can’t stop thinking about her.
His regular moves won’t work here. He’s going to need a new plan, starting with helping her win over the man she thinks she wants. And if in the process she ends up falling for Hudson instead? Even better. Step one, charm her panties off. Step two, repeat step one as frequently as possible.
But what if the famous Carlyle charm finally fails him when he needs it most? Or worse, what if she figures out the one secret he’s kept from everyone, including his family, and walks away for good?
Source: advance e-galley provided in exchange for an honest review
I had only recently finished The Negotiator (featuring the older Carlyle brother, Sawyer) when I found out that there'd be a second Harbor City book with Hudson. I fell so hard for the first story that I was beyond ecstatic to keep that feeling going!
Hudson has spent his adult life honing his carefree, ladies man persona. With an older brother who's successfully steering the family business, he can afford to be the one who takes life a little less seriously. At least that's what he wants others to think so that he can continue to hide his true passion. Then along comes Felicia, a scientist who's consumed with researching ants. Hudson is bowled over by this petite and slightly awkward researcher and can't stop thinking of her. As luck would have it she's secretly in love with someone else who happens to be kind of a mutual friend (it's complicated) and going against his better judgment, he offers to help her get his attention. It's the only way he can think of to be near her and possibly change her mind. Those silly kids. The plan simply drives him crazy and the same goes for Felicia.
Oh my god. This book was so funny! I loved Hudson's reaction when Felicia snubbed him so hard in the beginning - definitely not something he's used to. The guy is charming, there's no doubt about it. His slight cockiness is tempered by his wicked humour. He knows his audience and he plays it up for them, but it's Felicia's initial cluelessness that's pretty funny. She's so intent on her prize that she doesn't realize there's a guy who's crazy about her right in front of her. Like with The Negotiator, The Charmer doesn't have its hero steamroll its heroine. Even though Felicia has agreed to this plan of Hudson's, and has agreed to follow his advice, she's adamant that she not change anything that's intrinsically true to her nature which makes her all the more appealing to him. And once again, Flynn knows how to set up a steamy rendezvous or two - and there are a few that'll make you blush - before they figure out what exactly is happening between them.
If you read The Negotiator and enjoyed it, you will also love The Charmer which has a more playful, flirty vibe that will reel you in. It also has bad ant puns, ant paraphernalia and a mewling escape artist cat. I am so grateful to Avery Flynn for introducing us to the Carlyle men and the headstrong women in their lives!
~ Bel
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