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A Proper Charlie

by Louise Wise (Goodreads Author)

3.36 of 5 stars 3.36 · rating details · 149 ratings · 30 reviews

Charlie Wallis has everything a girl could wish for. A loving boyfriend, a nice flat and a fantastic job as a journalist for London Core. Trouble is, Charlie's boyfriend's a waster, her job title really reads 'clerk' and her flat, at the top of a high-rise, isn't that nice after all. Her new boss, Ben, is a huge bear of a man. A gentle giant, with chocolate brown eyes that...more

Paperback, 452 pages

Published January 13th 2011 by FeedARead.com

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Dec 26, 2012 Caro rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: indie, romance, one-shot-read, read-2012

I was pleasantly surprised by this novel. A Proper Charlie is about Charlotte, a clerk working for a newspaper, who is currently breaking up with her ex-boyfriend Andy and sorting through her life.
Charlie wants to be a journalist, but her friends tell her to forget about that dream since she doesn't have the necessary qualification to be a real journalist.
Charlie however decides to write an article about prostitutes... and gets tangled up with her new boss, a serial abductor/possible killer, a b...more

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Oct 17, 2012 Linda rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review was originally posted on Big Al's Books and Pals review blog on Tuesday, 08/07/ 2012

Charlie is a mess; she is cute, good natured, witty and terribly insecure. She allows herself to be used by her on again/off again boyfriend Andy, in hopes that he will ask her to marry him. The author does a good job rounding out her characters, I found Charlie interesting and sad. I really didn't like her much, which made it hard for me to invest in her story. I loved her best mate Milton, who was a...more

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May 27, 2011 Patricia Rockwell rated it 5 of 5 stars

The title of this romance novel—“A Proper Charlie” --may be a bit misleading. The Charlie of the title is Charlotte Wallis or Charlie to her friends. She’s not at all “proper”—and most everyone—even Charlie herself-- likes it that way. That is, until a new boss from the upper echelons of society--Ben Middleton--arrives on the scene. This handsome newcomer turns Charlie’s world upside down and makes her re-evaluate her life and her goals.

Charlie works as a clerk at London Core, a British tabloid...more The title of this romance novel—“A Proper Charlie” --may be a bit misleading. The Charlie of the title is Charlotte Wallis or Charlie to her friends. She’s not at all “proper”—and most everyone—even Charlie herself-- likes it that way. That is, until a new boss from the upper echelons of society--Ben Middleton--arrives on the scene. This handsome newcomer turns Charlie’s world upside down and makes her re-evaluate her life and her goals.

Charlie works as a clerk at London Core, a British tabloid newspaper. She has acquired this position thanks to her long-time buddy, Melvin, a senior writer at the paper—and outspoken gay advocate. The two are as close as brother and sister, having grown up together in various orphanages. Charlie dreams of someday becoming a journalist, just like Melvin, and someday marrying her n’er do well boyfriend Andy. Charlie even goes so far as to immerse herself in the world of prostitution in hopes of getting a first-hand account of “The Gentleman Abductor,” a prostitute killer who has been creating havoc for local women of the street.

Ben Middleton is the son of media mogul Donald Middleton. His mother has just died and his father is recovering from a serious illness. Ben has been asked by his father to take over the reins of London Core as part of a corporate merger. When Ben’s sister Camilla suddenly runs away from home, Ben takes it upon himself to track her down. When his hired investigator fails to produce results, Ben goes underground after receiving word that Camilla may be hiding out with a prostitute—patrolling the streets as a possible customer.

As can be imagined, Charlie’s efforts to track down the Gentleman Abductor and Ben’s efforts to locate his missing sister bring the couple together and lead them on some hair-raising adventures in the London underbelly. Along the way, they start to fall in love—but concerns about the dissimilarities haunt them. Can these two Brits from opposite ends of the social spectrum work together to find the Gentleman Abductor? Can they fall in love despite their obvious social differences? Can Prince William marry a commoner?

I had a rollicking good time reading "A Proper Charlie." The characters are fun and funny. Charlie is immediately likeable and I found myself rooting for Charlie and Ben to find each other early on. The secondary characters are richly drawn—each with their own strengths and weaknesses. Melvin is a hoot and I also like the wise, long-suffering housekeeper Iris.

