What do you think?
Rate this book
Just Ask Reeves #1
Her Master and Commander
Just ask Reeves!
Dying without legitimate issue, the late Earl of Rochester sent his butler extraordinaire, Reeves, to find his wild, illegitimate children and "civilize" them. Reeves must seek out the first of the earl's arrogant sons, Captain Tristan Llevanth, a one-time pirate, and teach him to be a gentleman.
A will of steel...
Tristan Llevanth gave up his free-wheeling life as a pirate to fight at Admiral Nelson's side. Wounded, Tristan will never again sail the seas he loves. Life has no more challenges. Or so he thinks, until Reeves brings a certain outspoken lady into the captain's uncultured household...
An iron-clad spirit...
Reeves believes Tristan needs a spark to relight the fires of his soul. And who better than lovely Prudence Thistlewaite, the bane of the captain's existence? Prudence wants nothing to do with her wickedly handsome, ill-tempered neighbor. Still, she cannot refuse the outlandish sum Reeves offers to smooth Tristan's rough edges.
Dying without legitimate issue, the late Earl of Rochester sent his butler extraordinaire, Reeves, to find his wild, illegitimate children and "civilize" them. Reeves must seek out the first of the earl's arrogant sons, Captain Tristan Llevanth, a one-time pirate, and teach him to be a gentleman.
A will of steel...
Tristan Llevanth gave up his free-wheeling life as a pirate to fight at Admiral Nelson's side. Wounded, Tristan will never again sail the seas he loves. Life has no more challenges. Or so he thinks, until Reeves brings a certain outspoken lady into the captain's uncultured household...
An iron-clad spirit...
Reeves believes Tristan needs a spark to relight the fires of his soul. And who better than lovely Prudence Thistlewaite, the bane of the captain's existence? Prudence wants nothing to do with her wickedly handsome, ill-tempered neighbor. Still, she cannot refuse the outlandish sum Reeves offers to smooth Tristan's rough edges.
372 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
46 people are currently reading
779 people want to read
About the author
Karen Hawkins
59 books2,987 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:
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!
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!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 2, 2025
2.5⭐️ From the title and blurb I expected humor, a goofy pirate crew, and a plot that was a reverse twist on My Fair Lady. Maybe it did and I was in the wrong mood and not paying attention. 🤷🏻♀️ What I read was an intractable pirate insta-attracted to his neighbor and she him. Ahoy, full steam ahead!
January 23, 2025
4.5 stars
Is this profound? Deeply moving? One of the best things I’ve ever read? No.
Is it rollicking, clever, humorous, hot, and highly enjoyable? Yes, indeed.
Exhibit A:
“I refuse to give up every vice I possess at the whim of a pack of froth-laced fools.”
“No indeed, my lord,” Reeves said soothingly. “There would be nothing left of you if we were to demand you give up every vice.”
Exhibit B:
Tristan eyed the first mate’s new coat. Several sizes too large, the sleeves hung over the man’s hands, the hem resting at the back of his calves instead of his knees as it was meant to.
Stevens held out his arms and turned, glancing back over his shoulder. “Do ye like it, Cap’n?”
Reeves sent Tristan a pained smile. “Master Stevens believes the coat makes his er, posterior appear large. I hastened to tell him that it did no such thing and was, in fact, quite slimming.”
“What do ye think, Cap’n? Does it make me arse look big?
Tristan, former pirate and current wounded war hero, has been driven ashore to a small cottage where he plans to molder and die mourning the loss of his beloved sea. Those plans are interrupted by the parade of his fellow wounded sailors showing up to be fed and cared for, unfortunately rapidly depleting his funds. Additionally, an attractive neighbor keeps showing up to lambast him about one of his sheep that keeps getting into her garden, so life is not quite as deadly dull as he had planned.
And that was before Reeves (purportedly his father’s butler but with all the magic of a fairy godfather) shows up to inform him that his father, the earl of Rochester, has died without legitimate heir and has manipulated records to award Tristan, his oldest illegitimate son, his title and, if he can convince a board of trustees of his gentility, a vast fortune.
A fortune he needs to care for his sailors. Tristan is about as genteel as a rabid badger, so his sheep-hating attractive neighbor, misnamed Prudence, who runs a seminary for young ladies without any young ladies currently attending, reluctantly accepts the job of teaching Tristan comportment for much-needed cash.
I, as well as the new earl, may need some of those comportment lessons. I burst into unfettered laughter so many times during this book it was positively unseemly. The pace was brisk but the author lingered when she needed to, the prose was lively and clever, the sex was fun AND hot, and the characters were well-defined and likeable. I thought the reasons for the last-act obstacle to an HEA were a little inflated and contrived, so I’m churlishly knocking off half a star, then rounding up.
