"A Spirited And Merry Chase"

Victoria Malvey acquits herself with this delightful Regency era effort that sees tenacious Harriet Nash in relentless quest for martial bliss after witnessing the glow on her friend Laurel with husband Royce. Steven Morris, the earl of Heath is her target prey as in her "fox" theory as she launches her seduction towards the unsuspecting rogue. However when their flirting and sparring intensifies, their love and affection for each other grows to an extent that they spend a night of passion.

It is fortunate that Steven is honorable and plans to marry Harriet but his dire financial straits will not permit. His hope for a wealthy heiress has been dashed and a treacherous Laird McWilliam is bent on destroying his family name. Harriet while trying to help is mistakened by Steven for her lack of trust. Their path to marriage, she will discover, isn't simple after all.

Ms. Malvey adds spunk and passionate sensuality to the formulaic Regency with the amicable couple and an ensemble of vibrant side characters like Harriet's guardian aunts Agatha and Hilda. She adds depth to the simple courtship romance with obstacles for the couple to weather and makes us convinced of their conviction for each other. A spirited and merry chase indeed.

Reviewed by Desmond CHan
Posted December 23, 2002

Bringing together the beloved characters from her enchanting romance A Merry Chase, Victoria Malvey spins a charming Regency tale of a woman's pursuit of the most elusive quarry of all -- true love...

Summary

Harriet Nash longs for marital bliss, and the dashing Steven Morris, Earl of Heath, seems the ideal candidate in every way. Following her theory that catching the perfect mate is like a fox hunt, Harriet sets out to snare a husband. But Steven proves a difficult catch, evading all her artful traps with ease. Undaunted, Harriet devises a new plan: to convince Steven that she'll help him catch a wife if he helps her find a suitable husband. With empty family coffers demanding that he marry a wealthy heiress, Steven must resist his growing desire for Harriet. When she approaches him with her plan, he eagerly agrees, hoping that time spent with Harriet will cure him of his fascination -- never suspecting that their secret scheming would soon turn into a very public passion....