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The Duchess Diaries #1
How to Capture a Countess
Urged by her favorite nephew, the intimidating Duchess of Roxburghe agrees to transform a thorny Scottish rose into a lovely bloom. But even she isn’t prepared for fiery Rose Balfour.
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?
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?
357 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 18, 2012
95 people are currently reading
2,182 people want to read
About the author
Karen Hawkins
62Ìýbooks2,944ÌýfollowersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Karen Hawkins writes novels that have been praised as touching, witty, charming, and heartwarming. A native Southerner who grew up in the mountains of East Tennessee where storytelling is a way of life, Karen recently moved to frosty New England with her beloved husband and multiple foster dogs. The Dove Pond books are a nod to the thousands of books that opened doors to more adventures, places, and discoveries than she ever imagined possible. To find out more about Karen, follow her at:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews
November 16, 2012
He's a young rake wannabe. She's an ingénue pretending to be worldly in order to attract him. They connect in a quiet spot in a garden, near a fountain. They kiss. He gropes. She panics—and shoves.
Lord Sinclair, once known as "Lord Sin," surfaces to the laughter of his peers, and goes on with the moniker, "Lord Fin" (thanks to the fish that hopped out of his pocket as he swiped the lotus leaf off his leaky powdered wig). He's convinced that the vixen did it on purpose, and he wants to punish her...
Or something.
But Rose Balfour is nowhere to be found.
Enter interfering great-aunt: it's years later, and the old bat ('s companion) is sharp enough to connect the dots. Sin hasn't been the same since "the incident." And Rose is one of her many, barely acknowledged god-daughters. Why not throw them together and see if anything comes of it?
Problem is,FinSin is still pissed, and he still wants revenge. And Rose is still stupid naïve, so she doesn't know how to get out of the way of trouble. If the more interesting parts of her anatomy start seeking a little extra blood flow, it's her brain that makes the sacrifice.
So she's pretty much toast, unless Sin gets his head out his ass and starts to care. And that's really the core theme of the drama.
There's a bit of competition for Sin, if you count fogeys as legit suitors.
Nothing to particularly concern the reader, but Sin's angst is entertaining.
Hawkins sprinkles humor through the story. I laughed aloud, occasionally in inappropriate surroundings. And a story that can wrest a smile from me, let alone an outright laugh, is always a winner. Four stars.
Lord Sinclair, once known as "Lord Sin," surfaces to the laughter of his peers, and goes on with the moniker, "Lord Fin" (thanks to the fish that hopped out of his pocket as he swiped the lotus leaf off his leaky powdered wig). He's convinced that the vixen did it on purpose, and he wants to punish her...
Or something.
But Rose Balfour is nowhere to be found.
Enter interfering great-aunt: it's years later, and the old bat ('s companion) is sharp enough to connect the dots. Sin hasn't been the same since "the incident." And Rose is one of her many, barely acknowledged god-daughters. Why not throw them together and see if anything comes of it?
Problem is,
So she's pretty much toast, unless Sin gets his head out his ass and starts to care. And that's really the core theme of the drama.
There's a bit of competition for Sin, if you count fogeys as legit suitors.
Nothing to particularly concern the reader, but Sin's angst is entertaining.
Hawkins sprinkles humor through the story. I laughed aloud, occasionally in inappropriate surroundings. And a story that can wrest a smile from me, let alone an outright laugh, is always a winner. Four stars.
February 5, 2019
This was a cute, fun book to listen to, narrated by Allison Larkin. It was a comedy of errors that was entertaining with a believable connection.
January 12, 2016
I thought this was such a great book. It was just so much fun and I absolutely adored Rose. I got around to liking Sinclair's aunt, Margaret, Duchess Roxburghe, and I thought Sinclair, himself, was okay but the book was really all about Rose. She managed to shine through every one of their wagers.
I loved the Prologue of the book and thought it was so delightful. I absolutely sympathized with Rose and her insecurities and how she unknowingly and innocently seemed like she was seducing Sinclair. When she approached him, she was disappointed because he had no recollection of who she was, even though they'd encountered one another on more than one occasion.
She liked him and he, being older than her, didn't care much for the "young, doe-eyed, annoyingly eager innocents," which is exactly what she was, and she, being all of sixteen and head-over-heels for this "incredibly handsome" man who was "every woman’s dream," wanted him to "finally see her�really see her—and realize that they were meant for each other."
I felt that her insecurities, and her attempt to make herself seem older and more mature, a "worldly woman," than she was in reality, were completely true to life and reminiscent of a lot of sixteen-year-olds.
I really liked that we were seeing the play from both sides, POVs from both Rose and Sinclair, and how the words exchanged between them said and then carried different meanings to both.
I was both cringing and laughing at this poor girl as she continued to toss back champagne (because he looked as if he expected her too and she, being sixteen and stupid, didn't want to disappoint him) and try and stay afloat through their exchange. She keeps saying things to keep him interested and her sixteen-year-old brain doesn't realize how it's being interpreted by him.
And, well, the encounter with Sinclair being not exactly what she'd dreamily envisioned, leads to tragic consequences for the both of them and hilarity for the reader.
And, then, six years later, they meet again.
At first, I didn't quite like the Duchess, Sinclair's Aunt Margaret. I felt bad that Rose was invited to her home as she was. I felt that Margaret only invited her to help her nephew out. And, while Margaret invites her for her nephew, Sinclair is only there for vengeance's sake. Rose, on the other hand, is grateful for the invitation because, having been ruined by the scandal, she's rusticated in the countryside with her father and sisters. She wants to do this so that, once she establishes herself, her sisters will have an opportunity to meet other men. Margaret and Sinclair's intentions change, but I still felt that, originally, she was like a lamb being led to the slaughter and that it was sad she was so grateful for the opportunity when she was just being used.
Rose was honestly my favourite part of the entire book. Even in the face of an annoyed and angry Sinclair, as he vows to seduce her in vengeance for the humiliating scene from the ball, she just nods and tells him to give it all he's got, sasses him and doesn't back down. She's so hilarious and, although still very sweet on Sinclair, she's neither having it with his six-year-old grudge nor of the teenage need to impress him any longer.
She was so great. I think that, in making her so great, the author did Sinclair a disservice. He paled in comparison to her and she managed to take the spotlight from him in their one-upmanship.
They're both hilariously prideful in their competitiveness. While Rose had a great bit of pride, she remained composed. Sinclair, on the other hand, was reduced to immaturity (almost) every time she managed to out-smart him.
I loved the author's humour and I had to stop myself from making status updates with every line that amused me. The proposal was one of my favourites because of how ridiculous it was--.
It wasn't quite a five-star read for me, though. There were some things I'd expected would happen but didn't. That's both a good and a bad thing because some were things I'd hoped for, so I wanted to see them, but it was also good that it was unpredictable at times. Other than that, there was nothing that was particularly offensive about the author's writing. She does seem to love using em dashes, though because I saw so many of them. I felt that they were quite overused and it did start to annoy me a bit.
