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MacLean Curse #6
Much Ado About Marriage
New York Times bestselling author Karen Hawkins’s first historical romance, originally titled ONE LUCKY LORD and written as Kim Bennett, has been rewritten to tie into both her "MacLeans" series and her new "Hurst Amulet" series.Fearless English earl Thomas Wentworth scoffs at failure, trusting in the legendary Wentworth luck to safeguard his spy mission to Scotland. But a single encounter with saucy Scotswoman Fia Maclean turns Thomas's mission topsy-turvy. All-too-innocently entangling him in his enemy's trap, the beautiful Fia gives Thomas no escape but to marry her. But Thomas doesn't know just what he's marrying into. With an ancient amulet in Fia's possession, she wields even more power than her sharp tongue and quick wit. Her cousin, Douglas Maclean stole the magical amulet from the White Witch, Maeve Hurst, and gave it to Fia for safekeeping. But now, with Fia in London with Thomas, the amulet falls into the hands of Queen Elizabeth. Thinking it will be safe in the queen's hands, Fia leaves it be and focuses on bedeviling her newly betrothed!
404 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2010
83 people are currently reading
1515 people want to read
About the author
Karen Hawkins
59 books3,005 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Karen Hawkins writes novels that have been praised as touching, witty, charming, and heartwarming. A native Southerner who grew up in the mountains of East Tennessee where storytelling is a way of life, Karen recently moved to frosty New England with her beloved husband and multiple foster dogs. The Dove Pond books are a nod to the thousands of books that opened doors to more adventures, places, and discoveries than she ever imagined possible. To find out more about Karen, follow her at:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 104 reviews
December 28, 2010
Well. I managed to finish this without throwing it against the wall. It went from silly to ridiculous to ok to "Why the hell am I still reading this??" I've also come to the realization that there is nothing sexy about Elizabethan romances. When you read about the heroine grabbing the hero's codpiece, it kinda ruins the mood for me.
I did like Fia. And her cousin, Duncan (I think that was his name?). I wish there was more said about his interactions with the White Witch, but we did see the first glimpse of the family curse in this book. I can't remember the hero's name (which just proves that he didn't do much for me). All in all this was very "meh" with a helping of "WTF?" thrown in.
I did like Fia. And her cousin, Duncan (I think that was his name?). I wish there was more said about his interactions with the White Witch, but we did see the first glimpse of the family curse in this book. I can't remember the hero's name (which just proves that he didn't do much for me). All in all this was very "meh" with a helping of "WTF?" thrown in.
October 25, 2010
3.5 stars
This is the "prequel" to the MacLean Curse series, even though it's listed as the 6th in the series-it tells about the White Witch a bit.
I enjoyed this book from the get-go. I loved Karen Hawkins' writing style, in fact I've got the rest of the series of the MacLean Curse, so I'm going to continue on. And the humor was great, the characters were fun and likeable. BUUUT there was a small part at the ending that made me so mad, I docked it a half a star!
Lady Fia is one of those incredibly sweet, but also very feisty and spunky types of heroines. normally they are my favorite types! And don't get me wrong I actually did like Fia, but I couldn't quite get past her determination to become a playwright.
I am more annoyed at the fact that she was willing to bail on her cousin, the laird and more of a brother to her, so that her plays could get an audience with the queen. If she could make it to London, and if the queen would grant her an audience, and if she could convince anyone that she was the author, and there are so many more "ifs" in her flawed plan. Meanwhile, her cousin Duncan MacLean has been very loving and lenient on her-she's not married yet at age 24 in Elizabethan England where girls were wed at 14 and 15. She's allowed this leniency since Duncan loves her so much that no man is good enough for her.
I get that she is spunky and wants her plays performed for the queen, but would she really have bailed on her cousin and laird? Really?
Annoyance over, she meets Thomas by accident and it is hysterical and sweet, and the misunderstandings between them were priceless!
Fia's cousin Duncan was one of my favorite characters...Lord Thomas was frequently thinking about how large the laird was. Thomas is like 6'2 and Duncan is like 6'6 and he embodies every stereotypical Scottish hero quality-tall, the laird, handsome as sin, loves his clan and family, great warrior. I loved him. Throughout the story Duncan kept making comments about the White Witch and an amulet and a few other cryptic and foreshadowing comments.
This is important because the rest of the series by Karen Hawkins is called the Maclean Curse...I'm assuming it has to do with the amulet he stole from her and had Fia give to the queen.
Moving on from Duncan, Thomas and Fia get married at swordpoint, and spend several weeks on a ship together trying to not consummate their marriage. Obviously that is an impossibility given their attraction together. But Thomas has had his emotions stripped from him by a cold father who drilled into him that his mother was a passionate woman who left them for her passions.
So, Lord Thomas realizes he is becoming like his cold father, and wavers between wanting to be cold and passionless, to not being able to live without Fia. This becomes important because he really runs hot and cold on poor Fia.
Now, here is what bothered me so much about this book that I docked it a half star:
***SPOILER ALERT RIGHT HERE***
Lord Thomas is a spy/privateer for the Crown. His mentor/handler is a man named Walsingham.
Walsingham is playing Thomas and makes him believe Lady Fia has betrayed him. AND THOMAS BELIEVES HIM!!
Thomas' best mate is a man named Robert and he has been trying the whole book to get Thomas to see Walsingham is not telling him the whole truth and even right at this pivotal point in the book, Robert is trying to force him to see Fia would never do such a thing.
But Thomas' father had told him don't trust anyone, don't love anyone, and look at how messed up Thomas is by it! He believes the worst in Fia, and goes to her. He wakes her, says awful, unforgivable things, and then locks her in her room.
