Karen Hawkins: Confessions of a scoundrel ym.

Karen Hawkins kirjoittaa historiallisia viihderomaanisarjoja, joissa on monenmoista sattumusta, ja kaikki on luonnollisesti melkolailla ennalta-arvattavaa, ja kirjan lopussa ollaan onnellisia vaikka mitä tapahtuisi. Helppolukuista tekstiä, ja vaikka tarinat ovat höttöä, on niissä siellä täällä ehkä jotain oivalluksen oloista, jos hyvin sattuu.

Confessions of a scoundrel (Avon books, 2003; ISBN 978-0-380-82080-1)

Legend says that whomever possesses the St. John talisman ring will find their one true love. Now that the ring rests in the pocket of renowned scoundrel Brandon St. John, the dashing rake must decide whether it is a blessing...or a curse.

Never has the irresistible rogue, Brandon St. John, pursued a woman with more fervor--but his ardent suit of Lady Verena Westforth has a different purpose. The delectable blond lovely is indeed enticing, but Brandon suspects her of hiding a valuable missive that he has sworn to recover. With a sensuous kiss and a passionate caress he intends to lower Verena's guard... and then discover where she's hidden "the goods."

Without the missive, Verena stands to lose the one thing dearest to her heart. And now an extraordinary man has entered her life...at the worst possible time! Vulnerable though she may be, Verena vows she will not be just another of Brandon's "conquests," even as she aches to melt in his arms. But is he a needed friend or a foe in alluring disguise...and will she be able to prove to him that love is their true destiny?

And the bride wore plaid (Avon Books, 2004; ISBN 978-0-06-173924-8)

Devon St John has never had a problem in his life--until now. Born to wealth and privilege, surrounded by a warm and loving family, he has pursued a life of leisure, chasing the most beautiful women London has to offer. All told, he has the perfect life and no intentions of ever settling down in any shape, form or fashion. So resolved, he heads to his friend's Scottish castle, unaware that fate is already hard at work.

As the illegitimate half-sister to Viscount Strathmore, Melody Macdonald refuses to reside under his roof and instead lives in a thatched house on the edge of the forest that borders Strathmore Castle. Ever since she ran off at the tender age of twelve to become an apprentice to a master of stained glass, Melody has been deplorably independent and wild. When Devon arrives at Strathmore Castle, he is taken aback by the rude, overbearing, illegitimate Scotswoman who refuses even to pretend to possess any feminine wiles. But Devon is determined to teach the strong-willed Melody a lesson in love ...

Lady in red (HarperCollins, 2009; ISBN 978-0-06-174642-0)

When a priceless treasure brings together . . .

W ealthy and powerful Marcus St. John, the Marquis of Treymount, must recover a lost family heirloom that is in the possession of Miss Honoria Baker-Sneed. All he needs to do is convince her to relinquish his treasure for a reasonable sum. But when he meets Honoria, he's surprised to discover she is as headstrong as she is beautiful.

Two unlikely hearts . . .

Honoria is astounded when Marcus shows up on her doorstep and arrogantly demands a ring that is rightfully hers. She agrees to return the heirloom, but on one condition: He must sponsor her sister into society—an idea Marcus considers absolutely preposterous.

Only love can decide the outcome.

W hen a heated argument ensues, they find themselves in a compromising position and are forced to marry. What starts out as a marriage in name only soon becomes much more as Marcus realizes Honoria has stolen his heart. But can he prove to his wife that he is worthy of her love?

How to pursue a princess (Pocket Books, 2014; ISBN 978-1-4516-8520-6)

Lily Balfour has spent her entire life under the shadow of financial ruin, and she's determined to save her family in the only way available to women-by marrying well. When the Duchess of Roxburghe, Lily's godmother, announces she's found the perfect match for Lily, the handsome, dashing, and extremely wealthy Earl of Huntley, Lily hopes they'll fall wildly in love, marry, and that his wealth will save her family. But when Prince Pietr Wulfinski, the poorest of the Russian princes, walks into the Duchess's ballroom and sweeps a hot, possessive glance over her, Lily knows she's in big trouble. Marry the safe, handsome, and wealthy Earl, or the dangerous, rakish, but poor Prince? To make the right choice, Lily must decide if she'll listen to her heart or her head.