Also, who wrote the synopsis? Rose opens the book at sixteen, not seventeen.
There was also this one line that bothered
While I understood what the author was trying to convey, I didn't appreciate the "looked like a man" part. I would've preferred if the author had said something like "masculine man" or something else rather than looking "like a man." The statement follows on the heels of her thoughts on "soft-looking" Byron and his lack of appeal.
I loved the Prologue of the book and thought it was so delightful. I absolutely sympathized with Rose and her insecurities and how she unknowingly and innocently seemed like she was seducing Sinclair. When she approached him, she was disappointed because he had no recollection of who she was, even though they'd encountered one another on more than one occasion.
His irritation returned. “I’m sorry, but do I know you?�
She looked crestfallen. “I saw you at the Countess of Dunford’s luncheon only a week ago.�
“Did we speak?�
“Well, no.�
“I don’t remember.� He’d been far too in his cups to remember much of that day at all, anyway.
“We also met a week and a day ago at the Melton house party.�
He’d spent most of that evening in the library with the men, planning a hunting party for the next day. “I’m sorry, but I don’t—�
“The Farquhars� soiree?�
He shook his head.
“The MacEnnis Ball? The Earl of Stratham’s dinner party?�
He shook his head at each.
She liked him and he, being older than her, didn't care much for the "young, doe-eyed, annoyingly eager innocents," which is exactly what she was, and she, being all of sixteen and head-over-heels for this "incredibly handsome" man who was "every woman’s dream," wanted him to "finally see her�really see her—and realize that they were meant for each other."
I can’t allow him to get bored, or he’ll leave and my chance will be gone. But what will interest him?
I felt that her insecurities, and her attempt to make herself seem older and more mature, a "worldly woman," than she was in reality, were completely true to life and reminiscent of a lot of sixteen-year-olds.
She knew, too, that every time he was in a room, her sixteen-year-old heart thudded like that of a bird newly caught in a cage.
It was beating like that now, but she knew better than to let him see her nervousness. Lord Sin usually spoke only to older, more worldly women. Women who moved with a self-possession and outspokenness that earned them the scowls of other women, but the admiration of men like him.
And suddenly, that was the exact sort of woman Rose desperately wanted to be.
I really liked that we were seeing the play from both sides, POVs from both Rose and Sinclair, and how the words exchanged between them said and then carried different meanings to both.
“It’s too bad we’re at this ball now. There are other things we could be doing instead.� Like riding through the park, for she loved horses as much as he did. Or, if they could escape her aunt’s vigilant eye, walking through the gardens, where they might slip away and share a kiss. Her heart fluttered at the thought.
�Other things, Miss Balfour?� He returned her smile, an odd glint in his eye. “I would like that, too.�
I was both cringing and laughing at this poor girl as she continued to toss back champagne (because he looked as if he expected her too and she, being sixteen and stupid, didn't want to disappoint him) and try and stay afloat through their exchange. She keeps saying things to keep him interested and her sixteen-year-old brain doesn't realize how it's being interpreted by him.
Wherever it had, he apparently found it worth noticing, for his gaze was suddenly intense. “You enjoy sin, my dear Miss Balfour?�
“Who doesn’t?� she retorted, getting more and more drunk off her own bravery. She borrowed a line from the church service she and Aunt Lettice had attended last Sunday. “We’re all sinners in one way or another, aren’t we?�
And, well, the encounter with Sinclair being not exactly what she'd dreamily envisioned, leads to tragic consequences for the both of them and hilarity for the reader.
And, then, six years later, they meet again.
At first, I didn't quite like the Duchess, Sinclair's Aunt Margaret. I felt bad that Rose was invited to her home as she was. I felt that Margaret only invited her to help her nephew out. And, while Margaret invites her for her nephew, Sinclair is only there for vengeance's sake. Rose, on the other hand, is grateful for the invitation because, having been ruined by the scandal, she's rusticated in the countryside with her father and sisters. She wants to do this so that, once she establishes herself, her sisters will have an opportunity to meet other men. Margaret and Sinclair's intentions change, but I still felt that, originally, she was like a lamb being led to the slaughter and that it was sad she was so grateful for the opportunity when she was just being used.
Rose was honestly my favourite part of the entire book. Even in the face of an annoyed and angry Sinclair, as he vows to seduce her in vengeance for the humiliating scene from the ball, she just nods and tells him to give it all he's got, sasses him and doesn't back down. She's so hilarious and, although still very sweet on Sinclair, she's neither having it with his six-year-old grudge nor of the teenage need to impress him any longer.
Finally, she gave a short nod. “Very well. You may attempt to seduce me. I can’t promise to succumb, but it’s only fair that you be allowed the attempt.�
Sin didn’t know whether to laugh or—hell, he didn’t know what to do. “Miss Balfour, you seem to be suffering under the illusion that you have a say in the matter. I will not attempt to seduce you. I will do it.�
She smiled kindly. “We will see, won’t we? Meanwhile, feel free to seduce away. At the least, it will give you something to do other than moan about the past, which you seem sadly given to.�
Her audacity was like the icy strike of hail.
She was so great. I think that, in making her so great, the author did Sinclair a disservice. He paled in comparison to her and she managed to take the spotlight from him in their one-upmanship.
She pulled her gaze back to him. “Fortunately, I can’t lose; I have the lucky red mallet.�
“And I have the lucky green one. I fear one of our mallets is bound for disappointment.�
She kindly patted his arm. “It won’t be mine.�
They're both hilariously prideful in their competitiveness. While Rose had a great bit of pride, she remained composed. Sinclair, on the other hand, was reduced to immaturity (almost) every time she managed to out-smart him.
I loved the author's humour and I had to stop myself from making status updates with every line that amused me. The proposal was one of my favourites because of how ridiculous it was--.
It wasn't quite a five-star read for me, though. There were some things I'd expected would happen but didn't. That's both a good and a bad thing because some were things I'd hoped for, so I wanted to see them, but it was also good that it was unpredictable at times. Other than that, there was nothing that was particularly offensive about the author's writing. She does seem to love using em dashes, though because I saw so many of them. I felt that they were quite overused and it did start to annoy me a bit.
Also, who wrote the synopsis? Rose opens the book at sixteen, not seventeen.
There was also this one line that bothered
She liked a man who looked like a man, one with broad shoulders and muscled arms.
While I understood what the author was trying to convey, I didn't appreciate the "looked like a man" part. I would've preferred if the author had said something like "masculine man" or something else rather than looking "like a man." The statement follows on the heels of her thoughts on "soft-looking" Byron and his lack of appeal.
January 11, 2022
The problem with humor in romance is that it most of the times it borders on ridiculous. I mean, I had many laughs in this book, two people couldn't be more prone to disaster than these two. But the hero was not a gentleman at all. Every single word or action from the heroine he twisted it in a sexual way when she was not saying anything sexual at all. She was trying to act mature and got caught up in passion but he was NO gentleman towards her.
So, as humorous as their disasters were, I was very quickly fed up with the hero for not seeing things clearly and acting the cad.
