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MacLean Curse #1
How to Abduct a Highland Lord
In a delightfully sexy and witty new series, USA TODAY bestselling author Karen Hawkins creates an unforgettable couple locked in a marriage that begins with a desperate feud—and ends in seduction.
It’s hardly the type of wedding Fiona MacLean dreamed of. No family, no guests, just a groom who’s been dragged—literally—to the altar. But if marriage to Black Jack Kincaid, the handsome wastrel she’d sworn never to see again, will avert a bloody war between their clans, so be it. Surely she can share his bed without losing her heart…
Known throughout Scotland and London as a wild rogue, Jack is accustomed to waking in dire situations, but…married? Long ago, he and Fiona reveled in a youthful passion. Now, the fiery, sensual lass is his once more. And though their marriage is in name only, Jack is determined to win her forever—body and soul…
It’s hardly the type of wedding Fiona MacLean dreamed of. No family, no guests, just a groom who’s been dragged—literally—to the altar. But if marriage to Black Jack Kincaid, the handsome wastrel she’d sworn never to see again, will avert a bloody war between their clans, so be it. Surely she can share his bed without losing her heart…
Known throughout Scotland and London as a wild rogue, Jack is accustomed to waking in dire situations, but…married? Long ago, he and Fiona reveled in a youthful passion. Now, the fiery, sensual lass is his once more. And though their marriage is in name only, Jack is determined to win her forever—body and soul…
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2007
136 people are currently reading
3775 people want to read
About the author
Karen Hawkins
59 books2,986 followersNew 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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FACEBOOK • TWITTER • INSTAGRAM • PINTEREST
If you'd like to keep up with Karen's crazed and hectic schedule, win free books, find out about her coming releases, or just want to engage in some easy on-line snooping, sign up for Karen's amazing newsletter!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 321 reviews
August 3, 2021
Ridiculous fun Not really an HR, not really a rom-com.
Not a deep read
Not a deep read
June 9, 2017
"How to abduct a Highland Lord" is the story of Jack and Fiona.
The blurb was the reason I chose this book, but how was I to know that the despicable, drunk lout escaping married women's bed in the prologue would be the hero?!
Fiona is a Maclean, a clan cursed with controlling weather unless they can do one good deed. When her brother Cameron dies because of a feud between Macleans and Kincaids, she decides to take the matters into her own hand and marry Jack; the wastrel and who was her first love.
Now, there are many a heroes I have detested but Jack, oh Jack how I disliked you..
- Deplorable drunk
- Bed hopping between married women
- Breaks up with heroine because he wasn't able to give up his mistress despite taking her virginity
- Goes after wedding night to another woman (and doesn't sleep with her but who cares)
- Post wedding night is drunk and gambling
- Doesn't inform his staff that he's married, inadvertently making them treat his wife like a whore
- Seduces her and falls asleep snoring- because that's what he does after a "good romp"
So yes, he does try to reform a little post marriage and do humane things like, I don't know, remember the name of a butler who's been with him 12 years, but then again, we have scenes where the heroine is forced to go to gaming hells to gain a husband's attention, who doesn't give a crap- and when she refuses to obey him, he flirts with his ex-married-stalking-mistress- while she's forced to do the same with another lout.
Then there's a crazy assassination attempt and crazy nefarious plot out of nowhere, but it was way too late to save the book.
Egh, this one was a totally frustrating read. Didn't enjoy it at all.
Unsafe
0.5/5
The blurb was the reason I chose this book, but how was I to know that the despicable, drunk lout escaping married women's bed in the prologue would be the hero?!
Fiona is a Maclean, a clan cursed with controlling weather unless they can do one good deed. When her brother Cameron dies because of a feud between Macleans and Kincaids, she decides to take the matters into her own hand and marry Jack; the wastrel and who was her first love.
Now, there are many a heroes I have detested but Jack, oh Jack how I disliked you..
- Deplorable drunk
- Bed hopping between married women
- Breaks up with heroine because he wasn't able to give up his mistress despite taking her virginity
- Goes after wedding night to another woman (and doesn't sleep with her but who cares)
- Post wedding night is drunk and gambling
- Doesn't inform his staff that he's married, inadvertently making them treat his wife like a whore
- Seduces her and falls asleep snoring- because that's what he does after a "good romp"
So yes, he does try to reform a little post marriage and do humane things like, I don't know, remember the name of a butler who's been with him 12 years, but then again, we have scenes where the heroine is forced to go to gaming hells to gain a husband's attention, who doesn't give a crap- and when she refuses to obey him, he flirts with his ex-married-stalking-mistress- while she's forced to do the same with another lout.
Then there's a crazy assassination attempt and crazy nefarious plot out of nowhere, but it was way too late to save the book.
Egh, this one was a totally frustrating read. Didn't enjoy it at all.
Unsafe
0.5/5
February 28, 2022
Yazar 300 sayfa yazarak kendine zahmet çektirmiş. Birkaç sayfayla işi rahatça halledebilirmiş.
January 28, 2025
2.5 stars
After thoroughly enjoying my first Karen Hawkins book, I found this one a bit of a letdown. It was light and breezy and kinda fun. However, I wasn’t into the fantasy element—wasn’t even sure what the purpose of it was—the characters acted like spoiled children and not the smartest spoiled children either, the brothers were complete nitwits, the romance was just sex, and the out-of-nowhere danger at the end was ridiculous.
This was a big pile of whipped cream with no pie underneath.
After thoroughly enjoying my first Karen Hawkins book, I found this one a bit of a letdown. It was light and breezy and kinda fun. However, I wasn’t into the fantasy element—wasn’t even sure what the purpose of it was—the characters acted like spoiled children and not the smartest spoiled children either, the brothers were complete nitwits, the romance was just sex, and the out-of-nowhere danger at the end was ridiculous.
This was a big pile of whipped cream with no pie underneath.