Meanwhile, Robert proves Fia's innocence and Thomas is so relieved at her innocence that he thinks he'll simply beg her forgiveness. Too bad she climbed out the window!!
The "apology" part is what made me dock the rating.
It was crap. She was too easy on him and there wasn't enough (or any) groveling.
I'm a sucker for a betrayal plot where the hero or heroine has to earn forgiveness and this was so minimal I was pissed by the too easy, too nice and tidy bow on the end.
So, I loved the story up til then, it's a solid 4 star read, but for me personally, I had to dock it. please don't let this annoyance of mine-I don't know maybe I'm too picky in my old age? lol-anyways, please don't let this discourage you from the book, I did enjoy the story, and most of you who like Historicals will too.
This is the "prequel" to the MacLean Curse series, even though it's listed as the 6th in the series-it tells about the White Witch a bit.
I enjoyed this book from the get-go. I loved Karen Hawkins' writing style, in fact I've got the rest of the series of the MacLean Curse, so I'm going to continue on. And the humor was great, the characters were fun and likeable. BUUUT there was a small part at the ending that made me so mad, I docked it a half a star!
Lady Fia is one of those incredibly sweet, but also very feisty and spunky types of heroines. normally they are my favorite types! And don't get me wrong I actually did like Fia, but I couldn't quite get past her determination to become a playwright.
I am more annoyed at the fact that she was willing to bail on her cousin, the laird and more of a brother to her, so that her plays could get an audience with the queen. If she could make it to London, and if the queen would grant her an audience, and if she could convince anyone that she was the author, and there are so many more "ifs" in her flawed plan. Meanwhile, her cousin Duncan MacLean has been very loving and lenient on her-she's not married yet at age 24 in Elizabethan England where girls were wed at 14 and 15. She's allowed this leniency since Duncan loves her so much that no man is good enough for her.
I get that she is spunky and wants her plays performed for the queen, but would she really have bailed on her cousin and laird? Really?
Annoyance over, she meets Thomas by accident and it is hysterical and sweet, and the misunderstandings between them were priceless!
Fia's cousin Duncan was one of my favorite characters...Lord Thomas was frequently thinking about how large the laird was. Thomas is like 6'2 and Duncan is like 6'6 and he embodies every stereotypical Scottish hero quality-tall, the laird, handsome as sin, loves his clan and family, great warrior. I loved him. Throughout the story Duncan kept making comments about the White Witch and an amulet and a few other cryptic and foreshadowing comments.
This is important because the rest of the series by Karen Hawkins is called the Maclean Curse...I'm assuming it has to do with the amulet he stole from her and had Fia give to the queen.
Moving on from Duncan, Thomas and Fia get married at swordpoint, and spend several weeks on a ship together trying to not consummate their marriage. Obviously that is an impossibility given their attraction together. But Thomas has had his emotions stripped from him by a cold father who drilled into him that his mother was a passionate woman who left them for her passions.
So, Lord Thomas realizes he is becoming like his cold father, and wavers between wanting to be cold and passionless, to not being able to live without Fia. This becomes important because he really runs hot and cold on poor Fia.
Now, here is what bothered me so much about this book that I docked it a half star:
***SPOILER ALERT RIGHT HERE***
Lord Thomas is a spy/privateer for the Crown. His mentor/handler is a man named Walsingham.
Walsingham is playing Thomas and makes him believe Lady Fia has betrayed him. AND THOMAS BELIEVES HIM!!
Thomas' best mate is a man named Robert and he has been trying the whole book to get Thomas to see Walsingham is not telling him the whole truth and even right at this pivotal point in the book, Robert is trying to force him to see Fia would never do such a thing.
But Thomas' father had told him don't trust anyone, don't love anyone, and look at how messed up Thomas is by it! He believes the worst in Fia, and goes to her. He wakes her, says awful, unforgivable things, and then locks her in her room.
Meanwhile, Robert proves Fia's innocence and Thomas is so relieved at her innocence that he thinks he'll simply beg her forgiveness. Too bad she climbed out the window!!
The "apology" part is what made me dock the rating.
It was crap. She was too easy on him and there wasn't enough (or any) groveling.
I'm a sucker for a betrayal plot where the hero or heroine has to earn forgiveness and this was so minimal I was pissed by the too easy, too nice and tidy bow on the end.
So, I loved the story up til then, it's a solid 4 star read, but for me personally, I had to dock it. please don't let this annoyance of mine-I don't know maybe I'm too picky in my old age? lol-anyways, please don't let this discourage you from the book, I did enjoy the story, and most of you who like Historicals will too.
September 3, 2010
Fia MacLean does not want to marry the sniveling fool that her cousin, Duncan, the Laird MacLean, wants her to wed. She only wants to go to London and find a patron for the many plays she's written. Thomas Wentworth, a wealthy, titled Englishman, was sent to get a bit of evidence from Duncan. He didn't expect to become smitten with the adventurous Fia. Thomas agrees to take Fia to London with him, not knowing who she is. But before they can leave, the Laird himself finds them in a compromising position and forces them to wed. Will their marriage last the long journey to London?
This was a really light, fun, and addictive romance! This book is actually a rewrite of the author's very first book. She re-worked the story to fit with her new series.
Fia was a great heroine, both strong and carefree at the same time. She had a mind of her own, even up against her powerful cousin, the Laird.
Thomas was very handsome, but a bit restrained for me. The author definitely explained why he held back so much but I actually thought Fia had a lot of chemistry with Thomas' best friend, Robert. Robert really stole the show with his comedic relief. He was such a charming, roguish fop, you can't help but fall for him.