A thank you to Lori for bringing this author to my attention—this was my first book by her—and to Irina for picking this particular book for me to try. It was delightful!
Is this profound? Deeply moving? One of the best things I’ve ever read? No.
Is it rollicking, clever, humorous, hot, and highly enjoyable? Yes, indeed.
Exhibit A:
“I refuse to give up every vice I possess at the whim of a pack of froth-laced fools.”
“No indeed, my lord,” Reeves said soothingly. “There would be nothing left of you if we were to demand you give up every vice.”
Exhibit B:
Tristan eyed the first mate’s new coat. Several sizes too large, the sleeves hung over the man’s hands, the hem resting at the back of his calves instead of his knees as it was meant to.
Stevens held out his arms and turned, glancing back over his shoulder. “Do ye like it, Cap’n?”
Reeves sent Tristan a pained smile. “Master Stevens believes the coat makes his er, posterior appear large. I hastened to tell him that it did no such thing and was, in fact, quite slimming.”
“What do ye think, Cap’n? Does it make me arse look big?
Tristan, former pirate and current wounded war hero, has been driven ashore to a small cottage where he plans to molder and die mourning the loss of his beloved sea. Those plans are interrupted by the parade of his fellow wounded sailors showing up to be fed and cared for, unfortunately rapidly depleting his funds. Additionally, an attractive neighbor keeps showing up to lambast him about one of his sheep that keeps getting into her garden, so life is not quite as deadly dull as he had planned.
And that was before Reeves (purportedly his father’s butler but with all the magic of a fairy godfather) shows up to inform him that his father, the earl of Rochester, has died without legitimate heir and has manipulated records to award Tristan, his oldest illegitimate son, his title and, if he can convince a board of trustees of his gentility, a vast fortune.
A fortune he needs to care for his sailors. Tristan is about as genteel as a rabid badger, so his sheep-hating attractive neighbor, misnamed Prudence, who runs a seminary for young ladies without any young ladies currently attending, reluctantly accepts the job of teaching Tristan comportment for much-needed cash.
I, as well as the new earl, may need some of those comportment lessons. I burst into unfettered laughter so many times during this book it was positively unseemly. The pace was brisk but the author lingered when she needed to, the prose was lively and clever, the sex was fun AND hot, and the characters were well-defined and likeable. I thought the reasons for the last-act obstacle to an HEA were a little inflated and contrived, so I’m churlishly knocking off half a star, then rounding up.
A thank you to Lori for bringing this author to my attention—this was my first book by her—and to Irina for picking this particular book for me to try. It was delightful!
February 16, 2025
It is widely believed by many members of the ton that, for servants, the greatest rewards in our honored profession come from praise. That is a very noble concept, though a blatant falsehood. Whether servant or master, saint or supplicant, nothing motivates more thoroughly than the sight of a freshly minted gold coin.
A former 5 star read, now more of a 3 to 3.5 star read. I picked up the book at the worst possible time, though. I was just not in the mood for the silliness and absurdity (and should have stopped reading when it became clear). My mood aside, I also think that I don't like insta-lust or even insta-love combined with that kind of romantic comedy.
Because I think the humor possibly may have amused me at another point in my life and would have smoothed over my problems with the love story, I'll only rate it down to 4 instead of 3 stars.
(Plus, there's a sheep in it!)
A former 5 star read, now more of a 3 to 3.5 star read. I picked up the book at the worst possible time, though. I was just not in the mood for the silliness and absurdity (and should have stopped reading when it became clear). My mood aside, I also think that I don't like insta-lust or even insta-love combined with that kind of romantic comedy.
Because I think the humor possibly may have amused me at another point in my life and would have smoothed over my problems with the love story, I'll only rate it down to 4 instead of 3 stars.
(Plus, there's a sheep in it!)
January 6, 2018
Dying without legitimate "issue" the late Earl of Roochester, sends out his butler "extraordinaire" Reeves to find his wild "other side of the blanket" twin sons to civilise them.
The first one a Captain Tristan Lievanth.
First off, the cover & the back description lead me to think the story would have lots of "pirate" action going on..when in fact the only action that was going on was with the sheep..they were having a hay-day (excuse the pun)
And civilise children you haven't raised yourself but send the butler to do it?
OK (here I scratched my head thinking your joking right?)
The story itself could have been good as there was some spark between Tristan & Prudence..but then that became an on & off thing..which got as bothersome as the sheep.