The pace and plotting is quick and there are no long, dull spots that drag. But the best part of this book is the dialogue. Ms. Wise has a wonderful ear for character dialogue and I loved how she brought people from various occupations and social strata to life with just a few words. In particular, I was entranced with all the wonderful, contemporary English slang used in this book. I recognized a few Briticisms like “posh” and “bollocks” but some terms were totally new to me such as “Y-fronts” or “kerb.”

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May 20, 2011 Becca Chopra rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

We meet Charlie, a fiery redhead in a menial job at the London Core, just as it's being taken over by a newspaper conglomerate. At the same time, prostitutes are going missing in London's Red Light districts and a "posh abductor" is the main suspect. The book really becomes a page-turner when Charlie decides to pose as a prostitute to garner interviews and even try to catch the abductor. Although nervous, she feels the fear and follows her crazy plans anyway. Mistaken identities - she taking the...more

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Mar 10, 2011 Helen Baggott rated it 4 of 5 stars

Charlie Wallis is a young woman working in media, has daydreams and is looking for love. Sound familiar? If you think Louise Wise's latest novel, A Proper Charlie, is another Bridget Jones clone, you'd be wrong. It was often a struggle to like Bridget, with Charlie you can't help it.

In early chapters Charlie's naivety borders on annoying, but as the novel develops we soon realise she has dreams and it's those that have turned her into a survivor.

Deciding she has hit on the next big story, she h...more Charlie Wallis is a young woman working in media, has daydreams and is looking for love. Sound familiar? If you think Louise Wise's latest novel, A Proper Charlie, is another Bridget Jones clone, you'd be wrong. It was often a struggle to like Bridget, with Charlie you can't help it.

In early chapters Charlie's naivety borders on annoying, but as the novel develops we soon realise she has dreams and it's those that have turned her into a survivor.

Deciding she has hit on the next big story, she has to step aside when she realises her more experienced colleagues are already researching and writing front page articles. But why let a good idea go to waste? The lives (and possibly deaths) of prostitutes would make a cracking novel, she decides - and continues her perilous research.

I think it was at this point I wondered if the author was pushing her character too far. How realistic would it be for a young woman to dress as a prostitute and climb into a stranger's car? We might not consider it, but as more of Charlie's past is revealed it actually seemed almost plausible.

She'd had a tough life; Charlie grew up with no real family. But a boy she met in a home became her big brother and offered her his shoulder when crying was all she could do. Separated by his eventual adoption, he never forgot her and eventually found her a job with a newspaper he edited.

And what of love? The joy of a good romance is not necessarily in discovering the love interest. It was obvious after only a few pages with whom Charlie was destined to find that love. But how could their lives be reconciled? That's where pace comes into play and the author managed it magnificently.

A Proper Charlie is a good read. A main character researching prostitutes doesn't suggest much humour - but Louise Wise has balanced it well. Charlie's chaotic life could be a mess, but it's not. I particularly enjoyed the office scenes - the back-chat with co-workers was sharp and witty. Although the sudden change in tempo during one exchange between Charlie and a colleague seemed as unnatural as the breasts they were feeling.

But the scene in Charlie’s flat with a would-be punter made me laugh out loud with the climax brilliantly scripted.

A good novel consists of several elements. Louise Wise's novel has all the basics, but it does lack a little polish. Attention to detail is critical and future editions need to be error-free.

That criticism aside, this book was fun to read and was indeed a page turner.

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Mar 21, 2011 Caroline rated it 4 of 5 stars

I have a confession to make it - I love to read a bit of chick lit! And I have to say 'A Proper Charlie' by Louise Wise didn't disappoint.

I loved the cover of the book. It drew my attention for all the right reasons - although I think I might have preferred a picture of Charlie in her union jack dress!

The whole idea of the book was great although I'm not sure I can see Ben and Charlie as a long term couple - Ben seemed a bit of a wuss for Charlie. My favourite character though was Melvin, the...more

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Mar 01, 2012 Tia rated it 4 of 5 stars

I'm not even going to try and explain this book, so much whacky shit happened I'm still a bit confused. I really don't know if this author is English aka from the UK or not but it seemed pretty out there with all their talk going on in the book.