I loved that Thomas was almost, but not quite, a pirate. The parts of the story that took place on his ship were my favorites.
Thomas was a little too mean for me in one part, and Fia forgave him a bit too easily, but other than that small bit, I liked this story a lot.
Overall, this is a fun romance between a feisty Scottish heroine and a reserved English gentleman.
book sent from publisher in exchange for an honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
This was a really light, fun, and addictive romance! This book is actually a rewrite of the author's very first book. She re-worked the story to fit with her new series.
Fia was a great heroine, both strong and carefree at the same time. She had a mind of her own, even up against her powerful cousin, the Laird.
Thomas was very handsome, but a bit restrained for me. The author definitely explained why he held back so much but I actually thought Fia had a lot of chemistry with Thomas' best friend, Robert. Robert really stole the show with his comedic relief. He was such a charming, roguish fop, you can't help but fall for him.
I loved that Thomas was almost, but not quite, a pirate. The parts of the story that took place on his ship were my favorites.
Thomas was a little too mean for me in one part, and Fia forgave him a bit too easily, but other than that small bit, I liked this story a lot.
Overall, this is a fun romance between a feisty Scottish heroine and a reserved English gentleman.
book sent from publisher in exchange for an honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
May 5, 2017
So, I've finally finished this book and...I didn't like it. From the book description, I really thought I was going to enjoy this book. And, while I liked the overall plotline and concept of the book, I just wasn't feeling it. The characters, while they had their good parts, all irritated me. They continually frustrated and angered me throughout the whole novel to the point that it just ruined everything else about it.
Of course, this is just my opinion and I'm not trying to say that it is a completely unlikeable story, but it just didn't have that...thing for me. So, 1.5 stars for this.
P.S. Laurie, you're right. She forgave him way too easily.
Of course, this is just my opinion and I'm not trying to say that it is a completely unlikeable story, but it just didn't have that...thing for me. So, 1.5 stars for this.
P.S. Laurie, you're right. She forgave him way too easily.
March 17, 2012
Şimdi İskoçları seviyoruz bu kesin dimi?Bende Fia karakterini oldukça sevdim..Çok neşeli,zeki bir kızdı.Thomas ise..ahh bilemiyorum Fia'nın tabiriyle yakışılıydı işte.Kıskançlık halleriyse çok tatlı Tanışma sahneleri, yaptıkları diologlar çok eğlenceliydi.Duncan ve Robert ise adeta renk kattı kitaba, ben göremedim ama umarım yazar onlarında kitaplarını yazar;)
Thomas casus olaraktan İskoçya/MacLean Kalesi'ne bir mektup aramaya gitmiş ve bazı olaylar sonucu Fia ile uygunsuz bi durumda yakalanıp Duncan(kuzen) tarafından kaleye hapsedilmiştir.Ve bir film senaryosu kadar net olaylar çerçevesinde evlenmişler ve İngiltereye yol almışlardır.
Tabi Thomas bu durumdan hiçte mutlu değildir, ve karaya ayak basar basmaz bu evliliği feshettirmeyi planlamaktadır.Yani en azından ellerini Fia'dan uzak tutmayı başarabilirse.
Fia ise oldukça mutludur, hem oyun yazarı olmak için İngiltere'ye sonunda gitmektedir hemde oldukça yakışıklı bir kocaya sahiptir.Taki evlilik feshini öğrenene kadar.
Ama bu böyle gitmez tabi..Kızımız feshi kabul etsede evliliğini kurtarmak için elinden gelen herşeyi yapacaktır.Sonuçta yolları uzun ;)
Thomas kadınlara güvenemez zira annesi başka bir adamla kaçmıştır.Ama kahretsin Fia çok TATLIdır :)
Hem tatlı hemde güzel, ayrıca adamlarından, en yakın arkadaşından bile kıskanmaya başlamıştır Fia'yı.Ne yapsa ki bu gariban ;)
İşte çiftimiz bir birinden uzak durmaya çalışsada çekim ve gittikçe büyüyen bir aşk var ortada.Tabi birde arka planda saklı olan olaylar...Her şey göründüğü gibi midir yoksa bilmedikleri bir şeylerde var mıdır?Baba yerine koyduğu ve ona bu görevi veren adam, neler saklıyordur?Fia gerçektende onu kandırmış olabilir mi?Ahh kime güvense ki Thomas?
Derken tabikiside mutlu bitiyor kitap ama ben Thomas'ın o kadar aklına taktığı annesinide görmek isterdim hikayede.Onu anlamaya başlamıştı bide görse iyiydi.Ama olsun onun haricinde sevdim kitabı..
Duncan ve kaleye hapsettiği ak cadıyı(detaylı bi bilgi yoktu ama duncan kızarmıştı ondan bahsederken), Robert'i ve Annie'yide çift olarak okumak isterdim ;)Ahh o Rabert yok mu..çok tatlıydı ;)
Thomas casus olaraktan İskoçya/MacLean Kalesi'ne bir mektup aramaya gitmiş ve bazı olaylar sonucu Fia ile uygunsuz bi durumda yakalanıp Duncan(kuzen) tarafından kaleye hapsedilmiştir.Ve bir film senaryosu kadar net olaylar çerçevesinde evlenmişler ve İngiltereye yol almışlardır.
Tabi Thomas bu durumdan hiçte mutlu değildir, ve karaya ayak basar basmaz bu evliliği feshettirmeyi planlamaktadır.Yani en azından ellerini Fia'dan uzak tutmayı başarabilirse.