As for Reeves he pretty much told the story & was the main character it seemed..I should have known where this was going to go the minute Reeves set up a "dinning room" in the Captains barn.
( now I get to dine with the sheep!)
A lot of going on in this story..but a lot of nothing with the two main characters.
I found it silly, predictable, and just plain boring..and will admit to skipping pages just to get to the end..so it became a "fast" read.
Not only will I not read his brothers story..the next time I read a book book..Im going to make sure there is no butler or SHEEP!
I give it a 3 star only because there must have been a lot of effort to think this up.
The first one a Captain Tristan Lievanth.
First off, the cover & the back description lead me to think the story would have lots of "pirate" action going on..when in fact the only action that was going on was with the sheep..they were having a hay-day (excuse the pun)
And civilise children you haven't raised yourself but send the butler to do it?
OK (here I scratched my head thinking your joking right?)
The story itself could have been good as there was some spark between Tristan & Prudence..but then that became an on & off thing..which got as bothersome as the sheep.
As for Reeves he pretty much told the story & was the main character it seemed..I should have known where this was going to go the minute Reeves set up a "dinning room" in the Captains barn.
( now I get to dine with the sheep!)
A lot of going on in this story..but a lot of nothing with the two main characters.
I found it silly, predictable, and just plain boring..and will admit to skipping pages just to get to the end..so it became a "fast" read.
Not only will I not read his brothers story..the next time I read a book book..Im going to make sure there is no butler or SHEEP!
I give it a 3 star only because there must have been a lot of effort to think this up.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2017
Maybe my expectations were simply too high, so I'll just say you get exactly what the cover promises. Ridiculousness.
If you know anything about the Royal Navy OR pirates, the premise of this book will drive you crazy. There are countless little off details that made me twitch in pain. Not to mention I think the appearances of the hero and the brother were switched since the first draft of this book, it gets a little muddy in places.
That said, I did enjoy Reeves, and the banter between Prudence and Tristan. Tristan's determination to take care of his men was admirable. The sheep caper was quite amusing, if not predictable. But the actual romance was pretty boring, I found myself flipping through the love scenes, which is annoying when you're reading a book because you're in the mood for a *love* story.
The ending was rushed, and rather unsatisfying. This is really probably a 2.5 star book, but I'm feeling generous and rounding up.
If you know anything about the Royal Navy OR pirates, the premise of this book will drive you crazy. There are countless little off details that made me twitch in pain. Not to mention I think the appearances of the hero and the brother were switched since the first draft of this book, it gets a little muddy in places.
That said, I did enjoy Reeves, and the banter between Prudence and Tristan. Tristan's determination to take care of his men was admirable. The sheep caper was quite amusing, if not predictable. But the actual romance was pretty boring, I found myself flipping through the love scenes, which is annoying when you're reading a book because you're in the mood for a *love* story.
The ending was rushed, and rather unsatisfying. This is really probably a 2.5 star book, but I'm feeling generous and rounding up.
November 26, 2011
A promising beginning dives off a cliff into an ocean of obvious after about the first three chapters, leaving the reader to follow along bemusedly ticking off cliches on her fingers and toes. And it's wrong, wrong, wrong when the sexiest man in the novel is the impeccable, inscrutable butler and not the swashbuckling pirate.
April 10, 2019
enjoyable read
July 17, 2018
Tristan dan saudara kembarnya, Christian terpisah karena ibunya dipenjara atas tuduhan makar, dan sang ayah, Earl of Rochester mengabaikan mereka. Hingga saat ketika sang Earl menjelang ajal tanpa memiliki anak sah, dia teringat anak kembar haramnya. Sang Earl menginginkan anak-anaknya mewarisi gelar dan uangnya, tetapi dia tahu salah satu anaknya sudah menjadi bajak laut.
Tristan digambarkan sbg mantan bajak laut, pahlawan veteran perang Trafalgar bersama Laksamana Nelson. Tristan memiliki cinderamata dari perang tsb, kakinya terluka permanen. Selagi memikirkan beban hidupnya dan kru anak buahnya sesama eks bajak laut, datanglah seperti angin segar, janda cantik tetangga sebelah, Prudence Thistlewaite. Mereka bertengkar gara-gara domba yg masuk dan memakan daun ramuan milik Prudence dan saling menyalahkan satu sama lain.