I have to admit at times I laughed my head off. It was funny but it was more of a stupid funny or I can't believe it, this is so ridiculous funny. They dealt with some serious stuff in this novel and all I could do it laugh pretty much all the way through...more

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Dec 10, 2012 Michael rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a really enjoyable, well written and engaging read. The main protagonist is the very likeable Charlotte, a clerk working for a newspaper who wants to be a journalist. After writing an article about prostitutes, Charlie gets tangled up with all sorts of dramatic, hilarious and gripping scenarios with some often deeper themes throughout. I’m new to this author, but I’m glad I came across her and the writing is quick and with some cracking dialogue. The short-ish chapters also made it a gre...more

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Jul 18, 2011 Rea Sinfield rated it 4 of 5 stars

I need to put my hands up and say I am a new fan or Jane Costello! I recently read and reviewed one of her books. My Single Friend and I absolutely loved it. I couldn’t wait to get started on another one so I didn’t hesitate when I saw Girl On The Run I knew it was coming home with me!

Plot
Abby Rogers has been on health kicks before – they involve eating one Blueberry muffin for breakfast instead of two.
But since starting her own business after too many episodes of The Apprentice, the 28-year-old...more

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Feb 27, 2013 mountainmama rated it 4 of 5 stars

Charlie Wallis is a mess – her boyfriend is a loser, her job is a dead end, and despite growing up in an orphanage, she has zero street smarts. Aspiring to become a journalist, she decides to go undercover as a prostitute to get insight into a story she wants to write. And of course, she walks straight into trouble. Throw in a new boss who finds her attractive, and you have all the ingredients for a romantic farce.

An entertaining, light read – recommended for anyone who enjoys that genre.

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Aug 28, 2011 Samantha Robey rated it 4 of 5 stars

Charlie Wallis is hoping to luck out and finally land her dream job as a journalist, and lucky for her, best friend Melvin secured her a position at the London Core- a British tabloid newspaper. But not as a journalist, oh no, Charlie is simply the “clerk,” running mundane tasks for others in the office. But when the Core is bought out by Donald Middleton, things around the office begin to change. For starters, Donald’s son is brought in as the corporate manager, and Charlie is immediately gob s...more Charlie Wallis is hoping to luck out and finally land her dream job as a journalist, and lucky for her, best friend Melvin secured her a position at the London Core- a British tabloid newspaper. But not as a journalist, oh no, Charlie is simply the “clerk,” running mundane tasks for others in the office. But when the Core is bought out by Donald Middleton, things around the office begin to change. For starters, Donald’s son is brought in as the corporate manager, and Charlie is immediately gob smacked by him. Handsome, charismatic, rich, but Ben is dealing with some very personal issues. He has just lost his mother, his father is ill, and his sister cannot be found after a very hard family discovery. Charlie and Ben are brought together in the oddest way- both trying to track down the “Gentleman Abductor,” a kidnapper that is targeting prostitutes. But while they don’t realize they are both on the case-Ben searching for his sister and Charlie in hopes of being able to write an article on the kidnappings- their wires get crossed. Soon, Ben thinks Charlie is a prostitute, and Charlie thinks Ben is the Gentleman Abductor! While their budding romance has taken enough hits- Ben being from a well to do family, Charlie being an orphan from the opposite end of the totem pole is the biggest issue- now this latest development causes even more strife. Can Charlie and Ben find love together?

I had a lot of fun reading A Proper Charlie by Louise Wise. It almost reminds me of Prince William/Kate Middleton, with the backgrounds being so different yet they are obviously in love. Charlie is so likeable, sometimes a little dense, especially when it comes to her boyfriend/ex-boyfriend, Andy. There is one hilarious sex scene in the book with Charlie and Andy that absolutely had me cracking up! I like that the book focused so much on Ben and his family issues- and there are a lot of them! I enjoyed the mystery aspect of the book, trying to hunt down the Gentleman Abductor and also Ben trying to locate his sister. There were times where I really didn’t like Melvin’s character, who was Charlie’s best friend and foster home comrade. He seemed really down on Charlie all the time, about her dreams of being a journalist and about falling in love with Ben. And when it came to Andy and his disgusting self-absorbed attitude, I really didn’t understand how Charlie could be so naïve to look past it all. Luckily, she gets to redeem herself in the end with that situation. Overall, I really liked this book and thought it was super funny- chick lit fans are sure to love!
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Apr 24, 2012 Jan Ruth rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I enjoyed this novel. It is a fun, easy read and we are kept well entertained by Charlie and her job at Core Newspaper.
I was almost put off by the cover though, it doesn't do quite enough credit to the writing within.
It has all the classic ingredients for pure chick-lit; sparky dialogue, larger than life characters, and our heroine in love with the boss. Of course they both deny their feelings and the romantic tension is built slowly throughout which is how it should be. Too many romance novels...more