February 12, 2022
3.5 stars romance 4 stars for the story telling. This is Fiona and Jack's love story. I am not a fan of the trope where the Hero and heroine being separated for years. In this story Jack was 22 when he meet and fell in love with Fiona. They ended up not marrying during their short romance and this story picks up FIFTEEN years later. Groan.
He is 37 years old now and living the horn dog life. Fiona (not sure of her age), but if she was 20 when they had their love affair she would now be 35. (Making the story really unbelievable that she just lived her life at home hanging around). Not to mention, the 1800's did not have fertility treatments like modern day science. The odds of a fast pregnancy while not impossible would not be as likely for a first child. (Her goals are to end feud, have babies.) If she was as young as 15 she would be 30 now. If she was a old as Jack she too would be 37. For me this huge gap does not work in this story. (Works better in a CR where the heroine goes to college or trade school, works, has a life, etc). I wonder why the author choose 15 years. Would not five years separated be long enough plus more plausible in an Historical Romance? (I can not believe I said that. I usually do not even want 5 years apart). Also, the older 37 year old Jack lamenting about worrying about losing his freedom made him seem like such a whiner. Grow up, you not a kid anymore. The ending is abrupt with no epilogue.
What did work for me was the side characters, the rain, and the curse.
Reread: The 15 years apart from each other while he had sexual relationships for those 15 years bugged me even more. 3 stars now for the romance. Apparently the only thing they have is good chemistry in bed even near the end of the story.
The hero's such a jerk at first in this one. He was going to keep his mistress when they were to get married 15 years ago, brags about the amount of women he has had since then, and has such a complex about the heroine being able to control him. It also bothered me that author had the heroine sitting on her tush for 15 years waiting for love. Her twenties plus five extra years was spent living at home with her brothers. However, having said that, this was a fast read and somehow the heroine almost being killed some helped him to figure out that he could not live without her. (Which I heavily eye rolled because he was living for 37 years just fine without her especially the 15 years they were apart).
He is 37 years old now and living the horn dog life. Fiona (not sure of her age), but if she was 20 when they had their love affair she would now be 35. (Making the story really unbelievable that she just lived her life at home hanging around). Not to mention, the 1800's did not have fertility treatments like modern day science. The odds of a fast pregnancy while not impossible would not be as likely for a first child. (Her goals are to end feud, have babies.) If she was as young as 15 she would be 30 now. If she was a old as Jack she too would be 37. For me this huge gap does not work in this story. (Works better in a CR where the heroine goes to college or trade school, works, has a life, etc). I wonder why the author choose 15 years. Would not five years separated be long enough plus more plausible in an Historical Romance? (I can not believe I said that. I usually do not even want 5 years apart). Also, the older 37 year old Jack lamenting about worrying about losing his freedom made him seem like such a whiner. Grow up, you not a kid anymore. The ending is abrupt with no epilogue.
What did work for me was the side characters, the rain, and the curse.
Reread: The 15 years apart from each other while he had sexual relationships for those 15 years bugged me even more. 3 stars now for the romance. Apparently the only thing they have is good chemistry in bed even near the end of the story.
The hero's such a jerk at first in this one. He was going to keep his mistress when they were to get married 15 years ago, brags about the amount of women he has had since then, and has such a complex about the heroine being able to control him. It also bothered me that author had the heroine sitting on her tush for 15 years waiting for love. Her twenties plus five extra years was spent living at home with her brothers. However, having said that, this was a fast read and somehow the heroine almost being killed some helped him to figure out that he could not live without her. (Which I heavily eye rolled because he was living for 37 years just fine without her especially the 15 years they were apart).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 4, 2012
How to Abduct a Highland Lord by Karen Hawkins: A fun 4.5-5 star read that is a wonderful dose of highland love
What a fun read! I hate writing descriptions into my reviews because...I'm lazy haha. However, what I will tell you is that this was a great book for me to read. However, One has to be in the right mindset. There were some problems with this book, the characters are not OVERLY likable and the situation created here borders on the ridiculous in its own right. When you think of great highlander romance authors like MacGregor , Banks, or Moning come to mind. Assuredly, Hawkins is not in the league of those women. However, when one just wants to feel good and read a solid book with an open mind it is rather perfect. Medicine is not judged upon how it works twenty four seven, it is judged by how it performs in certain situations. I feel the same about books. Luckily, I'm more of a reader than a reviewer (which is shown in my very unorthodox reviews) and that gives me the luxury of being able to seek out things because I want to, rather than feel the need to. So i look at books holistically, this book is not perfect but it performed for me what I needed it to. It was fun, solid, great sex, and enjoyable yet very light. I didn't shed a tear or get to engrossed,it kept my heart light. It was a fun start to a book series that I definitely plan on putting on my TBR list in case I ever feel the need to read one again.
If any of you are looking for something light and fun that will leave you nice and content then this is it. However, if you are looking for the next Ulysses or Shakespearean classic I would kindly suggest you come back to this on another day:)
What a fun read! I hate writing descriptions into my reviews because...I'm lazy haha. However, what I will tell you is that this was a great book for me to read. However, One has to be in the right mindset. There were some problems with this book, the characters are not OVERLY likable and the situation created here borders on the ridiculous in its own right. When you think of great highlander romance authors like MacGregor , Banks, or Moning come to mind. Assuredly, Hawkins is not in the league of those women. However, when one just wants to feel good and read a solid book with an open mind it is rather perfect. Medicine is not judged upon how it works twenty four seven, it is judged by how it performs in certain situations. I feel the same about books. Luckily, I'm more of a reader than a reviewer (which is shown in my very unorthodox reviews) and that gives me the luxury of being able to seek out things because I want to, rather than feel the need to. So i look at books holistically, this book is not perfect but it performed for me what I needed it to. It was fun, solid, great sex, and enjoyable yet very light. I didn't shed a tear or get to engrossed,it kept my heart light. It was a fun start to a book series that I definitely plan on putting on my TBR list in case I ever feel the need to read one again.
