Scandal in Scotland (The Hurst Amulet, #2)

by Karen Hawkins

New York Times bestselling author Karen Hawkins spins an unforgettable tale of captivating beauty with a secret, a dashing sea captain on a treacherous mission, and the priceless artifact that seals their destiny.

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.

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.

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...

• ISBN10: 1439176019
• ISBN13: 9781439176016
• Publish Date: 24 May 2011
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Imprint: Pocket Books
• Format: eBook (EPUB)
• Pages: 384
• Language: English

Reviews

[rakesandrogues]

I was craving a historical romance read, so I decided to pick SCANDAL IN SCOTLAND by Karen Hawkins for my possibly only adult read during my I Heart Simon and Schuster Month Read-a-thon. I have not read any of her books prior to this book. While SCANDAL IN SCOTLAND is not quite a new favorite, I would be very interested in reading more of Hawkins's books.

I guess what I didn't get about the book is the big deal that they were making out of this gold and onyx box. Was this explained in the first book? I understand that William needs it to use to bargain his brother back, but who exactly wants it and what's the fuss with the map? Treasure, ok but it better be a really big one.

As for the characters, William didn't really stand out to me in any way. He's still hurt that Marcail left him all those years ago with a petty explanation that he will never be rich or powerful enough in the social standing for her. He's angry and resentful, but he can't deny that there's still attraction between the two of them. He lacked that extra oomph for me for a reason I can't explain.

But I have to give Karen Hawkins some props, because SCANDAL IN SCOTLAND was one steamy read! She can really write a good scene which is one of the reasons why I would definitely pick up the next book.

To be honest, while Marcail and William had chemistry, the overall story did not appeal to me. I am looking forward to the other books in the series, and I might even read the first one. Robert and the elusive redhead sounds like a fun read, while Michael and his assistant also sounds more like my cup of tea.

Overall, SCANDAL IN SCOTLAND was an okay historical romance novel, but it did introduce me to a new writer that I will keep my eye out for.