Monday, May 23, 2011

Scandal in Scotland by Karen Hawkins

Scandal in ScotlandFrom Simon and Schuster:
New York Times bestselling author Karen Hawkins spins an unforgettable tale of a captivating beauty with a secret, a dashing sea captain on a treacherous mission—and the priceless artifact that seals their destiny. 
A DESPERATE BEAUTY 
Despite fame and countless admirers, actress Marcail Beauchamp has never forgotten William Hurst, the audacious seafarer she once loved . . . and lost. Now, forced by a mysterious blackmailer who threatens her family, she must steal an ancient onyx box from the one man she's vowed never to see again. 
A BOLD ADVENTURER 
To save his brother from a ruthless abductor, William must deliver the artifact as ransom. He's stunned when Marcail, more lovely than ever, suddenly appears on his ship. But when she drugs him and steals the box, his fury knows no bounds. 
THE TREASURE EVERYONE WANTS 
William pursues Marcail, but too late: she has already delivered the box. The estranged lovers realize they must work together—both to regain the artifact that could mean life or death to his family and to destroy the mysterious blackmailer's power over her family. Thus begins a high-stakes quest through the reaches of Scotland, a quest that stirs up long-forgotten memories and an unquenchable passion. . . . 
One Night in Scotland (Hurst Amulet)This is #2 in the Hurst Amulet series. And before you *gasp* and wonder if I did it again and read in the middle... AHA! I did NOT! :D My review of  One Night in Scotland proves that I read #1 in the series... first! O.o So, now that you have calmed down or sat back up from fainting... let me review the rest of this book... ;)

I did have fun with this historical romance. William is another of the Hurst brothers and the amulet is finally safely in William's hands ready to be sent back to Egypt to free their brother (the story starts in the first novel and is best to read it first). He meets an old flame who broke his heart and she steals the amulet to satisfy a blackmailer. We soon find that Marcail is not the brazen horrible beauty she seems to be, but also someone who is desperately trying to save her family from ruin and left William for the same reasons. The box is stolen before the truth comes out, but William is still willing to find out who her blackmailer is as well as gaining the stolen item back.

Of course I'm not going to spoil how these turns of event play out *evil laugh* but I will say that the Hurst amulet itself has yet to reveal all it's secrets. And while I did like Marcail in the end, I still can't say I fully identified with her either. I did enjoy William's part and wouldn't mind adding a handsome captain  like him to my man harem. *sigh*

I give this book 3 1/2 stars. I would suggest reading the first book first *gasp* so you can get the total grasp of what the amulet means. The next book involves the brother, Robert, and I think that one is going to be a wild ride. Especially when it seems his intended is a thief and con artist.

I was given this ebook from the publisher and no compensation for my review was given.


15 comments:

  1. Great review! I am such a sucker for highlanders, literally! I just love them!

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  2. Great review but the book, well...let me just say that I might or might not be tempted. Highland guys are not really as they are presented in fiction. Take it from a gal who actually visited Scotland for a short period of time.

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  3. *falling over in shock* you read a series in order and *even more falling over in shock* (nope I did not drink before reading) you are suggesting that other people read the series in order? Where is my rebel? LOL

    Actually this does sound like a series I would really love! It has all the things that make a good historical: hot brothers, action, and an amulet story arc! YUM!

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  4. Sounds like an action-packed read! I have not read many historical roamances; must add this to my TBR.

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  5. I haven't read an historical romance in forever... I'm craving one now!!!

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  6. Thanks for another great review. I'm disappointed that there wasn't a sign of a kilt on any the book covers though.

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  7. I admit, my anxiety levels only raised up a bit. Thanks for the proof, it helped calm me. :P

    I don't know why, but I have trouble getting into historical romances. But since I do like fighting over handsome captains for my harem...

    Plus, how can you go wrong with bothers?

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  8. LOL! I applaud you, and that you posted the link so I believe you ;)

    Hihi, well you know I like highlanders

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  9. Aha - your book-skipping tendencies were foiled with a series you HAVE to read in order! So, how many Hurst brothers are there???

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  10. Oh my god - it must be the end of the world - you actually read a series in order?!

    An amulet, three hot brothers and history...hmm...not my usual type of book but sounds like it might be worth a read - in the correct order of course! :)

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  11. @Savannah... I do too!

    @anachronist... They never are... Uh... what DO they wear under the kilt?

    @Felicia... *fans* I'm still a rebel! Don't you think so? Right? Right?? ;)

    @Misha...Oh I think you will like these.

    @...Petty... I know. I was too. :(

    @Missie... *fans and gives you a shot of tequila* Ah... brothers... *giggles*

    @Blodeuedd... LOL TY! :)

    @Stephanie... let me see... I think it was 3 or 4 brothers. Plus, you also have sisters who have married... :)

    @Mel... Na, didn't you know? That day has come and went... ;)

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  12. Oh, how I miss reading 'big girl' books! I haven't had that much time since my blog is YA PNR/UF etc... I have a fondness for big brawny Scottish men... ahem...control yourself, Kristi! Teehee!

    This series sounds good and I just might have to find the time to read it!

    Thanks for the great review!

    Kristi

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  13. Oh I remember you reviewing the first book, so I'm not going to say anything about reading out of order. ;) But these do sound like some hot little reads. :) Thank you!

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  14. Uh... what DO they wear under the kilt?

    I didn't check myself but I saw a photo or two...mainly nothing. Occasionaly briefs. Mind you a kilt is for special occasions only or for tourists (for most of normal people anyway).

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  15. @Kristi...I understand the tbr. I have tons of personal books I can't get to because of the review tbr! :)

    @Melissa... who me? I would never! *cough* ;)

    @anachronist...Uh huh... were you the photographer? ;D Hee hee... swy... just HAD to tease!

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