If any of you are looking for something light and fun that will leave you nice and content then this is it. However, if you are looking for the next Ulysses or Shakespearean classic I would kindly suggest you come back to this on another day:)
February 19, 2022
Öyle uzun zamandır İskoç temalı historical okumadım ki... Eskiden çok severdim ama artık elim gitmiyor nedense. İngilizler daha çok ilgimi çekiyor 🤭 Aslında bunun sebebi genelde taş devrinde yaşıyormuşçasına İskoçları yazdıkları dönem. Yaş aldıkça bazı noktalar gözüme batar oldu. Karakterlerin salak saçma hallerini çekici bulmaz oldum.
Kitaba gelirsem. Tersten başlayan bir seri vakası daha. İlk kitaplar sırayla basılmaya başlayınca okuma listeme almıştım. Sohbet arasında denk gelince neden şimdi olmasın diyerek başladım.
Kitap kısa, kendini okutuyor. Bir kaç saatte de bitti. Ama... AMA çok basit buldum 🙈 Kurguda zayıf yerler vardı. Saçma bulduğum ve bu kadarı da fazla diye söylendiğim şeyler de oldu.
Kardeşinin ölümünden sorumlu tutulan bir ailenin ferdiyle evlenmek nasıl mantıklı bir karar ki? Tamam Fiona, düşündün ki akraba olursak bu iş tatlıya bağlanır.Adam sarhoşken, bilinci yerinde değilken nasıl evleneceğini düşündün? Hadi sen çılgınsın ama o pederin aklı nerdeydi 🙄
Fiona gençlik döneminde kalbini kıran Jack Kincaid'le evlenmelidir. Ailelerinin arasında süren husumetin böylece duracağını düşünür.Jack ise aile sorunları yetmez gibi birde kalbini kıran kadınla kendini evli bulunca iyice dellenir. Ama bu hiç bir şeyi değiştirmez. Hâlâ eski özgürlüklerine devam edecektir.
Ya Allah aşkına! Kalp kırıklığı sebebi çoooooook saçma. İki kelam etseler çözülecek şey. Onu geçtim. Evliliklerinde ki süreç... Birbirleriyle inatlaşmaları, tiripleşmelerinin çocuksuluğu kelimelerle anlatılmaz. İki farklı masada bir birlerine nispet yaparcasına kıskandırma çabaları 🙄Bı gidin ya...
Ve pek tabi... O kadar bahsi geçen Jack'in ailesini de görseydik iyiydi😅
Bilmiyorum bana çocuksu ve basit geldi işte. Ha oendini okutuyor mu? Evet? Sevdim mi? Hayır. Devam eder miyim?Belki. 😅
Kitaba gelirsem. Tersten başlayan bir seri vakası daha. İlk kitaplar sırayla basılmaya başlayınca okuma listeme almıştım. Sohbet arasında denk gelince neden şimdi olmasın diyerek başladım.
Kitap kısa, kendini okutuyor. Bir kaç saatte de bitti. Ama... AMA çok basit buldum 🙈 Kurguda zayıf yerler vardı. Saçma bulduğum ve bu kadarı da fazla diye söylendiğim şeyler de oldu.
Kardeşinin ölümünden sorumlu tutulan bir ailenin ferdiyle evlenmek nasıl mantıklı bir karar ki? Tamam Fiona, düşündün ki akraba olursak bu iş tatlıya bağlanır.Adam sarhoşken, bilinci yerinde değilken nasıl evleneceğini düşündün? Hadi sen çılgınsın ama o pederin aklı nerdeydi 🙄
Fiona gençlik döneminde kalbini kıran Jack Kincaid'le evlenmelidir. Ailelerinin arasında süren husumetin böylece duracağını düşünür.Jack ise aile sorunları yetmez gibi birde kalbini kıran kadınla kendini evli bulunca iyice dellenir. Ama bu hiç bir şeyi değiştirmez. Hâlâ eski özgürlüklerine devam edecektir.
Ya Allah aşkına! Kalp kırıklığı sebebi çoooooook saçma. İki kelam etseler çözülecek şey. Onu geçtim. Evliliklerinde ki süreç... Birbirleriyle inatlaşmaları, tiripleşmelerinin çocuksuluğu kelimelerle anlatılmaz. İki farklı masada bir birlerine nispet yaparcasına kıskandırma çabaları 🙄Bı gidin ya...
Ve pek tabi... O kadar bahsi geçen Jack'in ailesini de görseydik iyiydi😅
Bilmiyorum bana çocuksu ve basit geldi işte. Ha oendini okutuyor mu? Evet? Sevdim mi? Hayır. Devam eder miyim?Belki. 😅
December 24, 2017
2.5
There's nothing here you haven't seen before if you've read any historical romance. It's still entertaining, though.
The two protagonists have a history, they get married because it will stop the feud between the two families. The story is a stew of a love story with a bit of humour and a decent dose of angst thrown in, alleged paranormal abilities, and suspense. It's a lot.
Suspend your disbelief, because . Overall, an okay way to pass the afternoon if you're in the mood for this genre.
There's nothing here you haven't seen before if you've read any historical romance. It's still entertaining, though.
The two protagonists have a history, they get married because it will stop the feud between the two families. The story is a stew of a love story with a bit of humour and a decent dose of angst thrown in, alleged paranormal abilities, and suspense. It's a lot.
Suspend your disbelief, because . Overall, an okay way to pass the afternoon if you're in the mood for this genre.
February 19, 2022
Sadece kardeşleri tatlıydı onlar için 2👍
June 20, 2012
3.50 Stars - Historical/Highland/Scottish Romance
She took his freedom ...
He'll steal her heart...
This one is a pick me upper feel good read with full of witty banters and amusing characters made for reading on a less than perfect afternoon or whenever you are feeling tedious and in need of a light read.