Fia ise oldukça mutludur, hem oyun yazarı olmak için İngiltere'ye sonunda gitmektedir hemde oldukça yakışıklı bir kocaya sahiptir.Taki evlilik feshini öğrenene kadar.
Ama bu böyle gitmez tabi..Kızımız feshi kabul etsede evliliğini kurtarmak için elinden gelen herşeyi yapacaktır.Sonuçta yolları uzun ;)
Thomas kadınlara güvenemez zira annesi başka bir adamla kaçmıştır.Ama kahretsin Fia çok TATLIdır :)
Hem tatlı hemde güzel, ayrıca adamlarından, en yakın arkadaşından bile kıskanmaya başlamıştır Fia'yı.Ne yapsa ki bu gariban ;)
İşte çiftimiz bir birinden uzak durmaya çalışsada çekim ve gittikçe büyüyen bir aşk var ortada.Tabi birde arka planda saklı olan olaylar...Her şey göründüğü gibi midir yoksa bilmedikleri bir şeylerde var mıdır?Baba yerine koyduğu ve ona bu görevi veren adam, neler saklıyordur?Fia gerçektende onu kandırmış olabilir mi?Ahh kime güvense ki Thomas?
Derken tabikiside mutlu bitiyor kitap ama ben Thomas'ın o kadar aklına taktığı annesinide görmek isterdim hikayede.Onu anlamaya başlamıştı bide görse iyiydi.Ama olsun onun haricinde sevdim kitabı..
Duncan ve kaleye hapsettiği ak cadıyı(detaylı bi bilgi yoktu ama duncan kızarmıştı ondan bahsederken), Robert'i ve Annie'yide çift olarak okumak isterdim ;)Ahh o Rabert yok mu..çok tatlıydı ;)
July 2, 2021
Fia and Thomas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2016
ya çok mutsuzum şu an, yine okuduğumu bilmediğim bir kitabı okumak isterken buldum kendimi...
asdfasdfasd
ekitap sitelerinde dolanıyordum, tanıdık geldi adı da kapağı da.
konusunu okudum yine tanıdık.
sonra kendi arşivimi açtım. bingo. 2014'te indirilmiş ve ana klasörden kaldırılmış. yani okumuşum. halbuki okumak istiyordum. üzdü.
belki tekrar okurum.
neyse kitabı karıştırdım, hatırladığım kadarıyla eğlenceliydi, bayağı güzeldi, yani kurcaladığım kadarıyla, tam hatırlamıyorum adfasdf.
historical yani ne kadar kötü olabilir
xoxo
iko
August 1, 2017
Thomas babak belur habis2an sepanjang penugasannya sbg mata2 utk mencuri surat di Skotlandia. Di luar rencananya, dia juga terjebak utk menikahi wanita cantik berperangai liar, Fia yg notabene msh sepupu sang laird. Thomas yg enggan membawa istrinya, kembali ke Inggris dgn beban berkecamuk dlm dirinya. Di satu sisi dia mau membatalkan pernikahannya. Di pihak lain dia tidak bisa menahan gairahnya terhadap Fia. Ketika Thomas mengira dia dibeli dan dipermainkan Fia, betapa murkanya krn merasa dibodohi. Mampukah takdir menyelamatkan pasangan pengantin baru ini.
Dibandingkan novel2 sblmnya yg saya baca dr karya beliau, yg kali ini bisa saya bilang terbaik. Saya suka kelucuan2 sarkasme yg dimainkan oleh trio Fia, Thomas dan Robert ini. Bikin saya ngakak2 dalam hati. Sayangnya chemistry Thomas dan Fia setelah pernikahan paksa justru jadi rada melempem, dan saya kurang sreg apabila masa lalu sang hero diulas oleh orang ketiga, Robert utk disampaikan pd Fia. Semacam iklan dan pemakluman atas sikap Thomas yg temperamental dan suka menarik diri ini.
Sisi bagus lainnya ada tokoh sejarah yg diikutsertakan di novel ini, Francis Walsingham. Beliau saya kagumi karena kejeniusannya menciptakan badan spionase pertama di dunia. Di novel ini, perannya semi antagonist dan selalu punya pemikiran licik bak ular beludak. Salut utk author yg bisa menyisipkan tokoh ini.
Novel ini ternyata prequel dari seri Amulet Hurst. Sayang belum ada terjemahannya utk seri Amulet, yang tampaknya lebih bagus drpd seri Scotland ini.
Dibandingkan novel2 sblmnya yg saya baca dr karya beliau, yg kali ini bisa saya bilang terbaik. Saya suka kelucuan2 sarkasme yg dimainkan oleh trio Fia, Thomas dan Robert ini. Bikin saya ngakak2 dalam hati. Sayangnya chemistry Thomas dan Fia setelah pernikahan paksa justru jadi rada melempem, dan saya kurang sreg apabila masa lalu sang hero diulas oleh orang ketiga, Robert utk disampaikan pd Fia. Semacam iklan dan pemakluman atas sikap Thomas yg temperamental dan suka menarik diri ini.
Sisi bagus lainnya ada tokoh sejarah yg diikutsertakan di novel ini, Francis Walsingham. Beliau saya kagumi karena kejeniusannya menciptakan badan spionase pertama di dunia. Di novel ini, perannya semi antagonist dan selalu punya pemikiran licik bak ular beludak. Salut utk author yg bisa menyisipkan tokoh ini.
Novel ini ternyata prequel dari seri Amulet Hurst. Sayang belum ada terjemahannya utk seri Amulet, yang tampaknya lebih bagus drpd seri Scotland ini.
August 23, 2017
Tricked into marriage. Finding true love. Fia and Thomas had no idea that they were being used as a means to an end.