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Apr 28, 2012 Karen (Kew) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: forum-authors-read

This is an enjoyable, chick lit read but it does have some deeper themes in it. I found it to be well written with attractive characters. The depth comes with Charlotte's research into prostitution for a novel that she wants to write. The subject is sensitively handled without being trite or heavy handed. The ending of the novel is a gripping race against time.

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Feb 15, 2012 Kathleen Crowell rated it 2 of 5 stars

I felt like this book had a lot of potential to be fun, but it got way too bogged down by the whole missing prostitute scandal. Charlie was a fun character, but it never really went anywhere for me. There was only one real spark of passion between the main characters...ending was a little too silly for me--even though it had moments with Mel involved...

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Apr 23, 2012 Elizabeth Jasper rated it 4 of 5 stars

A good, light-hearted read with an underlying serious message that adds to the drama and tension of the story. I enjoyed it - Charlie is adorable, and her mishaps with her nw boss are well-described and imaginative. Recommended.

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Jan 12, 2013 Fiona Ross rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book. Charlie's clumsy antics to make a success of her life and win the man she loves made me wince and entertained me at the same time. Looking forward to reading more by this author.

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Jul 21, 2011 Jacqueline Howett marked it as to-read

Loise Wise is presently guest author at my blog. If you like come on over, read the interview, and leave a comment. Thanks

Jacqueline Howett

http://jacquelinehowett.blogspot.com/

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Feb 23, 2012 Sooze10 rated it 4 of 5 stars

a light read and at times really amusing. i raced through it as it flows quite nicely. a nice break from the crime/thriller stuff i like to read usually.

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Dec 28, 2012 Megan rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, e-books

this book was not at all like I expected based on the description, which would have been fine if the book was good but it fell short of that goal.

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Feb 03, 2012 Turtles rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: yuck, did-not-finish

I'm nearly half-way and I am giving up on this book. It's well written, no errors. I just can't stand the characters.

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May 15, 2013 Rosemary Kind rated it 5 of 5 stars

Excellent, believable characters and a great escape into someone else's world. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

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Feb 02, 2012 Juanita rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-adult

A light, amusing read. It took me a couple of chapters to be pulled in, but I did enjoy it.

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Apr 18, 2012 Treasure Trove rated it 1 of 5 stars

Sorry not my style at all. Can't really recommend it even if it is free on amazon.

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Apr 12, 2012 Ashley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Charlie (Charlotte Wallis) was a hard knock orphan who still knew how to dream when she met Ben, her new boss. Ben had a rough patch with the death of his mother but came through it on his feet, but are they meant for each other?

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Apr 28, 2012 Candice rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It was ok for a free Kindle download.

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Apr 16, 2012 Michelle [Helen Geek] marked it as to-read

Shelves: free, tbr-kindle

Free on Amazon 04/15/2012.

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Aug 22, 2012 Staci marked it as to-read

Shelves: kindle-booklist, personal-library

free kindle book

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Jul 29, 2012 Marti Morris rated it 4 of 5 stars

Entertaining and silly.

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Oct 10, 2012 Nicola rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012-books, challenge-books

perhaps 2 1/2 stars
This book was about a silly character who got herself into ridiculous situations, and relied on others to help her get out of them. I found this book required very little effort or attention. A perfect read when a distraction, rather than entertainment is what you are looking for.

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Jul 01, 2012 Zaanodes rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle

I liked this better than I thought I would in the beginning. I did have trouble with the colloquialisms (London). The last line totally lost me as did quite a few others. Ah, well. Still, a decent read.

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