I am not sure I will continue the series. This book was not bad per se, just ridiculous.
So, as humorous as their disasters were, I was very quickly fed up with the hero for not seeing things clearly and acting the cad.
I am not sure I will continue the series. This book was not bad per se, just ridiculous.
November 10, 2019
This is my second book by Karen Hawkins it was amusing, made better by Alison Larkin's narration. However, this author must enjoy writing Heroes who are real jerks. That was the case both with this book and the prior one I read. I would consider listening to more if they were available with my library, but I will not necessarily be continuing this series are looking for more by the author.
April 13, 2025
4.5 stars. Books I Own. Mad About Series Challenge HRBC 2025. Tropes: Regency Romance, RomCom, Scandal, Matchmaker, Forced Proximity, Family/Friends, Enemies to Lovers.
***
MC's. h. Rose Balfour, 22, oldest of 3 sisters, Rose, Lily & Dahlia, widowed father a horticulturist. Six years before Rose had her come out and caused a Scandal with Earl of Sinclair aka Sin. He kissed her very passionately and she felt his hard rod pressed up against her and she panicked and shoved him away and he fell into a fountain which drew a huge crowd and his name became Lord Fin.
***
H. Earl of Sinclair, Sin, 30+, eldest of several siblings, parents died in a carriage accident when he was 17, he's been the head of his family since, seeing all his siblings married off and settled. He is still single and a Rakehell. He has been looking for Rose Balfour for 6 years wanting his revenge. His Grandmother and Great Aunt Margaret have been trying to lure him into finding a wife, but he has skirted their attempts thus far, until L. Margaret the Duchess found out she was Rose Balfour's godmother and lured Sin in.
**
Opinion: I loved this story. It was humorous with lots of funny antics, mixed in with heated arguments between Sin and Rose, followed by passionate kisses (in closets) (in the woods) (in the Library) (in her bedroom). The secondary querky characters all added humor to all the challenges at the Duchess's houseparty along with her 6 little pug dogs. I gave this a 4.5 star rating.
**
***
MC's. h. Rose Balfour, 22, oldest of 3 sisters, Rose, Lily & Dahlia, widowed father a horticulturist. Six years before Rose had her come out and caused a Scandal with Earl of Sinclair aka Sin. He kissed her very passionately and she felt his hard rod pressed up against her and she panicked and shoved him away and he fell into a fountain which drew a huge crowd and his name became Lord Fin.
***
H. Earl of Sinclair, Sin, 30+, eldest of several siblings, parents died in a carriage accident when he was 17, he's been the head of his family since, seeing all his siblings married off and settled. He is still single and a Rakehell. He has been looking for Rose Balfour for 6 years wanting his revenge. His Grandmother and Great Aunt Margaret have been trying to lure him into finding a wife, but he has skirted their attempts thus far, until L. Margaret the Duchess found out she was Rose Balfour's godmother and lured Sin in.
**
Opinion: I loved this story. It was humorous with lots of funny antics, mixed in with heated arguments between Sin and Rose, followed by passionate kisses (in closets) (in the woods) (in the Library) (in her bedroom). The secondary querky characters all added humor to all the challenges at the Duchess's houseparty along with her 6 little pug dogs. I gave this a 4.5 star rating.
**
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2018
Rose Balfour is:
- stubborn
- adventurous
- a great archer and horse rider
- amusing
- loyal
- sometimes somewhat responsible.
She is not:
- a great beauty
- a heiress
- a Lady
So when she finds herself flirting with Lord Alton Sinclair (otherwise known as Lord Sin…the man really likes to drink and sleep around) at a ball, she seizes her opportunity to steal her very first kiss. When the kiss gets a little too hot to handle, she freaks out and pushes Lord Sin into a fountain (which, by the way, is totally something I would do—I understand you Rose!).
Society takes one look at the wet Lord Sin and nicknames him “Lord Fin.� Needless to say: Lord Fin gets angry. And even angrier when he realizes Rose has fled to the country leaving him alone to deal with the scandal.
Six years later, Lord Sin has only descended further into his profligate ways. His Grandmother—the Duchess of Roxburghe—decides that something needs to be done (or, to put it bluntly, someone respectful needs to be done). Using an unsuspecting Rose as bait, she lures him to her estate.
When the two reunite, sparks fly: the two bicker constantly while trying to decide what to do with the sexual tension between them. While Rose decides to ignore it, Lord Sin attempts to fan the sparks into a raging flame. Anyways, you’ll never guess who wins (sarcasm� this is a romance novel folk!)
Real question: Did that metaphor about fire I just used even make sense?
While I really liked this book, I felt like something was missing. I didn’t find Lord Sin or Rose particularly compelling characters: they both were ridiculously competitive which made their interactions funny but also made me terrified for their future children. Honestly, I struggled to find any redeeming qualities to Lord Sin. He just sort of seemed like a super obnoxious tool. Rose was fine, but she was kind of forgettable. Finally, I never really felt the love between Rose and Lord Sin: it was just super intense lust 24/7. They just sort of fought or hooked up. To reiterate: I’m terrified for their future children.
But the wonderfully witty dialogue and the amusing plot made up for most of the character faults. Also, I’m just such a freaking sucker for a hate to love story.
Rating: 3.7/5
Before I conclude this review, however, I have some feelings:
WHY IS A THING FOR ROMANCE NOVELS TO NAME THEIR MAIN CHARACTERS THINGS LIKE DEVIL OR LORD SIN? Oh god� It is just so cheesy! You don’t need to shove a character’s bad boy characters down our throats. Every time I see a name like that I just laugh so hard. I can’t possibly take a character seriously when they have such a dumb name. This might be my biggest romance novel pet peeve. That or random kidnappings. It’s a toss-up.
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July 22, 2018
3.5 stars
A pleasant story, light-hearted & fun. Predictable, maybe - but good-humoured, and increasingly I find that a rare & desirable quality in a HR. Too many HRs depend on an unnecessarily aggressive stance between the H&h to generate conflict, or disproportionate viciousness in a villain/ess.
HTCAC starts with an innocent misunderstanding blown into a scandal, and to be sure, when H & h meet a few years later, neither has forgiven or entirely forgotten. But quickly, each grows to appreciate the other's qualities. The banter is cheerful, moderately convincing, and witty. Conflict - of a sort - is provided by the Duchess of Roxburgh and her household (the dour butler needs his own story - I so wanted him to form a relationship with the Duchess's companion).
I appreciated that many of the clichés of the genre were avoided - the story takes place almost entirely in Scotland (no Almacks!), there are no kidnappings, no snidely jealously debutantes etc.
On the minus side, the characterisation is not terribly well-developed, the plot very slight, and Rose Balfour's father is annoyingly referred to as "Sir Balfour" throughout.
I don't know that I would go back to this, but I'm pleased to have come across this author, and I'll look out for the sequels.
A pleasant story, light-hearted & fun. Predictable, maybe - but good-humoured, and increasingly I find that a rare & desirable quality in a HR. Too many HRs depend on an unnecessarily aggressive stance between the H&h to generate conflict, or disproportionate viciousness in a villain/ess.