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The plot though is very much predictable and familiar but in case you are looking for a well-written fluffy read starring a silver tongued Scottish hero of a husband and a plucky heroine of a wife to match his wits as hero/heroine, with a marriage of convenience setting turned love, this might be the book to read.
She took his freedom ...
He'll steal her heart...
This one is a pick me upper feel good read with full of witty banters and amusing characters made for reading on a less than perfect afternoon or whenever you are feeling tedious and in need of a light read.
[image error]
The plot though is very much predictable and familiar but in case you are looking for a well-written fluffy read starring a silver tongued Scottish hero of a husband and a plucky heroine of a wife to match his wits as hero/heroine, with a marriage of convenience setting turned love, this might be the book to read.
February 18, 2022
Komik bir kitaptı. Olaylar jet hızıyla başladı jet hızıyla bitti 😂 uzun zamandır historical okumadığım için karakterlerin çekişmelerini yüzümde bir gülümsemeyle okudum. Ne yalan söyleyeyim özlemişim biraz.
Kitap yorumuma gelirsek kitapta yer yer beğendiğim noktalar oldu mesela lanet meselesini oldukça güzel buldum. Kardeşlerin hepsinin lanetli olması ve havayı bozmaları çok eğlenceliydi.
Sevmediğim yönlerine gelirsek başı başroller çekiyor, başroller ve onların saçma sapan düşünceleri... Zaten ilk etapta 9-10 yıl önce mi ne sevgililermiş. Birbirlerini dinlemedikleri için ayrılmışlar. Buraya ayrılma sebeplerini yazardım ama kendiniz okuyup sinirlenin diye yazmıyorum 😂 sadece Jack'in o konuda ultra bir mallık gösterdiğini söylemek istiyorum. Kızın da ideal koca hakkındaki düşünceler çok saçmaydı... Neyse başroller hakkında daha fazla konuşmak istemiyorum. İkiside bir değişikti. Zaten karakter derinliği denen bir şey yoktu 😂 yani öyle kafamızı yormadan okunabilecek bir kitaptı.
Ama bu kitapta benim ilgimi çeken ne ana karakterler ne de kardeşler oldu. Zaten kardeşlik duygusunuda bir kaç yer hariç pek veremediler. Ama garip bir şekilde Alan Campbell'a tutuldum. Sonumuz iyi bitmedi ama olsun. Benim gönlümde sen en iyisisin Campbell. Odaya girdiğin o ilk an, Jack ile konuşman, ona "Asi Jack" demenle beni benden aldın. Lanet ve senin hatrına 3 veriyorum ♥️
Kitap yorumuma gelirsek kitapta yer yer beğendiğim noktalar oldu mesela lanet meselesini oldukça güzel buldum. Kardeşlerin hepsinin lanetli olması ve havayı bozmaları çok eğlenceliydi.
Sevmediğim yönlerine gelirsek başı başroller çekiyor, başroller ve onların saçma sapan düşünceleri... Zaten ilk etapta 9-10 yıl önce mi ne sevgililermiş. Birbirlerini dinlemedikleri için ayrılmışlar. Buraya ayrılma sebeplerini yazardım ama kendiniz okuyup sinirlenin diye yazmıyorum 😂 sadece Jack'in o konuda ultra bir mallık gösterdiğini söylemek istiyorum. Kızın da ideal koca hakkındaki düşünceler çok saçmaydı... Neyse başroller hakkında daha fazla konuşmak istemiyorum. İkiside bir değişikti. Zaten karakter derinliği denen bir şey yoktu 😂 yani öyle kafamızı yormadan okunabilecek bir kitaptı.
Ama bu kitapta benim ilgimi çeken ne ana karakterler ne de kardeşler oldu. Zaten kardeşlik duygusunuda bir kaç yer hariç pek veremediler. Ama garip bir şekilde Alan Campbell'a tutuldum. Sonumuz iyi bitmedi ama olsun. Benim gönlümde sen en iyisisin Campbell. Odaya girdiğin o ilk an, Jack ile konuşman, ona "Asi Jack" demenle beni benden aldın. Lanet ve senin hatrına 3 veriyorum ♥️
October 31, 2010
I really enjoyed this book. It is the first in the MacLean Curse Series. The heroine kidnapped the drunken hero and married him to stop a fued. He is not thrilled when he sobers up and finds himself married. They had a short relationship 15 years earlier and the passion is still there.
The main theme of the book was freedom. He valued his freedom above all else. He liked to go out at night "carousing" (as she calls it) so the heroine decides to give him a dose of his own medicine and decides to do that too. Needless to say his alpha male side (which I love a good alpha) comes out and they eventually admit their love for eachother. Good story overall and I plan to read the whole series.
The main theme of the book was freedom. He valued his freedom above all else. He liked to go out at night "carousing" (as she calls it) so the heroine decides to give him a dose of his own medicine and decides to do that too. Needless to say his alpha male side (which I love a good alpha) comes out and they eventually admit their love for eachother. Good story overall and I plan to read the whole series.
March 10, 2021
A good start to MacLean series
January 3, 2022
This is a fun story that combines a rogue with a highland lass. Fiona Maclean & Jack Kincaid have a history both as previously engaged and due to their families centuries long feud. They end up back together at the beginning of the story under very unique circumstances
It’s hardly the type of wedding Fiona MacLean dreamed of. No family, no guests, just a groom who’s been dragged—literally—to the altar. But if marriage to Black Jack Kincaid, the handsome wastrel she’d sworn never to see again, will avert a bloody war between their clans, so be it. Surely she can share his bed without losing her heart…
Known throughout Scotland and London as a wild rogue, Jack is accustomed to waking in dire situations, but…married? Long ago, he and Fiona reveled in a youthful passion. Now, the fiery, sensual lass is his once more. And though their marriage is in name only, Jack is determined to win her forever—body and soul…
I found the story to be easy to read, highly entertaining, and full of passionate encounters. Fiona and Jack are locked in a battle of the wills throughout much of the story. Fiona wants a baby with Jack to seal their families together. Jack wants his freedom and to remain a rake. He agrees to Fiona's wild plan...after he finds himself married. However there is always the understanding that once Fiona finds herself with child she will return to the highlands, back to her brothers and Jack will be free to return to his usual life. Things don't always go as planned...