May 12, 2019
Ugh
No story, no background, no character development. Lots of tell. Reads like two differemt stories.
Would have loved to read about Duncan MacLean meeting the witch, stealing her amulet, having strange dreams, making a deal with Walsingham, marrying off his cousin, locking the witch up and being cursed.
Where is that book?? Sounds like a waaaaaay better read than this.
1 1/2 stars
No story, no background, no character development. Lots of tell. Reads like two differemt stories.
Would have loved to read about Duncan MacLean meeting the witch, stealing her amulet, having strange dreams, making a deal with Walsingham, marrying off his cousin, locking the witch up and being cursed.
Where is that book?? Sounds like a waaaaaay better read than this.
1 1/2 stars
September 4, 2010
So...this book started out slow; I had to read to about page eighty or ninety until I was riveted to the pages, which was almost to my stopping limit. I am so glad I continued to read on. There are so many things I love about this book I am completely dumbfounded at where to start.
Lets start with characters! I loved the nice mix up of a Scottish lady and an English gentlemen because for some reason in Scottish historical romance it is always the other way around, I found the switch refreshing. I love the spirit and fire in Fia (although I don't love the name) and I love the strength and determination in Thomas (I do love his name...it's my husband's). These two fit perfectly together, steam included. (yes, the pun was intended) I love the secondary characters as well and I found myself starting to wonder about their lives; wondering about Robert and Duncan and their happily ever afters. I find myself quite attached to these heroes.
Next we will go with plot. I was very happy to find out that this is not the predictable highland romance. Of course it is just bursting with sexy Scots *cough* Duncan *cough* but it has a sophisticated and unpredictable side. The plot moves fast once it gets going, and as I said is unpredictable, I had no idea where the book was going until I actually read it, which rarely happens anymore. I also enjoyed the fact that the politics where a major part of the plot but not so forward that I was bored to tears and skipping pages. The final thing I liked was the boat, we had ourselves a nice sea voyage before we hit London town and what a steamy voyage it was.
Ok, finally we are on to writing. I enjoyed Ms. Hawkins' writing style immensely. It is filled with style, grace, and genuine passion for her characters that could tangibly feel while reading the pages. I do have to say I will never ever be able to read the word 'turgid' in a book without giggling because of the movie 'Ten Things I Hate About You', so I guess it was appropriate and a tad bit ironic that I found it in this book. This book is also pretty funny; I found myself laughing out loud a few times.
Anyway, I enjoyed this book immensely and have already added every other book Ms. Hawkins has written to my wishlist for later purchasing. You would be crazy not to read this one....it is great for any historical romance lover.
P.S. I love the cover too...the guy on it looks a bit like Jonathan Rhys Meyers *melt*
Lets start with characters! I loved the nice mix up of a Scottish lady and an English gentlemen because for some reason in Scottish historical romance it is always the other way around, I found the switch refreshing. I love the spirit and fire in Fia (although I don't love the name) and I love the strength and determination in Thomas (I do love his name...it's my husband's). These two fit perfectly together, steam included. (yes, the pun was intended) I love the secondary characters as well and I found myself starting to wonder about their lives; wondering about Robert and Duncan and their happily ever afters. I find myself quite attached to these heroes.
Next we will go with plot. I was very happy to find out that this is not the predictable highland romance. Of course it is just bursting with sexy Scots *cough* Duncan *cough* but it has a sophisticated and unpredictable side. The plot moves fast once it gets going, and as I said is unpredictable, I had no idea where the book was going until I actually read it, which rarely happens anymore. I also enjoyed the fact that the politics where a major part of the plot but not so forward that I was bored to tears and skipping pages. The final thing I liked was the boat, we had ourselves a nice sea voyage before we hit London town and what a steamy voyage it was.
Ok, finally we are on to writing. I enjoyed Ms. Hawkins' writing style immensely. It is filled with style, grace, and genuine passion for her characters that could tangibly feel while reading the pages. I do have to say I will never ever be able to read the word 'turgid' in a book without giggling because of the movie 'Ten Things I Hate About You', so I guess it was appropriate and a tad bit ironic that I found it in this book. This book is also pretty funny; I found myself laughing out loud a few times.
Anyway, I enjoyed this book immensely and have already added every other book Ms. Hawkins has written to my wishlist for later purchasing. You would be crazy not to read this one....it is great for any historical romance lover.
P.S. I love the cover too...the guy on it looks a bit like Jonathan Rhys Meyers *melt*
February 11, 2013
Harika bir historical romandı..Yazarın ilk romanı Aşkına Talibim beni her ne kadar hayal kırıklığına uğrattıysa da yazarda yine de görmüş olduğum ışıltılar vardı..O yüzden yazara bir şans daha vermeye karar verdim...
İlk önce roman 1.Elzabeth zamanıda geçiyor onu söylemeliyim..Ülkesi için casusluk ve korsanlık yapan Thomas Wwentworth'ün kaderi Fia ile umulmadık bir zamanda karşılaştığında herşeyi altüst oldu..
Önceleri hizmetçi sandığı Fia'nın çekim alanına bir anda giren Thomas kendini umulmadık maceralar ve tutku yumağında bulur..Casusluk yapmak için geldiği Klan beyi MacLean ile karşılaşması ile birlikte kendini bir anda çok tuhaf ama bir an önce kurtulmak istediği bir evliliğin içinde bulacaktır..
