A Merry Chase (Sonnet Books) [Mass Market Paperback]

Laurel Simmons had decided she would never again give her heart to any man as she had to that low-down Archie Devens. The love of her life jilted her when he came into an unexpected inheritance and she knew then he was only marrying her for her dowry. But, when the handsome Lord Van Cleef began seeking her out she was flattered and began to fall under his spell. After all, wasn't he the most handsome, as well as richest, bachelor sought out today...

In fact, he was getting along so well that his friends decided to slow the process down and made arrangements for Lady Laurel to overhear their conversation and discussed the 'wager' in her hearing. She was quite upset, but this strong woman decided she would just turn the tables on him. She told the biggest gossips around that Royce Van Cleef had decided on a bride but would not give her name. Now, the plot thickens and the fun really begins as every Mamma has their daughter in front of Royce at every appearance, plus the woman he had been dating just knew it was she. The funny thing about this is that the more stumbling blocks Laurel creates the more interested Royce is. She is such a challenge and not the insipid type of women he had been previously seeking. He begins to have serious pangs of jealousy when his best friend Stephen begins to squire Laurel around town. He has an 'attitude adjustment' and falls in love with Laurel and earnestly wants her for his wife. Victoria Malvey has penned a regency romance that is light and fun. The plot of the story is the chase and her humor and wit come to the front in this tale. While A MERRY CHASE has a touch of intrigue, the story focuses more on the interplay between the hero and heroine. I was reminded of the Spencer Tracy/Katherine Hepburn type of banter between these two main characters. I highly recommend this one to make you laugh and put you in a light mood. I only hope Ms. Malvey is working on Stephen's story to delight readers once again.

Carol Carter

Royce begins to study his quarry and his pursuit of the unattainable starts to make progress when Laurel learns about the bet. As they fall in love, Laurel changes the rules of the game in an attempt to checkmate her persistent suitor.

Though A MERRY CHASE is a by the book Regency romance, readers of historical love stories of any era will fully enjoy this jocular tale. The story line is entertaining due to the intelligent cast. The lead couple is a witty, humorous duo battling for the upper hand in the game of love. The support ensemble provides a feel for the era and motivates the two stars into action and reaction even as they observe the foxhunt twist into a bullfight. The enchanting Victoria Malvey makes Regency romance novels fun to read.

Harriet Klausner

Royce van Cleef, Earl of Tewkbury, if extremely gifted. He is handsome, charming, and very, very lucky....at least at games of chance. Blissfully unattached he observes his friends' awkward attempts to woo their beloveds with great amuzement. He compares winning a mate to a fox hunt and advised studied observation as the obvious tactic for a successful campaign.

Is it any wonder that his friends want to take him down a peg. Knowing their cocky friend can't resist a sure thing they propose a wager. Royce must woo and win a woman of their chosing using his own technique. Royce hadn't considered marriage but he must produce an heir sooner or later, so he gamely accepts. He is wise enough to stipulate that the lady of choice must meet his criteria for an acceptable partner. He is greatly relieved that the woman they choose is Lady Laurel Simmons. She is lovely and well suited to his title. There is just one catch.

Lady Laurel has no use for men whatsoever. She'd been jilted once in favor of a minor inheritance and is determined never to risk her heart again. Neither the friends nor Laurel had counted on Royce's considerable charm. When it appears he is winning all too easily, his friends up the ante by "accidentally" tiping Laurel's best friend off to the wager.

Horrified at being duped a second time Laurel doesn't get mad, she gets even! Laurel spreads the word about the wager throughout the ton, omitting the name of the lady involved. Poor Royce finds himself inundated with hopeful debutants. In fact everyone seems to view him as the catch of the season. Everyone but the one he wants.

The moves and counter moves are hilarious, until Royce realizes that this is no longer a game. All to late he finds that he has more to lose than a simple wager. If he doesn't find a way to make amends he will lose the only woman he has ever loved. Now Royce must persue Laurel in ernest. But can he ever regain her trust?

Complications include the mechanizations of Royce's mother who opposes the match, the return of Laurel's faithless fiance', and a scorned debutante bent on revenge. The story concludes in a dramatic manner as befits this amusing tale.

Ms. Malvey gets better and better. I highly recommend this delightful Regency romp.

Leslie Tramposch ~ UReviewIT