Karen Hawkins: A most dangerous profession

Karen Hawkinsin historiallisessa viihderomaanissa juonitellaan siinä määrin urakalla, että suorastaan ihmetyttää tarinan jotakuinkin koossa pysyminen: A most dangerous profession (Pocket Books, 2011; ISBN 978-1-4391-7594-1).



Monenlaisia salaisuuksia on sotkettu sekaisin siinä määrin että tarina hädin tuskin pysyy koossa, mutta kohtalaisen taitavasti kirjailija juonta kuitenkin kuljettaa.

For beautiful, seductive Moira MacAllister, the stakes have become terrifyingly high. Her daughter has been abducted and a priceless ancient relic is the ransom. Moira must acquire it at any cost, even if it means confronting the man she once duped and left, a man who still doesn’t know she has a child ... and that he is the father.

Robert Hurst, an operative in the king’s service, has never forgiven the mysterious spy who seduced him into marriage and then disappeared without a trace. Now, as he pursues the onyx box that will save his brother’s life, their paths cross again. But Robert isn’t sure which he longs for more—to satisfy his lust for revenge or to quench his relentless hunger for this bewitching woman.

Karen Hawkins: How to capture a countess

Karen Hawkinsin historiallisessa viihderomaanissa haudotaan kostoa ja selvitellään ihmissuhdekiemuroita melkoisen reipasotteisesti: How to capture a countess (Pocket Books, 2012; ISBN 978-1-4516-8517-6).



Romaani on viihteellistä hömppää, mutta sellaisena kohtalaisen siedettävää.

At seventeen, Rose fell wildly in love with Lord Alton Sinclair, known as Lord Sin for his wicked ways. Stung by his indifference, the starry-eyed girl tried to win an illicit kiss, but then panicked and pushed the notorious rakehell into a fountain. Leaving Lord Sin floating among the lily pads to the mocking laughter of his peers, Rose escaped back to the obscurity of the Scottish countryside.

Six years later, Sin convinces his aunt, the Duchess of Roxburghe, to invite Rose to her annual house party, where he plans to get revenge by making Rose the laughingstock of polite society. To his astonishment, he finds she has become an alluring woman who threatens to turn the tables on his nefarious plans. Thus Sin and Rose begin an epic battle of the sexes that becomes more passionate at every turn. Eventually, one will have to surrender ... but to vengeance? Or to love’s deepest passion?

Karen Hawkins: Mad for the plaid

Karen Hawkins tarjoaa skotlantilaista eksotiikkaa historiallisessa viihderomaanissa, jossa juonitaan kansainvälisellä politiikalla höystettynä: Mad for the plaid (Headline Eternal, 2016; ISBN 978-1-4722-2905-2).



Kuten useimmissa lajityypin kirjasarjoissa, samaa tarinaa toistetaan kerta toisensa jälkeen.

The third captivating, sizzling Scottish historical romance in New York Times bestseller Karen Hawkins's Princes of Oxenburg series. Fans of Julia Quinn, Monica McCarty and Julie Garwood will be enchanted by this dazzling read.

Prince Nikolai Romanovin has travelled to the deepest wilds of Scotland to rescue his abducted grandmother. Hoping to avoid an international incident, the prince hatches a plan to slip into enemy territory disguised as a groom.

Mairi MacKenzie has been left in charge of Castle Cromartie, and her unruly grandmother, in her father's absence. Cool and pragmatic, nothing gets past her. She's certain her new groom isn't who he says he is, but she can't deny he stirs her senses...

After confronting her imposter and learning the truth, Mairi agrees to help - for she, too, would do anything for family. Their secret partnership develops into searing kisses, and their quest soon turns dangerous.

Karen Hawkins: Caught by the Scot

Karen Hawkinsin historiallisessa viihderomaanisarjassa kolme veljestä pakotetaan naimisiin kolmessa kuukaudessa tai he menettävät perintönsä: Caught by the Scot (Headline Eternal, 2017; ISBN 978-1-4722-2908-3).



Kirjasarjan ensimmäisessä osassa on monenmoista hömppämäistä juonenkäännettä ja huumoriakin on pujahtanut mukaan.

When the dark Duke of Hamilton loses his beloved wife, he heeds her dying wish that he make certain her three brothers marry well for she fears they are all headed to ruin. Heartsick, the Duke approaches the task with a heavy hand, ordering the three brothers to marry within three months or forego their inheritance.

The middle brother, the dashing Conner Douglas, is not about to give up his independence, but he knows marriage doesn't always mean one must change, does it? If anything, being married to a pliable sort of female would give him even more opportunity to seduce the married women of the ton. So he heads straight for the most pliable female he knows - a childhood acquaintance and now mousy spinster, the English born and bred Miss Theodora Cumberbatch-Snowe.

Karen Hawkins: The prince and I

Karen Hawkinsin historialliseen viihderomaaniin on sotkettu vähän kaikkea, skoteista prinsseihin: The prince and I (Headline Eternal, 2015; ISBN 978-1-4722-2904-5).



Kirjan juonesta iso osa on päälleliimattua höttöä, mutta mukana on jonkin verran omaperäisyyttäkin, esimerkiksi naispuolinen "skottilainen Robin Hood".