HTCAC starts with an innocent misunderstanding blown into a scandal, and to be sure, when H & h meet a few years later, neither has forgiven or entirely forgotten. But quickly, each grows to appreciate the other's qualities. The banter is cheerful, moderately convincing, and witty. Conflict - of a sort - is provided by the Duchess of Roxburgh and her household (the dour butler needs his own story - I so wanted him to form a relationship with the Duchess's companion).
I appreciated that many of the clichés of the genre were avoided - the story takes place almost entirely in Scotland (no Almacks!), there are no kidnappings, no snidely jealously debutantes etc.
On the minus side, the characterisation is not terribly well-developed, the plot very slight, and Rose Balfour's father is annoyingly referred to as "Sir Balfour" throughout.
I don't know that I would go back to this, but I'm pleased to have come across this author, and I'll look out for the sequels.
March 31, 2017
Brilliant book and very funny. Not only were the dialogue and fiery interactions between the two leads explosive and hilarious at the same time, but the secondary characters were fleshy and in particular, Dunn the valet, had some laugh-out-loud one liners. Rose was intelligent, impulsive and a lady of action even at 16. She took one look at Sinclair (aka Lord Sin), liked what she saw and wasted no time in dragging him, not entirely unwilling, into the garden for a stolen kiss. In her innocence, she didn't quite expect the searing passion that followed their first touch. Her shocked reaction resulted in a Lord Sin's drenching in the fountain and his subsequent ridicule and acquisition of the despised nickname of Lord Fin. While he had to endure the mirth of society, she was banished from said society to her little Scottish estate. Six years later, Sinclair's scheming great aunt invited Rose, newly discovered as one of the Duchess's plethora of godchildren, to her grand home for a house party. Sinclair was enticed to join them once he found that the elusive Rose was to be present also. In typical rake style, he wanted to extract his long desired revenge on her with not slow, painful and bloody torture but heated spine tingling seduction. Rose's response? Bring it on! And so their battle of wit and skills commenced, neither willing to back down. Blood was spilled, chin split, clothes drenched, pride smarted and Dunn the valet's nursing skills were called upon numerous times. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
October 3, 2012
Such a sweet romance! My 1st read from Karen Hawkins and she blew me away with her romance story.
Loved Lord Sin
This is truly a delightful read
Loved Lord Sin
This is truly a delightful read
January 21, 2015
Loved it! After their first meeting ended up with Lord Sinclair being an object of ridicule, he wanted nothing more than to get revenge. Six years later he got his chance when Rose was at a house party given by her godmother who is also his great aunt. He corners her and states his intent to seduce her because of what she had done. She apologizes because she had no idea of the results of that evening, but he doesn't care. She tells him that he is welcome to try but she is no longer a young girl and has the experience to resist. Her definition of experience and his are vastly different. I really liked both Sin and Rose. Rose has been stuck in the wilds of Scotland for six years and looks forward to this party as a change and also a chance to make things better for her two younger sisters. She finds that she is just as attracted to Sin now as she was all those years ago, but doesn't intend to give in to him. She is intelligent, strong willed and very competitive. I loved the way that she constantly managed to outwit Sin's attempts. Their horse race was fantastic and I loved the way that she outwitted him there. She did find that the more time they spent together the more they had in common. She also enjoyed their kisses even though the intensity scared her at times. I really liked the way she refused his proposal because she wasn't going to marry without love. Sin was an interesting guy. I loved the way he had been so obsessed with Rose over the six years. He was determined to get even with her and thought it would be easy to do. He was surprised when he saw Rose again, especially at the attraction he still felt for her. He considered Rose's resistance to be a challenge that he had no intention of losing. He was frequently frustrated by Rose's ability to circumvent his attempts. I liked the way that things started to change for him, even though he refused to admit it. I loved the ending when he finally admitted his love. I really liked the Duchess and her friend and the way they helped Rose and Sin from behind the scenes. Her scene with Sin when he came to her at the end was fantastic. One of my favorite things about Karen Hawkins' books is the wonderful dialog between the hero and heroine. I am definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.
September 23, 2012
This was my first time reading Karen Hawkins and it will not be my last! This was a fun, sexy battle of wills between Rose and Lord Sinclair, aptly nicknamed Sin. Six years ago, the alluring Rose seduced Sin with her plain appearance but sparkling eyes and just as they are enjoying a very heated kiss, she pushes him into the fountain and the whole party quickly sees everything. And instead of properly apologizing, Rose's nerves get the best of her and she laughs....and everyone else quickly follows leading Sin to be the bearer of many 'Lord Fin' jokes in the years to follow and it does not help matters that Rose just up and disappeared and he has been unable to locate her all these years. Yet, he suddenly becomes aware of her identity by his aunt...who just happens to be Rose's godmother and the Duchess of Roxburghe knows it is time for this couple to re-meet and overcome their past. What follows is a delightful series of one-upmanships between Rose and Sin, as neither as the ability to back down from a challenge. But when one bet goes to far and forces Rose to flee again, will Sin see the truth of his heart, that is so obvious to everyone else?
It was so much fun watching the plain, awkward Rose bloom into herself, full of confidence, independence, laughter, curiosity and a bit of stubbornness. She is the perfect foil to Sin with his roguish, controlled reputation and his need to be the best of everything. Together, their battle of wills, from archery to horse racing, leads to quite a few fun moments! I loved their first meeting after the incident...lets just say, library ladders will never be the same :) The secondary characters, including a pack of pugs, also add their own humor and prove to be worthy opponents in Sin's battle to get Rose alone and seduce her. I was a bit hesitant in the beginning as I do not really like when the hero sets out to seduce the heroine and that is it but Rose proves to be smarter than Sin anticipates and their relationship develops at a pace I really enjoyed as a result. Overall, a fun, feisty battle of wills! I can't wait for the next two stories featuring Rose's sisters! 4 stars
It was so much fun watching the plain, awkward Rose bloom into herself, full of confidence, independence, laughter, curiosity and a bit of stubbornness. She is the perfect foil to Sin with his roguish, controlled reputation and his need to be the best of everything. Together, their battle of wills, from archery to horse racing, leads to quite a few fun moments! I loved their first meeting after the incident...lets just say, library ladders will never be the same :) The secondary characters, including a pack of pugs, also add their own humor and prove to be worthy opponents in Sin's battle to get Rose alone and seduce her. I was a bit hesitant in the beginning as I do not really like when the hero sets out to seduce the heroine and that is it but Rose proves to be smarter than Sin anticipates and their relationship develops at a pace I really enjoyed as a result. Overall, a fun, feisty battle of wills! I can't wait for the next two stories featuring Rose's sisters! 4 stars
Read
May 29, 2014I really can't get through this. SO BORING.
December 24, 2023
*3.5*
April 16, 2024
Review from 2013
This was a double-first for me. It was my first time listening to (or reading) this author, and the first time listening to this narrator and I’m pleased to report that How to Capture a Countess was a truly delightful piece of audio fluff.
