“…the book was amusing, romantic and unusual in its approach.” ~ Under the Covers
To keep Alistair Carsington is a rather expensive endeavour as far as his father is concerned, he seems to have a costly addiction to…fashion, as his bills testify. So, as any sensible man would, Alistair’s father comes up with a plan to make his middle son pay for himself. Miss Mirabel Oldridge has become accustomed to taking charge, for ten years she has been looking after her father’s affairs as his mind goes further into his botanical pursuits; however, as soon as Mr Carsington arrives with his dastardly idea of building a canal through her beautiful land, her logical and practical brain seems to be going into meltdown.
This is my first book by Loretta Chase and I have very much enjoyed it, the book was amusing, romantic and unusual in its approach. Without giving too much away it seemed that the normal roles of the hero and heroine had been reversed, for example, it was Alistair that sprained his ankle and was in need of assistance, it was Alistair who was free with his feelings, and lastly Alistair who was seduced. But, although I suppose he would be termed a beta hero, he was still masculine and charming enough to be an excellent hero. In fact it was rather a change of pace to read such a different hero who was in fact charming and affable, rather than the usual brooding and angry, but he also had some depth with true pain in his past and insecurities about his future. I also enjoyed reading about Mirabel, she was a determined and resourceful heroine, and the very antithesis of a damsel in distress; I liked seeing her take charge of certain situations and being a shy seductress.
“I am not agitated,” he lied. He was horny and frustrated. He was the next thing to naked, confined to bed, with a half dressed woman within arm’s reach-all this while the rest of the household was sound asleep. He would defy a saint to remain serene in such circumstances.
The romance between the two was well paced, and although the sexual chemistry between the two didn’t sizzle, I could still see their connection and for me the romance rang true. I liked that neither one could think clearly in the other’s presence, and that Alistair worked to show his love, but also do the honourable thing as well.
As well as being romantic this book was humorous and light-hearted through most of it, although the nightmares that Alistair has add both a bit of depth to his character and the book. I would say that this is a very good read, and I look forward to reading the next one in the series.
[about-author author=”Loretta Chase”]
What did you think of our review?
Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!
♡ Don’t want to miss any of our posts?
Follow Under the Covers: Facebook | Twitter | Tsu | GoodReads | Email ♡
I have loved loretta chase ever since reading the lion’s daughter
Sounds good…thanks Suzanne
If this was your first Chase novel, you have a lot of terrific reading ahead of you. The perennial favorite is LORD OF SCOUNDRELS, but in my opinion there’s not a bad one in the bunch. I particularly like CAPTIVES OF THE NIGHT, THE LAST HELLION AND MR IMPOSSIBLE.