Never cross a Scot. Never steal from a warrior prince. And never underestimate the power of passion.

Lady Murian MacDonald Muir seeks revenge against the evil earl who murdered her husband and stole his birthright. She and her band of loyal retainers waylay the earl's wealthy guests to gain entry to Rowallen Castle - a master-plan working splendidly until she stops the golden coach of Oxenburg's warrior prince.

Gregori Maksim Romanovin is in Scotland on a critical diplomatic mission. Held at swordpoint by a 'man' dubbed the Scottish Robin Hood the battle-savvy prince senses something's amiss. Furious at her escape, he vows to track down the red-haired vixen.

But once Max hears Murian's tragic story he resolves to assist her - and a fiery battle blazes. Soon Max must determine where his loyalties lie: to his royal duties, or the spirited woman who has stolen his heart.

Karen Hawkins: An affair to remember

Luulin lukeneeni Karen Hawkinsin historiallisen rakkausromaanin jo aiemmin, mutta ehkä sitten erehdyin: An affair to remember (HarperCollins, 2009; ISBN 978-0-06-189595-1).



Syynä siihen että kirja tuntui kovin tutulta saattoi olla se, että tarina on kovin moneen kertaan kerrottu: aatelismies, kotiopettajatar ja liuta pahatapaisia lapsia, sotkuahan siitä on syntyäkseen.

An arrogant earl looking for the perfect wife; a strong-minded governess determined to transform him into the perfect man--who will win?

Saddled with five unruly orphans, the Earl of Greyley, Anthony Elliot, is at his wits' end. Unfortunately, the only person willing to deal with the adorable little terrors is Anna Thraxton, governess "extraordinaire" --- and the one woman Anthony can't abide. She's too outspoken, too opinionated, and far too beautiful for his peace of mind. A woman should be meek and mild --- words that perfectly describe his prospective bride, not the flame-haired temptress who haunts his dreams.

Anna knew this job would be trouble the moment she set foot in the door --- but it's Anthony who's the problem, not the children! He's too arrogant, too sure of himself, and far, far too wonderfully big and masculine. The young girl he's courting will never be able to handle him, so someone clearly needs to teach Anthony a few things about women. But when lectures turn to kisses, igniting a passion they can't ignore, how will they resolve the battle between honour and their hearts.

Karen Hawkins: Confessions of a scoundrel

Olin Karen Hawkinsin historiallisen viihderomaanin jo aiemmin kirjastosta lainannut, mutta tässä kirjan painoksessa olikin erilainen kansikuva: Confessions of a scoundrel (Avon books, 2003; ISBN 978-0-380-82080-1).



Teos on osa kirjasarjaa jossa perintönä saatu sormus kiertää veljesparvessa, ja legendan mukaan sormuksella on maagisia ominaisuuksia. Kirjalla ei kovin maagisia ominaisuuksia kuitenkaan ole, perusviihdettä tyypillisimmillään.

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?

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.

Karen Hawkins: How to capture a countess, How to entice an enchantress ja Confessions of a scoundrel

Karen Hawkins on kirjoittanut melkoiset määrät historiallisia rakkausromaaneja, ja näitä löytyy Helmetin e-kirjojen kokoelmista, listattuna suosituimpien teosten kärkipäähän.

Mitään erityisen omaperäistä sanottavaa romaaneissa ei ole, mutta teksti on helppolukuista, huumoria on riittävästi ja yläluokkaan kuuluvat päähenkilöt joutuvat riittävän hankaliin ja jopa yllättäviin pulmatilanteisiin jotta juoni jaksaa kannatella höttöistä tarinaa parinsadan sivun verran.

How to capture a countess (Pocket Books, 2012; ISBN 978-1-4516-8517-6)





How to entice an enchantress (Pocket Books, 2013; ISBN 978-1-4516-8522-0)





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

Karen Hawkins: An affair to remember

Helmet-kirjaston e-kirjojen kokoelman suosituimpien teosten luettelo on varsinainen pikaruokaosasto. Sieltä löytyi Karen Hawkinsin historiallinen rakkausromaani, jossa Iso-Britannian aateliston koukeroiset ihmissuhteet joutuvat paikoin teräväänkin kieputukseen: An affair to remember (HarperCollins, 2009; ISBN 978-0-06-189595-1).



Kyseessä on epäilemättä viihdekirjallisuus sieltä kevyimmästä päästä, sen tyylisestä jota on myynnissä ruokakauppojen kassojen lähellä karkkihyllyn tuntumassa, heräteostoksena. Mutta yllättäen tämä kevyt paketti tuli luettua jotakuinkin alusta loppuun, mitä nyt siellä täällä hypin ohi nolostuttavimmista kohdista.

Saddled with five unruly orphans, the Earl of Greyley, Anthony Elliot, is at his wits’ end. Unfortunately, the only person willing to deal with the adorable little terrors is Anna Thraxton, governess extraordinaire – and the one woman Anthony can’t abide. She’s too outspoken, too opinionated, and far too beautiful for his peace of mind. A woman should be meek and mild – words that perfectly describe his prospective bride, not the flame-haired temptress who haunts his dreams.