In addition to the marriage against his will Jack remembers immediately why things between him and Fiona didn't work previously. Fiona and her brothers are cursed. No literally. Their emotions are tied to the weather and when one of them is upset you better watch out!! This was a laughable aspect to the story and I loved how the author explained the background to the curse with blurbs at the beginning of each chapter.
Overall I enjoyed this story. Its the first book I have read by this author and I will likely continue the series in the future!
3.5 stars ⭐ | 4 Flames 🔥
It’s hardly the type of wedding Fiona MacLean dreamed of. No family, no guests, just a groom who’s been dragged—literally—to the altar. But if marriage to Black Jack Kincaid, the handsome wastrel she’d sworn never to see again, will avert a bloody war between their clans, so be it. Surely she can share his bed without losing her heart…
Known throughout Scotland and London as a wild rogue, Jack is accustomed to waking in dire situations, but…married? Long ago, he and Fiona reveled in a youthful passion. Now, the fiery, sensual lass is his once more. And though their marriage is in name only, Jack is determined to win her forever—body and soul…
I found the story to be easy to read, highly entertaining, and full of passionate encounters. Fiona and Jack are locked in a battle of the wills throughout much of the story. Fiona wants a baby with Jack to seal their families together. Jack wants his freedom and to remain a rake. He agrees to Fiona's wild plan...after he finds himself married. However there is always the understanding that once Fiona finds herself with child she will return to the highlands, back to her brothers and Jack will be free to return to his usual life. Things don't always go as planned...
In addition to the marriage against his will Jack remembers immediately why things between him and Fiona didn't work previously. Fiona and her brothers are cursed. No literally. Their emotions are tied to the weather and when one of them is upset you better watch out!! This was a laughable aspect to the story and I loved how the author explained the background to the curse with blurbs at the beginning of each chapter.
Overall I enjoyed this story. Its the first book I have read by this author and I will likely continue the series in the future!
3.5 stars ⭐ | 4 Flames 🔥
March 10, 2015
Some funny moments but very light on details and either both characters must be in their 30s (although there's no mention of the heroine being an over the hills spinster and she behaves rather in a rather immature manner) or she lost her virginity to him as a 5 year old as they were young lovers 15 years prior.
February 28, 2020
3,5 / 5
July 18, 2021
I might need to reread this one but it might actually just be the book. The hero is NOT Attractive at all with his poor personality.
March 14, 2016
How to Abduct a Highland Lord is about a family feud, a curse, and the two people caught in it. Fiona MacLean's family has been cursed as long as she can remember. The moods of her and her brother can change the weather when they are upset or angry. When she was young she fell in love with a young man named Jack Kincaid but the romance ended badly for both of them. It was a long time ago but now Fiona needs Jack's help. Fiona and her brothers believe someone from Jack's family murdered one of Fiona's brothers. Both of their families have been locked in a feud and the murder has ignited revenge in Fiona's remaining brothers. In a desperate move she drags an unconscious Jack into a church and marries him, claiming she is pregnant with his unborn child. When Jack awakes he finds himself suddenly married to his former lover who insists he impregnate her to make her story true. Fiona believes their union will stop her brothers from taking their revenge. At first Jack resists at every turn but soon he learns that perhaps it wasn't such a bad idea after all.
How to Abduct a Highland Lord was a decent read. Not anything I'd rave about but it did manage to keep my attention until the end. I didn't find the characters very interesting save for Fiona's brothers but none of them were completely boring either. This book was mostly just a bunch of fluff. It was fine for some light reading to kill some time by and really that's all I expected from it anyways.
How to Abduct a Highland Lord was a decent read. Not anything I'd rave about but it did manage to keep my attention until the end. I didn't find the characters very interesting save for Fiona's brothers but none of them were completely boring either. This book was mostly just a bunch of fluff. It was fine for some light reading to kill some time by and really that's all I expected from it anyways.
June 16, 2012
My first Karen Hawkins read and I am so glad!! Loved the book. From the moment I started reading until, almost the end, it was perfect. I absolutely loved the adjustment after their marriage, their quarrel, their fight to gain control. Fiona, (I wonder, why she had to have this name. I mean, it just brings Shrek to my mind and having a green heroine it just not my thing, you know! alas what can a mere reader do?) with her feisty temper, her awesome curse and her courage made me applaud her. She made Kinkaid see things her way, not demand it like other women would. And what a confrontation with Lucinda. You know every time i read about these pretty wives meeting their husbands paramours, I think to myself "why are they so passive??" But dear Fiona managed to pour water all over her. Ha! gave me a good solid five minutes of laughter. I loved reading her the gaming hell scene. In fact I kept saying to myself, score one, even, score two and who knows what else! Her brothers are to-next-read list.
Now time for complains: 1. I didn't understand what really happened when they were fifteen. I mean the story was a bit untouched, I would say. I wanted to know more about how and why they departed. 2. the ending was bad. I think the author should have included an epilogue or something. After Kinkaid return to the McLean household everything happened too fast for my linking. And these are the only two reasons I didn't like enough to give this one a 5 star..
Now time for complains: 1. I didn't understand what really happened when they were fifteen. I mean the story was a bit untouched, I would say. I wanted to know more about how and why they departed. 2. the ending was bad. I think the author should have included an epilogue or something. After Kinkaid return to the McLean household everything happened too fast for my linking. And these are the only two reasons I didn't like enough to give this one a 5 star..
