Book Review-The Laird Who Loved Me

The Laird Who Loved Me 
Karen Hawkins
Pocket, 368 Pages
Published Sep 2009
Scottish Highlands Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-1-4165-6026-5

Synopsis
Handsome Alexander MacLean enjoyed his intoxicating flirtation with lovely Caitlyn Hurst...until she embarrassed him in front of the entire ton. Orchestrating Caitlyn's attendance at a fashionable house party, Alexander plots her downfall. But to his fury, her charm and wit thwart his plan to ruin her.


Her disastrous London season left Caitlyn filled with regret and determined to make things right with Alexander. She's delighted to find him at the house party to which she's unexpectedly invited -- but it's clear that the sexy, arrogant Highlander hasn't forgiven her. So Caitlyn comes up with a bold scheme, proposing an unusual contest drawn from legend: each must complete a set of "mythic" tasks. If Caitlyn succeeds, Alexander promises to relent and forgive her previous rash behavior; if he succeeds, she will join him in his bed! But can Caitlyn force Alexander to give up his quest for vengeance without giving up her heart in return?

My Review:
Alexander MacLean, the oldest of the Maclean clan, has been both amused yet frustrated by the enticing Caitlyn Hurst, then after the incident that trapped his brother into marriage, he desired revenge against her. However, he knew it wouldn't be easy, with Caitlyn matching him on every level. Caitlyn Hurst, even after seeing that her sister and her husband are very much in love, she wonders if she will ever be so lucky as to find that as well. She has been attracted to Alexander ever since she met him. Having shared some passionate embraces, she knows that there is something explosive between them. When she is invited to a house party, she never expected to see Alexander again, and its obvious that he is still furious over what had happened to his brother and is far from forgiveness. As time goes forward throughout the story, a battle of wills ensue, where a bet is made between Alexander and Caitlyn, but who will win? The battle of wills and love is on!

As much as I was looking forward to reading Alexander's story, I found that both of these characters in this story were a bit like little children fighting over a toy. It was a amusing story, and definitely had me laughing at quite a few moments, however it just seemed to be lacking in a strong and emotional side, that I like seeing from Karen Hawkins. Throughout the whole book I kept wondering when they were going to admit they love each other and get over the whole "I despise you" scenario, it got tedious after a while. There was some good passion in this story, and a strong plot, I think the characters were somewhat lacking. However despite the fact that I didn't like the attitude they had in the book, I did enjoy both of them. Alexander being the oldest, and the most furious temper of his whole family, has a lot of anger bottled up inside of him. Of course, Caitlyn is the focus of all that frustration. When they decide to act on a dangerous wager, they both are determined to win at any cost. Caitlyn, was the first to be sent out to society, and has always felt spirited, and never has held back from what she has wanted. When she agrees to the wager, she had no idea how much caos that would ensue due to it. What they both find in the end, is that they have found a love that will bring them excitement and passion that they never expected to find in each others arms. It was still a enjoyable read, and I am glad to have read Alexanders story.

My Grade On This Book
3.5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series
How To Abduct A Highland Lord
To Scotland, With Love
To Catch A Highland Laird
Sleeping In Scotland

Book Review-Sleepless In Scotland

Sleepless In Scotland
The MacLean Curse
Karen Hawkins
Pocket,
355 Pages
Published August 2009
Scottish Highlands Historical Romance
ISBN: 978-1-4165-6025

Synopsis
When sensible Catriona Hurst sets off in pursuit of her wild twin sister, Caitlyn -- whose plan to trap the handsome laird of Clan MacLean into marriage will lead her to sure disaster -- she never expects the journey to end with her own wedding. First Triona is caught in MacLean's carriage, thenshe's roundly scolded, and then -- to her shocked surprise -- thoroughly kissed! She is caught, body and soul, by the laird's enigmatic younger brother, Hugh MacLean, who had set a trap for the unprincipled sister and refuses to believe that he's caught the other. While Hugh is enchanted by Triona's delightful response to his kiss, he soon realizes that she is not who he thought, but an innocent whom honor demands he wed immediately. And he also discovers that letting the passionate Triona into his bed is far easier than keeping her out of his many concerns -- even the ones he'd planned to keep secret!

My Review:
When Catriona Hurst hears from her aunt, that her twin sister is in trouble, the kind that could cause a great scandal especially to the family, she rushes to London. But when told of her current scheme, Catriona tries to save her, but in the end gets caught up in a trap. Hugh MacLean finds out about Caitlyn's scheme to trap and embarrass his brother, so when he tricks a woman who looks similar to Caitlyn, not realizing its her twin sister instead. He then exchanges a passionate embrace with her not knowing who she really is.  When he realizes his mistake and is caught by her family, he ends up being forced to marry her to avoid scandal that could ruin Catriona and her family. Hugh has had some painful memories with a woman that hurt him, very badly. Even though Catriona is a innocent yet filled with passion, he knows that her stay is only temporary. He also worries about his three daughters, whom he doesn't want them to cling to a mother that wont be around in the distant future. But Hugh is going to get the surprise of his life, where he could lose his heart to this woman, who desperately yearns for a tender love that she has only dreamed of.

I have just loved this series, and I loved reading Hugh's story in the MacLeans Curse series. This series is wonderful, the MacLeans were cursed that every one of the children is cursed with storms that are connected to their tempers. Hugh is definitely one that has a strong temper, and tends to display it often throughout the book, which can be amusing at times. I also loved the plot and the interaction between Catriona and Hugh. Catriona has always had to be the responsible one between her and Caitlyn. So when she is forced to marry trying to save her, she knows her life will never be the same. Catriona aches for a passionate and loving relationship with her new husband, but knows that he will not be making it very easy. But through the personal road of love that they are taken on, they come to a understanding that not all things go as planned especially when your heart is involved. This is one of my favorites of the series so far,although I do wish there was more interaction between Hugh and his other siblings, still  it was such a delight to read, and a great love story that will make you smile, and be utterly satisfied til the very end!!!


My Grade On This Book
4.5 Blossoms

Other Books In The Series
How To Abduct A Highland Lord
To Scotland, With Love
To Catch A Highlander
The Laird Who Loved Me