*Karen Hawkins ~ MacLean Curse Series*

How to Abduct a Highland Lord:



CAN SHE?



Shy, quiet Regency miss, Fiona MacLean, must save her brothers from becoming embroiled in a centuries old feud that could mean the death of them all. All she has to do is commit one, teeny, tiny, barely noticeable . . . crime.

WILL HE?

Sinfully handsome Black Jack Kincaid has spent his entire life philandering with other men's willing wives, trying to forget beautiful, wilful Fiona MacLean, so he's shocked when he awakens one day and discovers himself married to that very lass! Will he help her save her brothers and end a centuries old family feud? Can he accept being married to the woman who broke his heart so many years ago? And now that he has her, can he afford to let her go?




To Scotland, With Love:

When Lord Gregor MacLean learns a fortune hunter has abducted his childhood friend, Venetia Oglivie, he rides off to Scotland in hot pursuit. If he doesn’t rescue the provocative wench swiftly, she’ll be ruined by scandal! But when an irate Gregor catches up w

ith the supposed-damsel-in-distress, arrogantly expecting a hero’s welcome, the sparks between him and strong-willed Venetia fly. While they’re trapped by an unexpected snowstorm, those sparks grow so hot they threaten to burn down the inn! Now if Gregor can only convince Venetia that his motive for marriage isn’t duty . . . but desire!






To Catch A Highlander:

When her father gambles away the family estate to darkly dangerous Lord Dougal MacLean, Sophia MacFarlane is determined to use her wiles to regain it. Forced to stake the one thing she has left -- her virtue -- she desperately hopes her skill can limit her losses to a few kisses...no matter how hotly tempting Dougal turns out to be.

Dougal MacLean knows that Sophia has some trick up her sleeve, but he can't resist the challenge -- or her ravishing beauty. So when she proposes a card game with most unusual stakes, Dougal is delighted to accept. But as the game ends, Dougal and Sophia discover they've wagered something even more precious -- their hearts.

~ Take from Karen Hawkins' site: http://www.karenhawkins.com/index.html ~

~*~My Review ~*~

It is a rare magical moment when you uncover a series that thoroughly enthralls you within its depths, however that is precisely what Karen Hawkins' MacLean Curse series is (for me). I once again managed to read the series out of order, reading the third book in the series (To Catch A Highlander) first rather than last as I should have. However after reading this novel, I rushed out to obtain its 2 predecessors and I am thrilled to say I was most definitely not dissappointed.

The first novel in the series (How to Abduct A Highland Lord) introduces us to the devastatingly handsome and hardheaded MacLean clan and the curse that surrounds them. I truly loved that Hawkins chose to introduce her readers to the MacLeans via Fiona MacLean - the female member. A good deal of the time the female members (in a series based on one paticular family) are often overshadowed by the male members, however that is not the case when it comes to the MacLeans. Hawkins was able to introduce us to the entire MacLean clan (thus setting us up for the future books) while focusing our attention on our fiesty heroin and our roguish hero.

I have to admit I could not hold in my laughter at certain parts in this book. After all, it's not ever day a woman abducts a man and literally drags him to the alter!! =)

One thing I always look for in my romance novels is the witty banter; if the dialogue between the couple is just as exciting (if not more so) than the sexual encounters then you know you've struck gold!! This is apparently something Hawkins has already discovered, because the exchanges between the characters (especially between our heros and heroins) are present and shining in all three books making this an irresistable read for any and all Hist-Ro fans!

And when the author can make each and every story so very different yet equally thrilling, it is another sign of a truly remarkable series. The first book has Fiona MacLean and Jack Kincaid thrown into a marriage with passion yet devoid of love, and has the readers watching as their feelings begin to develop, despite their stubborn attempts to control the situation. To Scotland, With Love (a great title by the way) has an entirely different storyline. This book revolves around Gregor MacLean and Venetia Oglivie - childhood friends who must cope with the sudden change in their feelings towards one another either by accepting what fate is obviously trying to tell them and risk losing the greatest of friendships, or by ignoring their hearts desires and protecting their fragile (if unfufilled) relationship. And finally, our third book To Catch A Highlander tells the story of Dougal MacLean and Sophia MacFarlane - two people thrown into a battle of wits, both attempting to outmaneuver the other...however will the victor truly have won in the end, or will they have both lost in their denial to give in to their hearts demands?