İkili her ne kadar birbirlerinden kaçmaya çalışırsa çalışsı birbirlerini mıknatıs gibi çekiyordu..1.Elizabeth döneminde geçen bu romanda İskoçların sabık Kraliçesi Mary'nin kocasının katili ile evlenmesi üzerine kurulu bu olaylar yumağı ve Thomasın görevinin içeriği ile ilgili çok sıradışı nedenlerin geçmektedir. Thomas ve Fia ise bunu öğrendiklerinde birbirlerine güvenmenin ve aşklarının önemini de anlayacaklardır..Onları ayırmak isteyenler karşı da savaşacaklardır..
Daha fazla detay vermeyeyim..Okurken bir an bile elimden bırakamadım..Yazar herşeyi o kadar güzel kurgulamış ki sizin yapmanız gereken kitabı açıp okumaya başlamak...Kendinizi bu macer ve tutku dolu hikayeye teslim etmek..Gerisi geliyor....
Fotoğrafı Etik
İlk önce roman 1.Elzabeth zamanıda geçiyor onu söylemeliyim..Ülkesi için casusluk ve korsanlık yapan Thomas Wwentworth'ün kaderi Fia ile umulmadık bir zamanda karşılaştığında herşeyi altüst oldu..
Önceleri hizmetçi sandığı Fia'nın çekim alanına bir anda giren Thomas kendini umulmadık maceralar ve tutku yumağında bulur..Casusluk yapmak için geldiği Klan beyi MacLean ile karşılaşması ile birlikte kendini bir anda çok tuhaf ama bir an önce kurtulmak istediği bir evliliğin içinde bulacaktır..
İkili her ne kadar birbirlerinden kaçmaya çalışırsa çalışsı birbirlerini mıknatıs gibi çekiyordu..1.Elizabeth döneminde geçen bu romanda İskoçların sabık Kraliçesi Mary'nin kocasının katili ile evlenmesi üzerine kurulu bu olaylar yumağı ve Thomasın görevinin içeriği ile ilgili çok sıradışı nedenlerin geçmektedir. Thomas ve Fia ise bunu öğrendiklerinde birbirlerine güvenmenin ve aşklarının önemini de anlayacaklardır..Onları ayırmak isteyenler karşı da savaşacaklardır..
Daha fazla detay vermeyeyim..Okurken bir an bile elimden bırakamadım..Yazar herşeyi o kadar güzel kurgulamış ki sizin yapmanız gereken kitabı açıp okumaya başlamak...Kendinizi bu macer ve tutku dolu hikayeye teslim etmek..Gerisi geliyor....
Fotoğrafı Etik
September 3, 2010
I really got a kick out of all of the mishaps poor Thomas suffers at the hands of the lovely Fia and her family. She is a determined young playwright who is also just a bit clueless when it comes to the real world of espionage and intrigue that Thomas is heavily involved in. Fia's devotion to her unusual animal companions is another source of amusement for the reader and extreme irritation for Thomas.
Several of the characters aside from Thomas and Fia were very interesting and believable, especially Fia's protective guardian, her cousin Duncan. I'm looking forward to reading more about him and his troubles with a mysterious amulet. Weaving actual historical figures such as Walsingham and Queen Elizabeth into the tale adds to the feeling of the book.
This was a fun book that I read quickly and with much delight. There was a lot of humor injected into the situations as well as some of the dialogue. You could tell that the author enjoyed writing this story as much as I enjoyed reading it. Highly recommended!
Several of the characters aside from Thomas and Fia were very interesting and believable, especially Fia's protective guardian, her cousin Duncan. I'm looking forward to reading more about him and his troubles with a mysterious amulet. Weaving actual historical figures such as Walsingham and Queen Elizabeth into the tale adds to the feeling of the book.
This was a fun book that I read quickly and with much delight. There was a lot of humor injected into the situations as well as some of the dialogue. You could tell that the author enjoyed writing this story as much as I enjoyed reading it. Highly recommended!
September 24, 2010
The banter between Fia and Thomas was hysterical. Fia and her fiery personality are just about Thomas' undoing--and the sexual tenstion between them engulfs them both.
They went back and forth, and I wondered if this would be the time that Karen failed to give me a HEA.
It was so fun to see where the MacLean curse came from. My only thing was that I wish I could have seen more of Duncan and the Hurst witch. Their story would be one for the ages, I'm sure! *sighs* Maybe it'll come later.
I look forward to the upcoming Hurst Amulet series.
They went back and forth, and I wondered if this would be the time that Karen failed to give me a HEA.
It was so fun to see where the MacLean curse came from. My only thing was that I wish I could have seen more of Duncan and the Hurst witch. Their story would be one for the ages, I'm sure! *sighs* Maybe it'll come later.
I look forward to the upcoming Hurst Amulet series.
January 15, 2011
2.5 stars. This book started off great, but it ended up being a little too over the top cute. I laughed at some of the silly things in the beginning but quickly started eye rolling when the attempts at being funny went too far and took away from the book having any semblance of authenticity. I usually like books that have a little humor, but not so much that it destroys the realness of the story. I did appreciate the fact that this book took place in the 1500's though.
September 2, 2010
Reading this entertaining romance is a great way to spend a weekend. I devoured the entire thing only stopping every now and then to go to the bathroom or get something to eat. It's a must read for historical romance fans.
August 25, 2010
Quick and dirty... I REALLY enjoyed this book. There's laughter, emotion and adventure.
I'll come back later to put my thoughts in order.
I'll come back later to put my thoughts in order.
August 27, 2010
This was a really good book. It is considered her "lost" book and boy am I glad that it came out. The chemistry in this book was awesome. I really enjoyed it!
October 27, 2010
Great story. It was awesome to learn of the curse and how it came to be. Can't wait to read the new series.
