"Exotic Adventurous Romance"

Loretta Chase's return to writing romance can only be hailed by her readers with great joy. Following on the heels of last year's delightful MISS WONDERFUL, Chase does not disappoint with MR. IMPOSSIBLE.

Rupert Carsington, is the younger brother of Alistair the hero of MISS WONDERFUL and while a completely different man is just as perfect a hero. Their father, the matchmaking Earl of Hargate has sent Rupert to Egypt ostensibly to help the foreign office and work on a dig. Rupert is in trouble with the Ottoman guards from day one and is proving expensive (for bail money) for the local Consulate. But Rupert is never one to see injustice done. When he rescues a crippled man from a beating by a Turkish soldier, Rupert ends up in the depths of the dungeons of the Ottoman empire where he must await rescue.

Rupert's rescue comes in the form of Daphne Pembroke, who has him freed so that he can help her find her kidnapped brother Miles. Daphne is the widow of a repressive churchman and is a scholarly bluestocking, who had to hide her intelligence during her marriage and from society in general since. To continue her studies she and Miles have adopted the front that he is the genius and she nothing but his assistant. Unfortunately, the ruse has worked only too well and Miles has been kidnapped by French Archeologist Duval who thinks Miles will be able to decipher the hieroglyphics in a newly found papyrus.

Rupert and Daphne strike sparks off of each other from day one and she initially makes the mistake of thinking that Rupert is a genial fool. Rupert is as adept at hiding his intelligence as Daphne is, but what really shines through is his true goodness and gentle heart. Rupert is also blessed with a delightful sense of humor and his names for all of the people and animals he encounters are delightful.

Daphne and Rupert initially go to Miles's friend the English Lord Noxley for help, but it quickly becomes obvious he has his own agenda; particularly when he tells his henchman to get rid of Rupert. When Daphne discovers Lord "Noxious" has gone off on his own without telling her, she decides to set out with Rupert to find Miles on her own.

Rupert quickly recognizes Daphne's intelligence and treats her as an equal in their adventures. Daphne is as likable, plucky and resourceful a heroine as any in the romance genre, but Rupert is the star here. Rupert is not your typical hero, although he fits many of the conventions of the genre: handsome, strong, brave and loving. But, there is an insouciance and quick wit to Rupert that sets him apart. Also, his adaptiveness to all of his surroundings, even if he can't seem to learn the language, and the instant respect he commands from those he encounters show his true character.

As Daphne and Rupert travel down the Nile in search of Miles, they gather a 'family' of sorts and when Rupert realizes he has become the 'father' of the brood , his reaction is completely heartwarming. They also adopt an absolutely wonderful Mongoose for a pet and her antics and love for Miles was just a delight.

In fact, MR. IMPOSSIBLE, is a complete delight from page one. The characters are all well drawn, the adventures while exciting never overshadow the love story. MR IMPOSSIBLE was a book whose pages I couldn't stop turning until the end. In fact the delightful ending put a smile on my face as I realized that Rupert has 4 brothers and that the matchmaking Earl has 3 more sons in need of wives. I for one am very glad that Ms. Chase has returned to romance writing, her delightful wit was definitely missed and I can hardly wait for Benedict's story.

Reviewed by Linda Hurst
Posted May 12, 2005

Summary

Blame it on the Egyptian sun or the desert heat, but as tensions flare between a reckless rogue and beautiful scholar en route to foil a kidnapping, so does love, in the most uninhibited and impossibly delightful ways.