The Accidental Romance

I've always liked this book. It's one of the few Regencies that I've kept on my shelf years after they've stopped publishing all the good authors. It's a bit of a switch; instead of the sweet heroine and saturnine, jaded hero, you've got the gorgeous but spoiled heroine and a hero who is smart, red-headed, and certainly not Mr. Corinthian. I think the romance could have been more "romantic" with a little more interaction between the characters or a little more Unresolved Sexual Tension (UST), but overall I thought it was a fun read with witty poems and well-drawn characters who really come to life, whether you like them or not.

[...]This book is a keeper. Just imagine Meg Ryan as the heroine who is a sharp-tongued and fiery-tempered young beauty engaged in a battle of wits with Tom Hanks, the sweet-tempered and good-humored hero and you've got this comedy of love.Lucienne met Lord Perry Wittenden when their carriages collided and her carriage was all but destroyed. She lashed out at him though the accident was through no fault of his. Later, he published a humorous account of the accident in which she was depicted as a 'shrew'. This was not to be borne! He became her avowed enemy. Naturally, at their every encounter,conflicts ensued. There was sparring and choas. Lord Perry enjoyed himself immensely by baiting the wilful, spoilt young lady. Unknowingly, he had fallen for this captivating beauty. How they both realized their feelings for each other made most interesting reading. This is one of Elizabeth Mansfield's best. I enjoyed this book thoroughly and strongly recommend it to all Regency romance lovers.Don't miss it.