March 11, 2012
Bu yazarı seviyorum ama değeri bilinmiyor pek. Daha fazla kitabını türkçeye çevrilmiş görmek isterim açıkçası. Bu kitapta güzeldi İçinde İskoçlar var Karen yazmış kesinlikle okunası yani:)
September 20, 2010
Over all, it was a pretty quick read. I wish Thomas was made to be more loveable.
June 12, 2019
Is this a joke?
I really like Karen Hawkins but the moment I saw this cover I thought to myself what's wrong with the publisher ? Let me count the ways.
This is supposed to be an Elizabethan story and we do not have beardless barechested men in costumes slinking over the covers. But then I guess she has to make sure that somebody buys the books. I am at page 100 and I have already decided to throw this book at the wall and write a good reads review. So that I do not repeat and read this book again in the future.
I do not intend to read any more even if it turns out to be a swashbuckling amazing wonderful adventure full of ecstasy and fire and burning Desire later on.
Both the characters have begin to bore me. This is a story theme which may go round with audiences who have lots of time to waste but sorry I don't. Especially when she began licking her lips the moment she saw him which unfortunately for American writers is a piece of publishing and story historical knowledge unknown.
They have all the heroines licking lips and chewing upon their lips and biting them and flicking their tongues out how romantic isn't it.
But in mediaeval Europe as well as England, this was a gesture made by street Walkers signifying that the woman was ready for any man and all she needed to do was decide upon price worth paying for a quick
tumble in the hay right now.
Story up to page whatever here are some not funny parts .
Heroine _my Mangy dog managed to finish of all the dinner and I am starving.
Hero _well I managed to catch a rabbit maybe it is a hare because neither the writer not the proofreader nor the publisher seem to know what it is.
Heroine_ you got me a present you got me a bunny how sweet how sweet how sweet kiss me kiss me kiss me because the publisher said so for the next four pages until we get caught by the laird.
Hero_ don't build a fire.
Heroine _ three paragraphs later _but that is not a fire that is a bonfire.
Man _we are in danger we need to escape from this place.
Female_ kiss me kiss me kiss me.
Some pages later.... female _I am being married off to Malcolm the maiden. We need to escape like right now.
Hero oh yes, but before that the publisher wants about 6 pages of kiss me kiss me kiss me so that some people can buy this thoroughly boring book and yes, there is a dog in this story and there is a rabbit/hare_ Yep it is called Bunny by the heroine_ gag gag couldn't we get even more saccharine sweet _ in this story and there is a bad tempered horse in the story and what they are doing here I have absolutely no idea.
Even such an excess of sentimental stuff doesn't make me want to read this book anymore .By the way I did not buy it_ I found it left Behind on on a chair in an airport waiting room lounge.
No doubt the previous reader also got bored and decided to Shed the sentimental / corny stuff.
End result at the end after 20 minutes of my valuable life wasted... speed reading
page hundred this book has been discarded thank you very much one star get me out of here
I really like Karen Hawkins but the moment I saw this cover I thought to myself what's wrong with the publisher ? Let me count the ways.
This is supposed to be an Elizabethan story and we do not have beardless barechested men in costumes slinking over the covers. But then I guess she has to make sure that somebody buys the books. I am at page 100 and I have already decided to throw this book at the wall and write a good reads review. So that I do not repeat and read this book again in the future.
I do not intend to read any more even if it turns out to be a swashbuckling amazing wonderful adventure full of ecstasy and fire and burning Desire later on.
Both the characters have begin to bore me. This is a story theme which may go round with audiences who have lots of time to waste but sorry I don't. Especially when she began licking her lips the moment she saw him which unfortunately for American writers is a piece of publishing and story historical knowledge unknown.
They have all the heroines licking lips and chewing upon their lips and biting them and flicking their tongues out how romantic isn't it.
But in mediaeval Europe as well as England, this was a gesture made by street Walkers signifying that the woman was ready for any man and all she needed to do was decide upon price worth paying for a quick
tumble in the hay right now.
Story up to page whatever here are some not funny parts .
Heroine _my Mangy dog managed to finish of all the dinner and I am starving.
Hero _well I managed to catch a rabbit maybe it is a hare because neither the writer not the proofreader nor the publisher seem to know what it is.
Heroine_ you got me a present you got me a bunny how sweet how sweet how sweet kiss me kiss me kiss me because the publisher said so for the next four pages until we get caught by the laird.
Hero_ don't build a fire.
Heroine _ three paragraphs later _but that is not a fire that is a bonfire.
Man _we are in danger we need to escape from this place.
Female_ kiss me kiss me kiss me.
Some pages later.... female _I am being married off to Malcolm the maiden. We need to escape like right now.
Hero oh yes, but before that the publisher wants about 6 pages of kiss me kiss me kiss me so that some people can buy this thoroughly boring book and yes, there is a dog in this story and there is a rabbit/hare_ Yep it is called Bunny by the heroine_ gag gag couldn't we get even more saccharine sweet _ in this story and there is a bad tempered horse in the story and what they are doing here I have absolutely no idea.
Even such an excess of sentimental stuff doesn't make me want to read this book anymore .By the way I did not buy it_ I found it left Behind on on a chair in an airport waiting room lounge.
No doubt the previous reader also got bored and decided to Shed the sentimental / corny stuff.
End result at the end after 20 minutes of my valuable life wasted... speed reading
page hundred this book has been discarded thank you very much one star get me out of here
February 2, 2023
This is 6th in the series. Although there's some back story from the previous books, you can read it as a stand alone.
Copyright 2000, reissued in 2010. This is a reread for me & I have the reissue.