July 30, 2017
Black Jack Kincaid and Fiona MacLean are the main characters. Though Jack is a scoundrel and a bit naughty, he is a very likable scoundrel. I love a curse, especially when it's presented with humor, and most especially when it comes with four strapping Scotsmen who are very protective of their only sister, Fiona. Fiona decides to marry Black Jack Kincaid to keep her brothers from exacting retribution for the death of her youngest brother.
This one is a pick me upper feel good read with full of witty banters and amusing characters made for reading on a less than perfect afternoon or whenever you are feeling tedious and in need of a light read. The plot though is very much predictable and familiar but in case you are looking for a well-written fluffy read starring a silver tongued Scottish hero of a husband and a plucky heroine of a wife to match his wits as hero/heroine, with a marriage of convenience setting turned love, this might be the book to read. I really enjoyed this book. It is the first in the MacLean Curse Series. The heroine kidnapped the drunken hero and married him to stop a fued. He is not thrilled when he sobers up and finds himself married. My first Karen Hawkins read and I am so glad!! Loved the book. From the moment I started reading until, almost the end, it was perfect. I absolutely loved the adjustment after their marriage, their quarrel, their fight to gain control. This book had humor and was a fun light read. How to abduct a Highlander was an entertaining read. It was also a really quick read. I thought the idea of a bride taking control of her family was great. I always like to read about strong women. This was a cute but somewhat mediocre romance. So why did I give it 3*? Picture a rainstorm coming at you out of the clear blue sky - literally! What a fun romp! The MacLean family is cursed...when they feel STRONG emotions the weather goes nuts. To break the curse the entire generation has to do a good deed... It is full of laughter. Especially if you can imagine having 4 huge Scottish brothers to protect you. I love how they can control the weather and when she is mad it rains and smells like lilac's. I think my favorite part is in the beginning of the book where she is convincing the priest to marry her and the past-out drunk on the floor. Another enjoyable and readable Highland laird romance by a new author. I love the highlands of Scotland and this was an interesting and well written book. I like the curse in this book unlike other books I have read, the curse is when someone from the family lose his\her temper the weather will change (rain, hail, storm ... etc) LOL
She took his freedom ...
He'll steal her heart...
This one is a pick me upper feel good read with full of witty banters and amusing characters made for reading on a less than perfect afternoon or whenever you are feeling tedious and in need of a light read. The plot though is very much predictable and familiar but in case you are looking for a well-written fluffy read starring a silver tongued Scottish hero of a husband and a plucky heroine of a wife to match his wits as hero/heroine, with a marriage of convenience setting turned love, this might be the book to read. I really enjoyed this book. It is the first in the MacLean Curse Series. The heroine kidnapped the drunken hero and married him to stop a fued. He is not thrilled when he sobers up and finds himself married. My first Karen Hawkins read and I am so glad!! Loved the book. From the moment I started reading until, almost the end, it was perfect. I absolutely loved the adjustment after their marriage, their quarrel, their fight to gain control. This book had humor and was a fun light read. How to abduct a Highlander was an entertaining read. It was also a really quick read. I thought the idea of a bride taking control of her family was great. I always like to read about strong women. This was a cute but somewhat mediocre romance. So why did I give it 3*? Picture a rainstorm coming at you out of the clear blue sky - literally! What a fun romp! The MacLean family is cursed...when they feel STRONG emotions the weather goes nuts. To break the curse the entire generation has to do a good deed... It is full of laughter. Especially if you can imagine having 4 huge Scottish brothers to protect you. I love how they can control the weather and when she is mad it rains and smells like lilac's. I think my favorite part is in the beginning of the book where she is convincing the priest to marry her and the past-out drunk on the floor. Another enjoyable and readable Highland laird romance by a new author. I love the highlands of Scotland and this was an interesting and well written book. I like the curse in this book unlike other books I have read, the curse is when someone from the family lose his\her temper the weather will change (rain, hail, storm ... etc) LOL
She took his freedom ...
He'll steal her heart...
January 9, 2012
I picked up this book because of the fun and cute cover that grabbed my eye and then when I read the plot, it made me chuckle: a spitfire heroine who abducts the hero and ties him up to force him to marry her! That's quite an unusual way for a romance novel! Usually it is always the heroine who is forced to marry, so it was interesting to see that Karen Hawkins took an unique spin on this storyline and I was intrigued to see how she would pull it off. But what a disappointment this book was!
It wasn't funny nor cute (which the very nice cover and the jacket blurb led me believe it would be), the story was shallow and Karen Hawkins didn't make any effort to make her characters 3D and interesting, she kept them one dimensional and simple, the "twists and turns" in the storyline were forced and not even surprising, I seriously regret spending those few hours I spent reading this. I tried to warm to the heroes and though there were a few characteristics that made me like them and root for them, I think it's the author's fault that she didn't give us enough to fall in love with them. The romance part was kept basic and simple too: one moment the hero and the heroine realise they are in love with each other, but you can't see what or how they came to love each other. There is no character transformation, yes it is stated that just with a snap of fingers Jack the gambling and unfaithful playboy wants to forsake London and his previous lifestyle and "bury himself" in the Scottish countryside and become an exemplary husband and family man. Which wouldn't be so unbelievable, I have seen such transformation completely credible in other stories, but here the author just states he was a new man, but doesn't show how and why he came to be so different.
This book lacks humour, wit, romance, character and storyline depth, so everything that makes a story a good one.
If you'd like to read a good, funny and cute Scottish romance I'd rather suggest you read some Julie Garwood (The Secret, The Wedding..) than waste your time and money with this.
