Loretta Chase is easily one of the the funniest of the historical romance writers. If you like to read a hero and heroine trading quips back and forth, with a lot light-hearted banter, almost like a 40s movie, her books may be for you. Reading about the "Episodes of Stupidity" (as the hero's father calls his son's amorous adventures) will keep you smiling. Alistair, a hero returned from the Peninsular Wars, is a dandy, obsessed with clothing, which helps him keep a handle on what appears to be a case of post-traumatic syndrome (only they hadn't identified or named it back in those days). Mirabel, the heroine, is a capable, smart, busy woman who's forgotten that she's actually quite pretty and attractive. They come together over plans to build a canal. Some of the strife over the canal (he's for, she's against) drags a bit. But these people are endearing and funny and make it worthwhile.

Due to his history of expensive romantic entanglements, Alistair Carsington now has six months to find either a useful occupation or a wealthy heiress to wed. To prove he is not an idle fop only concerned with sartorial pleasures, Alistair agrees to help his old friend, Lord Gordmor, by traveling to the wilds of Derbyshire to convince Gordmor's neighbors to support the nobleman's proposal to build a canal. Upon arriving, Alistair, a famous war hero and eligible bachelor, finds everyone couldn't be nicer, everyone except for respectable, practical, spinsterish Mirabel Oldridge. The last thing Mirabel wants is for her tranquil little corner of England to be destroyed by a noisy, nasty canal, and she is prepared to use every weapon at her disposal--including her disheveled coiffure and unstylish wardrobe--to stop Alistair. RITA Award-winning Chase presents a splendidly written tale of two people trying desperately not to fall in love. Chase's beguiling blend of deliciously complex characters, potent sexual chemistry, and sparkling wit give this superb romance a richness and depth readers will treasure.

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Miss Wonderful manages has put her life on hold in order to manage her father's estate since the death of her mother, dressing down so that the men of the local will not be tempted to flirt, but rather treat her with respect. When she meets Mr. Carsington, she wonders why she is responding as a woman interested in a lover. She has to keep telling herself that they are enemies. I think the story line was good, but it was too drawn out.

This is the first book in a triogly. It was the first book I have read by this author, but I am looking forward to reading more. Loved it!

Mirabel and Alistair's story is wonderful! Chase takes the time to develop the characters fully and you really understand their motivations and their actions. The relationship between Mirabel and Alistair is very well done and very realistic with just enough dreaminess for comfort. A great book and I will definitely read more in the series.

A smart and witty writer. My favorite of of her books is "Lord of Scoundrels", but this is good too.

this was a great book, but of course all of Loretta Chase books are good.

What caught my eye and recommended it for me were the comments by Mary Jo Putney and Stephanie Laurens, 2 authors I enjoy! They were right about Ms. Chase! This was a *Very* enjoyable read! =)

I really enjoyed this book. Wonderful hero/heroine!

(from back cover)

Alistair Carsington really wishes he didn't love women quite so much. To escape his worst impulses, he sets out for a place far from civilization: Derbyshire--in winter! There he hopes to kill two birds with one stone: avoid all temptation--and repay the friend who saved his life on the fields of Waterloo. But this noble aim drops him straight into opposition with Miss Mirabel Oldridge, a woman every bit as intelligent, obstinate, and devious as he--and maddeningly irrestible.

Mirabel Oldridge already has her hands full keeping her brilliant and aggravatingly eccentric father out of trouble The last thing she needs is a stunningly attractive, oversensitive, and overbright aristocrate reminding her she has a heart--not to mention a body he claims is so unstylishly clothed that undressing her is practically a civit duty.

Could the situation be any worse? And why does something so wrong feel so very wonderful?

the hero in the story is a dashing rake who always seems to get in trouble with women. he goes to a backwards county where he meets a woman who drives him crazy just by the horrible way she dresses. horrible as in horrid taste in clothes.

This was a cute and well-written romance novel.

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