The story opens with a rather tipsy, seventeen-year-old Rose Balfour flirting quite outrageously with Alton, Earl of Sinclair to the point that he believes she is eager for more than a mild flirtation or a kiss. Even though Rose has been infatuated with Sinclair (or “Sin� for short � and I really hope my suspicion that the author was poking fun at so many of the other similarly and aptly named heroes of romance is correct!) for some time, when he finally does kiss her, she is so overwhelmed by the feelings he evokes and by the knowledge that she’s behaving improperly, that she pushes him away with such force that he falls into a fountain! Needless to say, the sight of the handsome, elegant, and somewhat aloof earl sitting among the ornamental lily-pads is one that causes a great deal of amusement among the guests at the party, and it’s not long before Sin has acquired some less than complimentary epithets, the foremost of which is that of “Lord Fin.�
Following this incident, Rose is immediately bustled away into the country and away from gossip, while Sin, still smarting from the indignity, promptly launches himself into all manner of hedonistic pursuits while vowing revenge upon the young woman who embarrassed him so horrendously in front of society.
Six years later, and determined to help Sin’s mother, who now despairs of seeing her only son married, the Duchess of Roxburghe schemes to get him to attend her next house-party. Normally he would avoid such a thing like the plague, but the Duchess lets slip the fact that she has discovered the identity of the young woman for whom he has been searching for the past six years � and knowing that, nothing could keep him away.
What follows is a lighthearted and frequently funny regency-era version of a screwball comedy, as Sin and Rose repeatedly go toe-to-toe with each other. Both are stubborn and neither likes to lose, but there’s no denying the intense physical attraction they feel; and it’s just as strong as it was six years ago. Sin’s goal is revenge � which he decides will take the form of a seduction. Undaunted by his declaration of intent, Rose is equally determined to resist him, and their games of one-upmanship are both funny and full of sexual tension.
The dialogue sparkles, and it’s not just Rose and Sin who get all the best lines � many of them go to the duchess, who is an endearing and yet utterly determined lady who comes off as a kind of fairy godmother. I thought Alison Larkin had a really deft touch when it came to the humor in the dialogue, and I really liked the way she handled the interplay between a character’s thoughts and his or her speech.
Sin and Rose are a well-matched and attractive couple whose mutual pig-headedness threatens their happiness but fortunately, her ladyship is at hand to give them a shove in the right direction when it is most needed. I have to give a special mention here to the proposal scene, which was, I thought, an especially nice touch that rounded things off perfectly.
I enjoyed Alison Larkin’s narration very much. Her voice is quite light in tone and her narration is well-paced. I found her range (in terms of pitch) to be a little limited for my taste, which meant that her male voices were not particularly deep, but instead, she portrays the men by using accent and tone. MacDougall the butler is a very proper, rather sardonic Scotsman; for Sin, she adopts a slightly deeper pitch which sometimes gives his voice a faintly gravelly quality and Monroe has rather a nasal, very upper-crust accent and clipped manner of delivery. Despite her limitations as regards pitch, I thought Ms Larkin did a good job in differentiating the characters, and I especially liked her interpretations of the duchess and her companion, Charlotte.
How to Capture a Countess may not win any awards for the originality (or otherwise) of its plot, but it’s a thoroughly enjoyable story, with attractive protagonists, plenty of humor and sexual tension by the bucket-load.
You can read the rest of this review at
This was a double-first for me. It was my first time listening to (or reading) this author, and the first time listening to this narrator and I’m pleased to report that How to Capture a Countess was a truly delightful piece of audio fluff.
The story opens with a rather tipsy, seventeen-year-old Rose Balfour flirting quite outrageously with Alton, Earl of Sinclair to the point that he believes she is eager for more than a mild flirtation or a kiss. Even though Rose has been infatuated with Sinclair (or “Sin� for short � and I really hope my suspicion that the author was poking fun at so many of the other similarly and aptly named heroes of romance is correct!) for some time, when he finally does kiss her, she is so overwhelmed by the feelings he evokes and by the knowledge that she’s behaving improperly, that she pushes him away with such force that he falls into a fountain! Needless to say, the sight of the handsome, elegant, and somewhat aloof earl sitting among the ornamental lily-pads is one that causes a great deal of amusement among the guests at the party, and it’s not long before Sin has acquired some less than complimentary epithets, the foremost of which is that of “Lord Fin.�
Following this incident, Rose is immediately bustled away into the country and away from gossip, while Sin, still smarting from the indignity, promptly launches himself into all manner of hedonistic pursuits while vowing revenge upon the young woman who embarrassed him so horrendously in front of society.
Six years later, and determined to help Sin’s mother, who now despairs of seeing her only son married, the Duchess of Roxburghe schemes to get him to attend her next house-party. Normally he would avoid such a thing like the plague, but the Duchess lets slip the fact that she has discovered the identity of the young woman for whom he has been searching for the past six years � and knowing that, nothing could keep him away.
What follows is a lighthearted and frequently funny regency-era version of a screwball comedy, as Sin and Rose repeatedly go toe-to-toe with each other. Both are stubborn and neither likes to lose, but there’s no denying the intense physical attraction they feel; and it’s just as strong as it was six years ago. Sin’s goal is revenge � which he decides will take the form of a seduction. Undaunted by his declaration of intent, Rose is equally determined to resist him, and their games of one-upmanship are both funny and full of sexual tension.
The dialogue sparkles, and it’s not just Rose and Sin who get all the best lines � many of them go to the duchess, who is an endearing and yet utterly determined lady who comes off as a kind of fairy godmother. I thought Alison Larkin had a really deft touch when it came to the humor in the dialogue, and I really liked the way she handled the interplay between a character’s thoughts and his or her speech.
Sin and Rose are a well-matched and attractive couple whose mutual pig-headedness threatens their happiness but fortunately, her ladyship is at hand to give them a shove in the right direction when it is most needed. I have to give a special mention here to the proposal scene, which was, I thought, an especially nice touch that rounded things off perfectly.
I enjoyed Alison Larkin’s narration very much. Her voice is quite light in tone and her narration is well-paced. I found her range (in terms of pitch) to be a little limited for my taste, which meant that her male voices were not particularly deep, but instead, she portrays the men by using accent and tone. MacDougall the butler is a very proper, rather sardonic Scotsman; for Sin, she adopts a slightly deeper pitch which sometimes gives his voice a faintly gravelly quality and Monroe has rather a nasal, very upper-crust accent and clipped manner of delivery. Despite her limitations as regards pitch, I thought Ms Larkin did a good job in differentiating the characters, and I especially liked her interpretations of the duchess and her companion, Charlotte.
How to Capture a Countess may not win any awards for the originality (or otherwise) of its plot, but it’s a thoroughly enjoyable story, with attractive protagonists, plenty of humor and sexual tension by the bucket-load.
You can read the rest of this review at
April 21, 2013
I can't help it. This book was such a disappointment and Karen Hawkins is one of my go-to-authors. Admittedly, it was well-written and the storyline was all right. But it just didn't "click" with me.
