The Taming of a Scottish Princess by Karen Hawkins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I had the pleasure of previewing Karen Hawkins’ latest novel, The Taming of a Scottish Princess. A few things up front: I rarely give 5 stars to any book or product and I can count all of the historical romances I’ve ever read on one hand.
So why in the world did I pick up this book? Well, admittedly, I’m partial to the color teal and that’s the prominent color on the cover. Which made me look at the title. I’m always up for a "taming" story. But the back cover blurb sealed the deal for me.
It reads:
A DETERMINED EXPLORER
When famed Egyptologist Michael Hurst discovers that the infamous Hurst Amulet is hidden in Scotland, he insists his trusted assistant, Miss Jane Smythe-Haughton, accompany him north. Strangely, the usually unflappable Jane seems perturbed by their destination—the mysterious Isle of Barra. A fascinated Michael watches as his staid assistant transforms, revealing intriguing layers of mystery and vulnerability. Could he be about to uncover not one, but two, precious treasures?
A DAUNTLESS PRINCESS
Once her clan’s princess, Jane fled Barra years ago to avoid a forced marriage. Since then, she has made her living as efficient Miss Smythe-Haughton—the perfect (and highly paid) assistant. Now she must confront her secrets . . . including her feelings for her irascible employer, too-handsome-for-his-own-good Michael Hurst.
A PERILOUS PLEASURE
Others are also searching for the missing amulet, however. Can Jane and Michael learn to trust each other in time to solve two riddles: the location of the Hurst Amulet, and the meaning of the vivid passion flaring between them?
This sounds very much like The Mummy, which I adored. And while the setting of this book is a little more dreary than sun-bathed Egypt, I still enjoyed every second of it.
I could write a lengthy review about everything I enjoyed, or I could just tell you this:
This is the first Karen Hawkins novel I’ve ever read and she is now (and the only historical author) on my auto-buy list. Enough said.