It wasn't funny nor cute (which the very nice cover and the jacket blurb led me believe it would be), the story was shallow and Karen Hawkins didn't make any effort to make her characters 3D and interesting, she kept them one dimensional and simple, the "twists and turns" in the storyline were forced and not even surprising, I seriously regret spending those few hours I spent reading this. I tried to warm to the heroes and though there were a few characteristics that made me like them and root for them, I think it's the author's fault that she didn't give us enough to fall in love with them. The romance part was kept basic and simple too: one moment the hero and the heroine realise they are in love with each other, but you can't see what or how they came to love each other. There is no character transformation, yes it is stated that just with a snap of fingers Jack the gambling and unfaithful playboy wants to forsake London and his previous lifestyle and "bury himself" in the Scottish countryside and become an exemplary husband and family man. Which wouldn't be so unbelievable, I have seen such transformation completely credible in other stories, but here the author just states he was a new man, but doesn't show how and why he came to be so different.
This book lacks humour, wit, romance, character and storyline depth, so everything that makes a story a good one.
If you'd like to read a good, funny and cute Scottish romance I'd rather suggest you read some Julie Garwood (The Secret, The Wedding..) than waste your time and money with this.
February 11, 2022
This story is light and funny, maybe just to light. I think the writer should had explore more the feelings of the main characters, same with what happened in the 15 years they're not together. It seems they had a story 15 years before, never thought about one another them they marry (a forced marriage) and HEA. To fast...
The evolution of the story obviously reach the HEA but it seems strange and not consistent and we don't have the knowledge how did they get there. Jack excuses the forced marriage to easily. He tries to continue his old life but it's to easy, it's not really annoyed... I don't know, it seems it has a lack, somehow... maybe it's because the book it's small, to small :).
The 15 years gap in strange and it seems to much time, the all story seems like they only been apart 5 years or so. They don't seem to have 30th years old or have the usual concerns of that age, specially Fiona.
The brothers are a nice addition to the story.
The dialogues, the curse and the all story in funny and it's a easy read.
The evolution of the story obviously reach the HEA but it seems strange and not consistent and we don't have the knowledge how did they get there. Jack excuses the forced marriage to easily. He tries to continue his old life but it's to easy, it's not really annoyed... I don't know, it seems it has a lack, somehow... maybe it's because the book it's small, to small :).
The 15 years gap in strange and it seems to much time, the all story seems like they only been apart 5 years or so. They don't seem to have 30th years old or have the usual concerns of that age, specially Fiona.
The brothers are a nice addition to the story.
The dialogues, the curse and the all story in funny and it's a easy read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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May 30, 2020dnf @ 52%, fiona is literally so annoying. first she forces her ex jack to marry her, then she demands that he gives up his lifestyle and remain faithful and when he refuses to stop going to gaming hells she decides to be "racy" and "entice" him ?? like ?? ok. cherry on top is her haughty demeanor, she's basically a copy of a cynster h but more irritating.
October 27, 2022
DNF at 50% bc I don't like manwhores
December 30, 2010
Karen Hawkins delights fans of Scottish Romance once again in this first of a new series about the highland MacLean Family.
Black Jack Kincaid had his roguish heart broken years ago when the beautiful green-eyed Fiona MacLean changed her mind on his offer of marriage. To stop a feud between the Kincaid’s and MacLean’s, after her brother Callum is killed in a bar fight Fiona and her henchman Hamish kidnap Jack after he falls from his horse. He is drunk and unconscious when they get him to the alter but after swigging from Hamish’s flask Jack awakens long enough to take his vows. To convince the priest to marry them Fiona has told him that she is with child. Jack is very surprised when he wakes up the next morning married to Fiona.
Jack is determined that his marriage will not affect his rogue lifestyle. He flees with Fiona to his London home in order to be in control of the relationship. Once there, Fiona's beauty, passion, and kindness begin to warm Jack's cold heart.
London experiences a stormy season as the MacLean brothers follow to make sure their little sister is happy in her new marriage. An ex-lover of Jack's who wants him back in her bed and a member of the Campbell family who wants revenge, gets in the act to make trouble. When attempts are made on Fiona's life Jack and Fiona return to Scotland, where the mystery of Callum's death and attempts on Fiona's life are unveiled.
The story is sexy, witty, fast paced and pure regency highland fun!
Black Jack Kincaid had his roguish heart broken years ago when the beautiful green-eyed Fiona MacLean changed her mind on his offer of marriage. To stop a feud between the Kincaid’s and MacLean’s, after her brother Callum is killed in a bar fight Fiona and her henchman Hamish kidnap Jack after he falls from his horse. He is drunk and unconscious when they get him to the alter but after swigging from Hamish’s flask Jack awakens long enough to take his vows. To convince the priest to marry them Fiona has told him that she is with child. Jack is very surprised when he wakes up the next morning married to Fiona.
Jack is determined that his marriage will not affect his rogue lifestyle. He flees with Fiona to his London home in order to be in control of the relationship. Once there, Fiona's beauty, passion, and kindness begin to warm Jack's cold heart.
London experiences a stormy season as the MacLean brothers follow to make sure their little sister is happy in her new marriage. An ex-lover of Jack's who wants him back in her bed and a member of the Campbell family who wants revenge, gets in the act to make trouble. When attempts are made on Fiona's life Jack and Fiona return to Scotland, where the mystery of Callum's death and attempts on Fiona's life are unveiled.
The story is sexy, witty, fast paced and pure regency highland fun!
April 24, 2012
My goodness! This was a refreshing read!
I bought the 4th and 5th books first in the MacLean series but I don't like reading series in a different sequence so I really had to wait for this book. It was really worth the wait!
I'm really uncomfortable with the name Fiona just because I have an ogre in my head. Anyway, I fell in love with another Jack! Goodness, this book is very witty. You'll love the sharp retorts they exchange. Fiona is one challenging Scot. You'll also love her brothers!
About the MacLean curse. When the MacLeans get angry, they change the weather. Rain, thunderstorms, and even hail. The way to get rid of the curse is that they have to do something good, a good choice with good will. (I'm not sure what the exact words were but it's something like that.) Whatever, just read it.