Reading this book reminds me of her another book called 'The Laird Who Loved Me' from her Maclean Curse series. This book somehow has a similar storyline which includes both the hero and heroines having at odds with each other, challenging and wagering against one another on who will finally win. And through all of that, in the end they could not help but succumb to their attraction for one another. The major differences between both book is that I loved 'The Laird Who Loved Me' but not this one.
The characters are somewhat also kind of similar. Really. I don't know, Karen but you really disappoint me in this one. And how you make it seem that the heroine, Rose, is so much more superior then Sin, the hero. Yes, I LOVE strong and independent heroine and that they do not succumb to the hero easily but there's limit to that. Seriously. I find myself being on Sin side most of the time and besides, I really don't find him THAT arrogant, maybe prideful but not so much arrogance that Karen kept describing inside the book.
I do like Rose but sometimes she irritates me to no bloody end. At one time she's quite meek and innocent and then suddenly BOOM! she became a seductress and winning their challenges that doesn't really show Sin's manliness at all. I'm a big fan of heroines who knows what she is and is able to stand on her ground but Rose is just equally messed up as Sin is. Karen's character isn't quite developed in here.
And I'm the type of reader who doesn't really like people to meddle into the hero's and heroine's relationship. I know their helping but I couldn't help but feel as if they're just in the way, like what Sin told his meddlesome great-aunt, Aunt Margaret, "stop meddling and interfering into my affairs." I absolutely agree with this. But apparently, in this series, she's going to be there for the whole series.
I'm quite reluctant to read your next book, Karen, but hey, I won't stop reading them because I do like your books. I hope it'll be way, way, way better than this. Good day.
Reading this book reminds me of her another book called 'The Laird Who Loved Me' from her Maclean Curse series. This book somehow has a similar storyline which includes both the hero and heroines having at odds with each other, challenging and wagering against one another on who will finally win. And through all of that, in the end they could not help but succumb to their attraction for one another. The major differences between both book is that I loved 'The Laird Who Loved Me' but not this one.
The characters are somewhat also kind of similar. Really. I don't know, Karen but you really disappoint me in this one. And how you make it seem that the heroine, Rose, is so much more superior then Sin, the hero. Yes, I LOVE strong and independent heroine and that they do not succumb to the hero easily but there's limit to that. Seriously. I find myself being on Sin side most of the time and besides, I really don't find him THAT arrogant, maybe prideful but not so much arrogance that Karen kept describing inside the book.
I do like Rose but sometimes she irritates me to no bloody end. At one time she's quite meek and innocent and then suddenly BOOM! she became a seductress and winning their challenges that doesn't really show Sin's manliness at all. I'm a big fan of heroines who knows what she is and is able to stand on her ground but Rose is just equally messed up as Sin is. Karen's character isn't quite developed in here.
And I'm the type of reader who doesn't really like people to meddle into the hero's and heroine's relationship. I know their helping but I couldn't help but feel as if they're just in the way, like what Sin told his meddlesome great-aunt, Aunt Margaret, "stop meddling and interfering into my affairs." I absolutely agree with this. But apparently, in this series, she's going to be there for the whole series.
I'm quite reluctant to read your next book, Karen, but hey, I won't stop reading them because I do like your books. I hope it'll be way, way, way better than this. Good day.
January 21, 2013
Main characters:
Rose Balfour
Lord Alton "Sin" Sinclair
What I Liked: Rose and Sin's interactions were hilarious, they just couldn't stop challenging each other. They had an archery challenge, a riding one... I think they could have challenged each other to whom eats more teacakes if they could get away with it! It was a great book and I laughed like crazy while reading it.
What I didn't like: I didn't like Rose at the start, she was too... naive and impulsive. I know she was very young but that got on my nerves. But that was little besides what an idiot Sin was.
Favorite character: the Duchess of Roxburghe! She was so crafty and meddlesome but in such a good way, that I just couldn't not like her.
My least favorite character: I can't they there was one. All characters were endearing in a way, especially the hoard of pugs :D
Favorite scene: I loved Sin's proposal, it was very romantic.
Would I recommend the book: I sure would. It's a easy to read book, perfect for an afternoon when you want to relax after a tiresome day.
Final rating: 4.3*
Rose Balfour
Lord Alton "Sin" Sinclair
What I Liked: Rose and Sin's interactions were hilarious, they just couldn't stop challenging each other. They had an archery challenge, a riding one... I think they could have challenged each other to whom eats more teacakes if they could get away with it! It was a great book and I laughed like crazy while reading it.
What I didn't like: I didn't like Rose at the start, she was too... naive and impulsive. I know she was very young but that got on my nerves. But that was little besides what an idiot Sin was.
Favorite character: the Duchess of Roxburghe! She was so crafty and meddlesome but in such a good way, that I just couldn't not like her.
My least favorite character: I can't they there was one. All characters were endearing in a way, especially the hoard of pugs :D
Favorite scene: I loved Sin's proposal, it was very romantic.
Would I recommend the book: I sure would. It's a easy to read book, perfect for an afternoon when you want to relax after a tiresome day.
Final rating: 4.3*
December 29, 2021
I found a new historical romance series I NEED to binge!
This is the romance between Rose and Lord Sin. They met at a party 6 years ago, when Rose was 16 and Sin was a notorious rake. By some means, Rose ends up pushing Sin into a pond in front of all of the guests at the party. Sin was utterly humiliated and has been looking for the women who embarrassed him ever since. They come across each other 6 years after that unfortunate incident at a house party. Sin plans to get revenge for what Rose did to him, and his plan may or may not include seducing the woman to his every whim. But there are many other obstacles in his way, like meddlesome family members, cute pugs, and of course the fact that he might be falling in love with the woman.
This was such a joy to read. The audiobook was so much fun to listen to, and I think the narrator was amazing! This is the type of book I have been waiting for, when it comes to a couple who plays tricks/pranks on each other. This is a new historical favorite of mine, and I NEED more people to read it!! I cannot wait to read about Rose's sisters in the next books! :)
TROPES: books with pets (pugs), brooding hero, great banter, hate to love (on the heroes side), height difference, historical romance, rake, ruined heroine, sibling series, time jumps
This is the romance between Rose and Lord Sin. They met at a party 6 years ago, when Rose was 16 and Sin was a notorious rake. By some means, Rose ends up pushing Sin into a pond in front of all of the guests at the party. Sin was utterly humiliated and has been looking for the women who embarrassed him ever since. They come across each other 6 years after that unfortunate incident at a house party. Sin plans to get revenge for what Rose did to him, and his plan may or may not include seducing the woman to his every whim. But there are many other obstacles in his way, like meddlesome family members, cute pugs, and of course the fact that he might be falling in love with the woman.
