"Humorous and delightful romance!"

Setting: 1816 London, England

Everyone knows the beautiful Lady Laurel Simmons, daughter of the Earl of Sewley, has no desire to marry. Jilted by her fiancÈ when he unexpectedly inherited a title and money, she was heartbroken and vowed to never allow another man to hurt her that way.

The Earl of Tewksbury, Lord Royce Van Cleef, is an amiable and respected member of the ton. While engaging in a lively discussion at White's with some friends, Royce points out that logic alone is enough to snare a wife, just like in a fox hunt. Love doesn't come into it. To prove his theory, he accepts a wager from his friends and even lets them choose his bride, Lady Laurel Simmons. Although Royce is shocked by their choice of woman, he realizes it is time he settles down to produce an heir. He believes that Laurel is all that he wants in the mother of his heir - charm, beauty and intelligence, so he accepts the wager and the chase begins.

What Royce doesn't realize is that unknown to him, Laurel overhears a discussion about the said wager and is determined to turn the tables on him creating challenges and obstacles for the Earl!

A MERRY CHASE is a humorous and superbly penned regency historical romance. Victoria Malvey has given her fans an enticing plot with a delightful story with enough twists and turns to keep them riveted and turning pages swiftly!

There is a touch of suspense but the witty dialogue and non- stop interaction between the two lead characters will really grab the readers more than anything else. The dialogue is well integrated and natural, making it easy to follow the story. I enjoyed the rapport between the hero and heroine which came across as genuine, amusing and so enjoyable. My only complaint is that the book ended so quickly!

Ms Malvey's lead characters are enchanting and very refreshing. Laurel is a strong intelligent woman and well depicted throughout the story. Royce is the perfect regency romance hero; charming, intelligent, totally masculine and very good looking. The secondary characters are also outstanding. I especially liked Royce's friend, Stephen, and I hope Ms Malvey will be writing a tale of love for him in the near future!

Enthusiasts of regency historical romances will adore this entertaining tale tremendously. This is definitely a book worth reading over and over again. Ms Malvey has penned a winner!

Elena Channing

Reviewed by Leena Hyat
Courtesy Heart Rate Reviews
Posted June 22, 2001

Summary

For Royce Van Cleef, earl of Twekbury, marriage is a very simple matter. Rather than waste time and effort courting, one must make the intended bride become the pursuer. When his friends scoff, he proposes to put his theory to the test by winning Lady Laurel Simmons. She is beautiful, well- bred, and sharp-tounged—an exceptional challenge for any man. But Layd Laurel catches waind of Royce's foul scheme. Annoyed beyond words—a rare state for her—she decides to best him at his game. Before the season is over, she vows, Royce will be the one chasing after her. Now enthralled with ploy and counterploy, Royce and Laurel are making and breaking the rules with wild abandon—until neither can admit the game has become heartbreakingly real...