Anyway, I say it's refreshing because you pay close attention to the characters and their exchanges. It's funny, witty and... just the kind of conversations that make you bite your lip! (Btw, there is a bit in the book where Jack says why biting lips is a great seductive move) Yes, Fiona and Jack were highly passionate. The descriptions were not steamy but I don't really care. I love Jack's clever words of seduction and Fiona's flaunting of her charms to seduce him back.
Best part is where they make each other jealous. They're trying to flaunt their freedom and they end up in angry, possessive, jealous streaks that is just adorable.
So, 5 stars for me!
I bought the 4th and 5th books first in the MacLean series but I don't like reading series in a different sequence so I really had to wait for this book. It was really worth the wait!
I'm really uncomfortable with the name Fiona just because I have an ogre in my head. Anyway, I fell in love with another Jack! Goodness, this book is very witty. You'll love the sharp retorts they exchange. Fiona is one challenging Scot. You'll also love her brothers!
About the MacLean curse. When the MacLeans get angry, they change the weather. Rain, thunderstorms, and even hail. The way to get rid of the curse is that they have to do something good, a good choice with good will. (I'm not sure what the exact words were but it's something like that.) Whatever, just read it.
Anyway, I say it's refreshing because you pay close attention to the characters and their exchanges. It's funny, witty and... just the kind of conversations that make you bite your lip! (Btw, there is a bit in the book where Jack says why biting lips is a great seductive move) Yes, Fiona and Jack were highly passionate. The descriptions were not steamy but I don't really care. I love Jack's clever words of seduction and Fiona's flaunting of her charms to seduce him back.
Best part is where they make each other jealous. They're trying to flaunt their freedom and they end up in angry, possessive, jealous streaks that is just adorable.
So, 5 stars for me!
April 18, 2010
Fiona MacLean is determined to save her family from a bloody clan war with the Kincaids. She kidnaps and marries Black Jack Kincaid a man she loved 15 years ago, hoping that if they have a child it will unite the 2 familys. After a night of drink and debauchery, the unsuspecting rogue is stunned to wake up married to the woman that jilted him years ago. Even though he still desires her, Jack swears he will not change his life now he is wed and is determined to carry on drinking, gambling and carousing. Fiona decides what is good for him is also good for her, so she sets about mimicking Jacks behaviour. Throw in an old curse that was put on the MacLeans generations ago that the weather changes with their tempers, a jealous exmistress and you have a light witty read.
Sometimes after reading a lot of serious heavy plotted books I pick a nice light warm book, well this fits into that category. No big heavy plot just a delightful silly read that has some witty moments. The characters are simple with no real depth but they are still likeable. The story is pretty predictable but in saying that it is still entertaining. We also got a glimpse of Fionas brothers that the other books in the series are set on.
Sometimes after reading a lot of serious heavy plotted books I pick a nice light warm book, well this fits into that category. No big heavy plot just a delightful silly read that has some witty moments. The characters are simple with no real depth but they are still likeable. The story is pretty predictable but in saying that it is still entertaining. We also got a glimpse of Fionas brothers that the other books in the series are set on.
March 7, 2013
I had been looking forward reading more about the MacLeans ever since I read Much Ado about Marriage. This didn't disappoint.
Fiona is one of the feistiest romance heroine I have read since reading the previous story with her ancestor Fia. Fiona does have one up on Fia since she is part of the famous or infamous MacLean Curse. That means that when her emotions are running high it affects the weather.
Jack is one one those alpha males who doesn't want to give up life as they knew before they got married, but in his case you can understand why. I loved the chemistry between these two rather they were making love or having a row.
When Jake and Fiona are together you know they are meant to be and I can't wait to see what is going to take place with the rest of the MacLeans.
Fiona is one of the feistiest romance heroine I have read since reading the previous story with her ancestor Fia. Fiona does have one up on Fia since she is part of the famous or infamous MacLean Curse. That means that when her emotions are running high it affects the weather.
Jack is one one those alpha males who doesn't want to give up life as they knew before they got married, but in his case you can understand why. I loved the chemistry between these two rather they were making love or having a row.
When Jake and Fiona are together you know they are meant to be and I can't wait to see what is going to take place with the rest of the MacLeans.
March 11, 2013
Öncelikle &.kitabı daha önceden çıkardıkları için Epsilona kızgınım ve bu 1.kitabın akışı bazen iyiyken ortalarda durağan devam etmesi ve sonlara doğru akışın iyi oluşu biraz bocalamamı sağladı.Neden derseniz sevip sevememekte kararsız kaldığım anlar çok oldu:)Ama şunu diyebilirim okundu bitti ve tadımlıktı denir ya hani öyle bir hikaye oldu benim için.
Konu olarak değişik buldum şu yıldırımlar, şimşekler, yağmur ve dolunun yağışı ve nedeni ilginç geldi doğrusu:)Onun dışında merak ettiğim Fiona'nın abilerinin hikayeleri nasıl olacağı.Devam edeceğim bir seri ama 6.kitaptaki kuzen Duncan dı sanırım onun hikayesi yok ve o kolyeyi aldıktan sonra başına gelenleri merak ediyorum.
Konu olarak değişik buldum şu yıldırımlar, şimşekler, yağmur ve dolunun yağışı ve nedeni ilginç geldi doğrusu:)Onun dışında merak ettiğim Fiona'nın abilerinin hikayeleri nasıl olacağı.Devam edeceğim bir seri ama 6.kitaptaki kuzen Duncan dı sanırım onun hikayesi yok ve o kolyeyi aldıktan sonra başına gelenleri merak ediyorum.
March 21, 2021
Iskoçya tarihi aşkı okurken savaşçı bir erkek karakter bekliyor insan, acısı yüzünden içkiye kumara ve ahlaksızlığa düşen bir karakter değil. Kitabı almadan önce hangi dönemin iskocyasında geçtiğine bakmam gerekirdi sanırım.
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