This was such a joy to read. The audiobook was so much fun to listen to, and I think the narrator was amazing! This is the type of book I have been waiting for, when it comes to a couple who plays tricks/pranks on each other. This is a new historical favorite of mine, and I NEED more people to read it!! I cannot wait to read about Rose's sisters in the next books! :)
TROPES: books with pets (pugs), brooding hero, great banter, hate to love (on the heroes side), height difference, historical romance, rake, ruined heroine, sibling series, time jumps
October 12, 2012
This is a very pleasant light read. I enjoyed it till the very end. There’s always something about two people who pretended that they hated each other while in a matter of fact it’s obviously the opposite. Well in this case it’s actually Lord Sinclair who wanted to mete out revenge on Rose for humiliating him six years ago. You clearly see that they are attracted to each other but won’t be honest about it. It’s like watching a boy bullying the person he likes. I find that it’s very cute.
This book is the kind that will make you smile and laugh. Every time they are trying to out-do each other, every dialog and banter that they had will fill your heart with glee. My favorite scene would be when Sin, dump Rose on a boat and let her float away without an oar. Of course smart Rose found a way out of it. And the ending� it is why this book is called a Romance book.
My verdict: I’ll recommend it to those who are looking for an entertaining light read. Even for those who want to get started into romance book, I think this book is perfect. I can’t wait to read the second book in this installment. I’ve read the excerpt for it, and it’s promising to be good. Hopefully I won’t have to wait too long for it.
This book is the kind that will make you smile and laugh. Every time they are trying to out-do each other, every dialog and banter that they had will fill your heart with glee. My favorite scene would be when Sin, dump Rose on a boat and let her float away without an oar. Of course smart Rose found a way out of it. And the ending� it is why this book is called a Romance book.
My verdict: I’ll recommend it to those who are looking for an entertaining light read. Even for those who want to get started into romance book, I think this book is perfect. I can’t wait to read the second book in this installment. I’ve read the excerpt for it, and it’s promising to be good. Hopefully I won’t have to wait too long for it.
March 12, 2017
3.5 stars rounded up. At times it can feel a bit silly, but overall this is a lighthearted, easy read. If you're looking for a regency HR sans villans, kidnappings, murder, unnecessary drama, and the like, this'll do.
September 30, 2012
This is the first book that I have read by Karen Hawkins and I loved it. Rose wanted Sin from the beginning, but he let his pride get in the way of admitting how he really felt about Rose.
February 24, 2017
I loved this book. This is my first Karen Hawkins book. Karen is extremely funny! GREAT JOB!
September 10, 2021
It was fun at the start but then it felt a bit repetitive towards the middle and the ending was just okay.
June 26, 2016
3.75 Stars
Read for the 2015 TBR Challenge--September--Historical Romance. The challenge is hosted by Wendy the Super Librarian.
How to Capture a Countess is the start of the Duchess Diaries series which focuses on three sisters who are aided by their godmother, the Duchess of Roxburghe. The oldest of the girls, Rose, is the first heroine and her romance is complicated. She fell in love with the rakish Lord Sinclair (obviously known as Lord Sin), but her pursuit of him was waylaid when she panicked at their first kiss and pushed him into a fountain at a ball. This caused a scandal and she left Edinburgh society to hide out at her family's home. Now, years later, Sin is determined to get revenge on Rose and "convinces" his great-aunt (Rose's godmother) to invite her to a house party.
The set-up of is complicated with the prologue that portrays Rose and Sin's first meeting and then the various bits of scheming on the part of Lord Sin and the Duchess of Roxburghe. I did have a hard time getting through that beginning with all of its moving parts and no interaction between the hero and heroine. But, once the house party started, I was engrossed in the romance and ended up enjoying it.
As I mentioned above, Rose is the oldest of the Balfour sisters, and she has been the mother figure in her family since she was eleven. She feels like she lost her one opportunity to have fun when she caused the scandal with Sin and has resigned herself to a quiet life in the country. Sin also had to deal with growing up too fast since he inherited his title at age seventeen and was put in charge of numerous estates and his younger brothers.
The best part of this book was the growing relationship between Rose and Sin. Their physical attraction is immediate despite the fact that Rose is, of course, not the type of woman that Sin usually pursues. But, it is their back-and-forth that really makes them stand out. They are so similar that they know how to push the others buttons which causes quite a few scenes that made me laugh out loud. I found them to be reminiscent of Kate and Anthony from Julia Quinn's The Viscount Who Loved Me. There is even a pall mall match!
I also adored the character of the Duchess of Roxburghe. There are many meddlesome relatives in historical romances, but she is one of the best at it. I liked that she truly cared about both Rose and Sin and knew they could make each other happy if they just let it happen. She also has some great companions in her scheming with the hilarious Lady Charlotte, the stoic butler MacDougal, and an energetic bunch of pugs.
Besides the less than thrilling start, there is nothing that I didn't like about How to Capture a Countess. The characters were well-developed (main and secondary) and the romance moved along at a decent pact. I appreciated the lack of suspense plot or Big Misunderstanding which would have disrupted the flow of the story. There really wasn't anything that stood out as highly original, but sometimes there is nothing better than a good romantic comedy to make one's day a little brighter and this book accomplished that for me.
Read for the 2015 TBR Challenge--September--Historical Romance. The challenge is hosted by Wendy the Super Librarian.
How to Capture a Countess is the start of the Duchess Diaries series which focuses on three sisters who are aided by their godmother, the Duchess of Roxburghe. The oldest of the girls, Rose, is the first heroine and her romance is complicated. She fell in love with the rakish Lord Sinclair (obviously known as Lord Sin), but her pursuit of him was waylaid when she panicked at their first kiss and pushed him into a fountain at a ball. This caused a scandal and she left Edinburgh society to hide out at her family's home. Now, years later, Sin is determined to get revenge on Rose and "convinces" his great-aunt (Rose's godmother) to invite her to a house party.
The set-up of is complicated with the prologue that portrays Rose and Sin's first meeting and then the various bits of scheming on the part of Lord Sin and the Duchess of Roxburghe. I did have a hard time getting through that beginning with all of its moving parts and no interaction between the hero and heroine. But, once the house party started, I was engrossed in the romance and ended up enjoying it.
As I mentioned above, Rose is the oldest of the Balfour sisters, and she has been the mother figure in her family since she was eleven. She feels like she lost her one opportunity to have fun when she caused the scandal with Sin and has resigned herself to a quiet life in the country. Sin also had to deal with growing up too fast since he inherited his title at age seventeen and was put in charge of numerous estates and his younger brothers.
The best part of this book was the growing relationship between Rose and Sin. Their physical attraction is immediate despite the fact that Rose is, of course, not the type of woman that Sin usually pursues. But, it is their back-and-forth that really makes them stand out. They are so similar that they know how to push the others buttons which causes quite a few scenes that made me laugh out loud. I found them to be reminiscent of Kate and Anthony from Julia Quinn's The Viscount Who Loved Me. There is even a pall mall match!
I also adored the character of the Duchess of Roxburghe. There are many meddlesome relatives in historical romances, but she is one of the best at it. I liked that she truly cared about both Rose and Sin and knew they could make each other happy if they just let it happen. She also has some great companions in her scheming with the hilarious Lady Charlotte, the stoic butler MacDougal, and an energetic bunch of pugs.