All three books are very unique in storylines, leading characters and even in dialogue. And yet, even with all of the differences, I find myself unable to choose a favorite amongst them. They were all splendid in their own way and all I can do is recommend them to any and all lovers of historical romance.

~*~Excerpts~*~

(How to Abduct a Highland Lord)

"He wanted her so badly, ached with a lust that burned so hotly and so deeply, he feared it might destroy them both.

She was fumbling with her gown. 'Let me,' he said, his voice thick even to his own ears. She nodded, her cheeks flushed, her lips swollen from their kiss. He quickly undid the remaining ties. He wanted to see her naked, her hair spread about her, her arms and legs open for him - him and no one else.

The thought gave him pause. He was not given to possessiveness; his liasons were entertainments to be taken as they came, enjoyed, and then left. The freedom of the encounters gave spice to it all.

But with Fiona, it was different. Perhaps it was because she was the only woman he'd ever lost before he'd tired of her. Perhaps it was because she was the only woman who'd ever sent him away. Or perhaps it was something as simple as ownership. She was his wife. The word sent a possessive thrill through him. His chest expanded at the thought, his body quickening.

The last tie of her gown came free."

(To Scotland, With Love)

"Ravenscroft captured one of those hands now. He lifted it to his cheek, his gaze fixed on Venetia's face. 'Venetia, you are the most beautiful woman in the world, inside and out. I hope you know I would never do anything to disrespect you.'

Until now, Gregor had been enjoying every utterance that slipped from the pup's lips. But the unconcealed admiration that shone in Ravenscroft's eyes as he held Venetia's hand to his cheek sent an unfamiliar - and devilishly sharp - pang through Gregor.

It was the oddest feeling, and it wiped away his amusement in a flash. Venetia should have been offended by such familiarity. She should have been outraged by the suggestions this fool had made.

Instead, she sighed, her lips curling into a reluctant smile as she turned her hand and patted the insolent pup's cheek. 'Oh, Ravenscroft, you are so young. I keep forgetting that, don't I?'

It was hardly a compliment, but it only encouraged the fool. Ravenscroft had the temerity - the audacity, by God - to cup her fingers to his lips and press a kiss to her bare palm.

Something inside Gregor snapped. 'Venetia.'"

(To Catch A Higlander)

Damn, she was a heady wench. Under other circumstances, there was no telling where their flirtation might have led, for he couldn't imagine tiring of her.

Unfortunately, fate had dealt them a short hand, and they were doomed to a brief, though brilliant relationship. He would have to be satisfied with that.

Dougal took another drink of sherry, the liquid burning his throat. It was traditionally a sweetish drink, fit for gently bred women, but this brew was amazingly potent. He placed his glass back on the table and said softly, 'How do you wish to do this, my love? You lost, so therefore you must part with your gown.'

She stood, her silk gown whispering as she rose. 'I never liked this particular gown, anyway.' Her voice, husky and low, sent a shiver over his skin.

He stared, unable to look away as her gown caressed the curve of her breasts, full and round. He imagined how they'd fill his hands. He could easily span her petite waist, and the curve of her hips seemed made for his hands. She slowly pushed her hair aside, the golden strands clinging to her neck and shoulders. He didn't blame them; he'd be loathe to part from such glorious skin himself.

As she met his gaze, he was caught by the seductive light in her eyes. By Zeus, she was enjoying this. Savoring it, even. The idea made his breath tighten in his chest and he realized that he was gripping his glass so tightly that it was in danger of cracking.

Bloody hell, but she was a temptress. It was a pity she was trying to cheat him, too. For that, she would pay and pay dearly. Slowly, he placed his glass on the table. 'Let me know if you need any assistance. I'm quite practiced in undressing a woman.'

'I can undress myself.' She reached for the ties at her shoulder and gave one a gentle tug. 'Be certain you remain in your chair, please. You won the right to watch me disrobe, MacLean, and nothing more.'

This time, he thought to himself. Next time, the stakes will be much higher. I'll make certain of that if it's the last thing I do."