So, 10 years have gone by since I last read this. I didn't really remember a lot of the story, except it's set in 1567 & the heroine recommends the hero see a "specialist" for his tooth grinding habit. Isn't it weird what you'll remember in a story? So what "specialist" The hero is supposed to see in 1567 is a mystery. The local barber hardly qualifies.
Anyway, this book starts out as a rollicking slap stick type story. The heroine is a flighty idiot. The hero a brooding spy. They are forced to marry when caught in a compromising situation. They get to know each other on the long trip back to England. The hero believes the manipulating spy master's lies & spurns the heroine. She turns out to be smarter than she appears. There's a spirited resolution & a HEA.
There's no rape or physical abuse.
The cover is really good! Hot bare chested hero wearing a black leather duster & looking all broody.
Copyright 2000, reissued in 2010. This is a reread for me & I have the reissue.
So, 10 years have gone by since I last read this. I didn't really remember a lot of the story, except it's set in 1567 & the heroine recommends the hero see a "specialist" for his tooth grinding habit. Isn't it weird what you'll remember in a story? So what "specialist" The hero is supposed to see in 1567 is a mystery. The local barber hardly qualifies.
Anyway, this book starts out as a rollicking slap stick type story. The heroine is a flighty idiot. The hero a brooding spy. They are forced to marry when caught in a compromising situation. They get to know each other on the long trip back to England. The hero believes the manipulating spy master's lies & spurns the heroine. She turns out to be smarter than she appears. There's a spirited resolution & a HEA.
There's no rape or physical abuse.
The cover is really good! Hot bare chested hero wearing a black leather duster & looking all broody.
September 18, 2022
"Meeting lovely Fia is all it takes to turn Thomas's espionage mission in Scotland topsy-turvey. Flirting in the woods with the seductive, infuriating lass leaves him captive in the MacLean castle, but his escape attempt brings worse! Caught in an apparently compromising position with the lady, the English earl has no chance to make any ado before he finds himself wed. Thomas is on a serious assignment, but Fia's sharp tongue and saucy wit bring mayhem to his life. How can he concentrate, when just one glance from her makes him burn with desire?"
A charming little historical fiction, fraught with Thomas's continued attempts to remain unattached and unsmitten with the charming Fia. The plot thickens when they reach London, chased by Fia's doting cousin Duncan MacLean, and messed about by Thomas's mentor Sir Francis Walsingham, who is apparently in a duplicitous arrangement to lead to Thomas's downfall. The thrills and chills never stop in this first book in the series.
A charming little historical fiction, fraught with Thomas's continued attempts to remain unattached and unsmitten with the charming Fia. The plot thickens when they reach London, chased by Fia's doting cousin Duncan MacLean, and messed about by Thomas's mentor Sir Francis Walsingham, who is apparently in a duplicitous arrangement to lead to Thomas's downfall. The thrills and chills never stop in this first book in the series.
October 1, 2017
Sen Kimseyi Sevemezsin
MacLean Curse Serisi 6
Karen Hawkins
Kitap öyle eğlenceli başladı ki bir an şaşırdım. Diğer kitapların olmaması yüzünden oldukça üzgündüm aslında ama bu kitap gerçekten eğlenceli geldi
İkilinin karşılaşması ve sonrası tam bir komediydi . Ama bazı yerlerde hadi ama Thomas dediğim çok oldu
beğendim ama hoş anlatımı ve içeriği vardı. Seviyorum sanırım böyle çerezlik kitapları
Fia Acaip eğlenceli komik hayat dolu bir kadındı
Thomas ise tam tersi annesinin ihaneti yüzünden hayata farklı bakan bir Lord
İkisi harika çekişmeli çift yolunda bayagi iyilerdi
Neyse çerezlik güzel bir kitaptı
MacLean Curse Serisi 6
Karen Hawkins
Kitap öyle eğlenceli başladı ki bir an şaşırdım. Diğer kitapların olmaması yüzünden oldukça üzgündüm aslında ama bu kitap gerçekten eğlenceli geldi
İkilinin karşılaşması ve sonrası tam bir komediydi . Ama bazı yerlerde hadi ama Thomas dediğim çok oldu
beğendim ama hoş anlatımı ve içeriği vardı. Seviyorum sanırım böyle çerezlik kitapları
Fia Acaip eğlenceli komik hayat dolu bir kadındı
Thomas ise tam tersi annesinin ihaneti yüzünden hayata farklı bakan bir Lord
İkisi harika çekişmeli çift yolunda bayagi iyilerdi
Neyse çerezlik güzel bir kitaptı
December 3, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyable romp into fictional history. Easy to read, never felt like I wanted to walk away from the story. Likeable characters, you know.. except for the obvious real bad guy. Thomas and Fia are engaging, and Robert is essential... and Duncan is so much more than you expect at the start. Plus there's that amulet, and the start of the MacLean Curse...
October 4, 2017
Thomas was a bit too much, granted he may have looked up to his father, but to emulate his so exact was horrible. Fia was a woman after my own heart, free spirited and enjoy life with whatever it threw at her. Now I need to buy the rest of the books!
December 21, 2022
Wonderful
I enjoyed learning more of the beginning of this MacLean’s curse, although I feel there is more to know. Fia and Thomas was a great love story. They learned never to wager with Robert.
I enjoyed learning more of the beginning of this MacLean’s curse, although I feel there is more to know. Fia and Thomas was a great love story. They learned never to wager with Robert.
January 30, 2020
LOL. A tongue in cheek light-hearted and fun romp through Medieval Scotland and England.
April 16, 2021
This is a good book if you like an accidental marriage, a fun pirate adventure with not a lot of stakes, cute animals and some steamy "I want you but I can't have you but I must have you" scenes.
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