Helpful Score: 11
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.
Helpful Score: 2
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.
Helpful Score: 2
I really enjoyed this book! Chase makes very good use of characters and history in her work. Her novels never make you feel like you're reading the same book or about the same people time and again.
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! =)