Besides the less than thrilling start, there is nothing that I didn't like about How to Capture a Countess. The characters were well-developed (main and secondary) and the romance moved along at a decent pact. I appreciated the lack of suspense plot or Big Misunderstanding which would have disrupted the flow of the story. There really wasn't anything that stood out as highly original, but sometimes there is nothing better than a good romantic comedy to make one's day a little brighter and this book accomplished that for me.
November 7, 2012
Lord Alton Sinclair, Earl of Sinclair, aka "Lord Sin," has escaped the machinations of all the matchmaking mamas and, even, the attempts of his own grandmother and great aunt, the Duchess of
Roxburghe. He's done this mainly by making himself scarce within the society "doings" of the ton. That, and when attendance is absolutely necessary, holding an inscrutable air of superiority and boredom and barely controlled irritation. All this, just to ensure that he could drive off the most avaricious marriage "vulture." It usually worked, too. So well, in fact, that although he remained a man of mystery, an enigma; he was, also, now a man to avoid and despise for his superior airs and iciness. He, at least, held the respect of those around him, until the night of Lady MacAllister's ball, anyway. Then, his whole life was turned on its end by a slip of a girl who made him the laughing stock of the high and mighty ton he so despised and avoided at all costs. Miss Rose Balfour had been adoring Lord Sinclair from a distance for some time. Always sure to attend any of the rare events that he might deign to attend, Rose always found a way to put herself in his path for a short, chance meeting. Lady MacAllister's ball was no different. She had been watching him all night, and when she noted that he was about to make a quick departure, she knew she had to make her move. She vowed to be more bold, to make him finally really see her. Her plans, however, successful as they were, did not end with exactly the effect she expected to have. While she shared more words and minutes within Lord Sin's company than during any other night of brief encounters, her bold and unpredictable nature made a mess of things as usual. It did ensure that she would not be forgotten by Lord Sin. In fact, she became his own private obsession from that night forward. An obsession to achieve revenge. And for herself? Well, her efforts also ensured her exile from the polished and refined company of the elite of society and any chances of a marital future of bliss and happiness. Destiny and fate and Lord Sinclair had quite other plans for her future, however.
Karen Hawkins does it again! A wonderfully written romantic adventure full of wit and comic tragedy. Hawkins has become the "queen" of comic tragedy, and her stories are always some of the most entertaining to read. Her hero is the deserving fool who can still accomplish capturing the pity of the reader. Her heroine is the strong, smart, but still innocent lady who seems to never have to try too hard to upstage her devilishly handsome opponent. She is always the sweetly endearing underdog in each match who never finds herself at the bottom of the dog pile. Although I am never without stacks of reading choices, I can never pass up a new Karen Hawkins work. After finishing each of her adventures, I am always reminded of why! :-)
Roxburghe. He's done this mainly by making himself scarce within the society "doings" of the ton. That, and when attendance is absolutely necessary, holding an inscrutable air of superiority and boredom and barely controlled irritation. All this, just to ensure that he could drive off the most avaricious marriage "vulture." It usually worked, too. So well, in fact, that although he remained a man of mystery, an enigma; he was, also, now a man to avoid and despise for his superior airs and iciness. He, at least, held the respect of those around him, until the night of Lady MacAllister's ball, anyway. Then, his whole life was turned on its end by a slip of a girl who made him the laughing stock of the high and mighty ton he so despised and avoided at all costs. Miss Rose Balfour had been adoring Lord Sinclair from a distance for some time. Always sure to attend any of the rare events that he might deign to attend, Rose always found a way to put herself in his path for a short, chance meeting. Lady MacAllister's ball was no different. She had been watching him all night, and when she noted that he was about to make a quick departure, she knew she had to make her move. She vowed to be more bold, to make him finally really see her. Her plans, however, successful as they were, did not end with exactly the effect she expected to have. While she shared more words and minutes within Lord Sin's company than during any other night of brief encounters, her bold and unpredictable nature made a mess of things as usual. It did ensure that she would not be forgotten by Lord Sin. In fact, she became his own private obsession from that night forward. An obsession to achieve revenge. And for herself? Well, her efforts also ensured her exile from the polished and refined company of the elite of society and any chances of a marital future of bliss and happiness. Destiny and fate and Lord Sinclair had quite other plans for her future, however.
Karen Hawkins does it again! A wonderfully written romantic adventure full of wit and comic tragedy. Hawkins has become the "queen" of comic tragedy, and her stories are always some of the most entertaining to read. Her hero is the deserving fool who can still accomplish capturing the pity of the reader. Her heroine is the strong, smart, but still innocent lady who seems to never have to try too hard to upstage her devilishly handsome opponent. She is always the sweetly endearing underdog in each match who never finds herself at the bottom of the dog pile. Although I am never without stacks of reading choices, I can never pass up a new Karen Hawkins work. After finishing each of her adventures, I am always reminded of why! :-)
October 15, 2021
“Financial standing, a social position beyond what she has now, and a husband to dote upon her every wish. What more could she ask for?"Tolerable. Karen Hawkins is a better writer than most of the historical romance writers I have found these days. She writes like she enjoys writing. This is the first book I have read by her, and I will give her another chance with next in the series. Humorous situations, though not laugh out loud funny. Doesn't have the wit or the voice of some of my favorites, but she is one of the better writers in a genre I have grown weary of. Unfortunately, she follows the same hackneyed romance formula as most of her sister writers do. By page 30, X has to happen; by page 75 xx has to happen etc., etc. I had to skip through the last third of the book. This book was flawed by a silly and immature hero who was also kind of a jerk. When he threw our heroine in a lake because she dared best him in a contest and then accused her of cheating, I almost quit the thing. Still, she is engaging.
"Maybe youth. Vigor. Teeth."
"Lord Cameron has his own teeth." Margaret narrowed her eyes at the other candidate. "I'm not so certain about Munro. They seemed somewhat clacky at dinner, so I'm suspicious.�
September 19, 2012
This is one of the best romances that I have read in a long time. It has it all: meddling secondary characters, a competitive hero and heroine, and a dunk in a fountain at a ball. Hawkins is at her best with this story. There is cracking wit, what I would call "true angst," that of balancing family obligations with a personal life, but most of all, it is funny. The scenes are original, yet are believable for the time period. The characters seem like people one would want to meet in every day life, though balanced by a zany streak that keeps the story line moving. I very much enjoyed this book, and the teaser chapter at the end has hooked me into this new series so that I cannot wait to read the next.
March 28, 2016
Due to a misunderstanding (a virgin over-reacting to little fondling), Rose Balfour accidentally knocks Lord Sin into a fountain. Unfortunately it's at a ball and everyone sees and assumes he was doing something inappropriate. Rose flees town, rumors fly and Sin is determined to get his revenge on this teasing, forward girl. Years later, they meet again at a party and the game is on.
This is a really sweet romance and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is a really sweet romance and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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