What Chloe Wants (Regency Romance)
Lady Chloe Somersham, an engaging free spirit, is the nineteen year old daughter of the gruff but caring Duke of Earith.  He decrees she must be married by the end of the current Season, though she greatly opposes the plan.  He wants her future ensured with a stabilizing partner, and he wants relief from her wild ways!  On the streets of her native London, Chloe literally runs into Liam MacRaith, a man of humble birth.  The title of Earl of Mountrath had recently passed to him.  Unfortunately, the decrepit properties -- the London one at which he's staying may even be haunted -- and meager inheritance the title brings do little to improve his position.    Chloe finds her dream of traveling the world alone fading as she repeatedly encounters the engaging Liam socially.  He finds Chloe fascinating and delightful. She is pretty, rich, intelligent, and in love with him, after all.  Yet he sees her as exasperatingly untamed, too forward in pursuing him, talkative and nonsensical -- I cannot make up my mind whether you are a lunatic or a genius,  he declares.  This reviewer chuckled over and over at the wit and humor with which this story abounds.  The feel of time and place is enhanced by Jensen's distinctive word choices, including Gaelic phrases.  She balances action and well-chosen details.  Liam hates the Duke's cold haste toward sealing the match, his offers to buy  him with a snowballing dowry.  Maybe the charms of the lovely, laid-back Arabella Seanan would be easier to live with; maybe he should leave Chloe and her crazy ways to her heretofore frustrated suitor Geoffrey?  A surprising, welcome find at Liam's rundown mansion and a threatening presence there send him suddenly home to Ireland, alone.  Were all Chloe's capricious and devoted efforts for naught?  Hey -- What Chloe Wants...Chloe's a 19th century Gracie Allen -- witty and clever, with the half-genuine, half-assumed air of the ingenue.  You can't help but roll your eyes over this wacky lass, laugh at her antics, and love her all at once -- and neither can Liam. Refreshing -- it's not easy to create chemistry and satisfy sweet-romance fans, but Jensen pulls it off with style! Truly one of the most enjoyable Regencies of the year!  Emma Jensen has a lovely comic sense, and her writing is polished and rich!Frances Mosconi  --Copyright © 1994-97 Literary Times, Inc.  All rights reserved--FromLiterary Times