Anak buah Earl, Reeves mendapat maklumat utk mendapatkan si kembar. Tristan tidak senang dgn kedatangan Reeves, apalagi anak buahnya gampang sekali disogok dgn makanan lezat. Tetapi Tristan hrs memikirkan kepentingan anak buahnya padahal dirinya sudah nyaris gak pny duit lagi. Jadi dgn berat hati Tristan mau menyandang gelar Earl. Tetapi gak semudah itu, Tristan harus mendapatkan pelatihan sopan-santun spy layak masuk komunitas bangsawan, hal yang dirasakan lebih berat drpd maju berperang bagi Tristan.
Maka Prudence dipanggil sbg tutor utk mengajari Tristan utk bersikap layaknya bangsawan. Bukannya belajar ttg tatacara, Prudence mendapatkan dirinya "dirayu" oleh Tristan. Keduanya sebenarnya saling mengelak dari ketertarikan satu sama lain. Tetapi apa daya, chemistry yg begitu kuat mengalahkan semua pengendalian diri mereka. Bab 16 membuktikan biarpun mereka horny satu sama lain, keras kepala mereka menandai bhw mereka berdua nyaris tidak mau saling mengalah.
Karakter Tristan yang tidak beradab dan sulit diajari menjadi inti cerita dan saya tertawa melulu karena Tristan yang sarkastik, sinis dan "menentang" hampir semua yang diajarkan kepadanya. Tetapi salut pada Prudence, yang selalu punya balasan cerdas utk menimpali Tristan yang barbar ini.
Saya suka novel ini karena plot ceritanya bagus dan karakter-karakternya juga kuat semua. Dan yang paling keren adalah setiap kali saya mengira bisa menebak alurnya, ternyata saya kecele. Tidak bisa diprediksikan tetapi sangat lucu dan menggoda rasa penasaran saya. Penggemar HR pasti tidak menyesal membaca novel ini.
Tristan digambarkan sbg mantan bajak laut, pahlawan veteran perang Trafalgar bersama Laksamana Nelson. Tristan memiliki cinderamata dari perang tsb, kakinya terluka permanen. Selagi memikirkan beban hidupnya dan kru anak buahnya sesama eks bajak laut, datanglah seperti angin segar, janda cantik tetangga sebelah, Prudence Thistlewaite. Mereka bertengkar gara-gara domba yg masuk dan memakan daun ramuan milik Prudence dan saling menyalahkan satu sama lain.
Anak buah Earl, Reeves mendapat maklumat utk mendapatkan si kembar. Tristan tidak senang dgn kedatangan Reeves, apalagi anak buahnya gampang sekali disogok dgn makanan lezat. Tetapi Tristan hrs memikirkan kepentingan anak buahnya padahal dirinya sudah nyaris gak pny duit lagi. Jadi dgn berat hati Tristan mau menyandang gelar Earl. Tetapi gak semudah itu, Tristan harus mendapatkan pelatihan sopan-santun spy layak masuk komunitas bangsawan, hal yang dirasakan lebih berat drpd maju berperang bagi Tristan.
Maka Prudence dipanggil sbg tutor utk mengajari Tristan utk bersikap layaknya bangsawan. Bukannya belajar ttg tatacara, Prudence mendapatkan dirinya "dirayu" oleh Tristan. Keduanya sebenarnya saling mengelak dari ketertarikan satu sama lain. Tetapi apa daya, chemistry yg begitu kuat mengalahkan semua pengendalian diri mereka. Bab 16 membuktikan biarpun mereka horny satu sama lain, keras kepala mereka menandai bhw mereka berdua nyaris tidak mau saling mengalah.
Karakter Tristan yang tidak beradab dan sulit diajari menjadi inti cerita dan saya tertawa melulu karena Tristan yang sarkastik, sinis dan "menentang" hampir semua yang diajarkan kepadanya. Tetapi salut pada Prudence, yang selalu punya balasan cerdas utk menimpali Tristan yang barbar ini.
Saya suka novel ini karena plot ceritanya bagus dan karakter-karakternya juga kuat semua. Dan yang paling keren adalah setiap kali saya mengira bisa menebak alurnya, ternyata saya kecele. Tidak bisa diprediksikan tetapi sangat lucu dan menggoda rasa penasaran saya. Penggemar HR pasti tidak menyesal membaca novel ini.
September 25, 2025
Good but I didnt like the fact that the characters in the book made the idea of anyone being fat seem so abhorrent and awful. I found that really disheartening. Also, I wasn't really a fan of the last lines of the book... but the rest was really good! A great love story with beautiful characters. 😊💕
March 31, 2013
Tristan Llevanth loved the sea and being aboard his ship, but when he is injured fighting side by side with Admiral Nelson, he has to give up what he loves, and his men come with him. Tristan settles in a house in the countryside that overlooks the ocean. And despite the peace he desires, he never manages to hold onto it. A neighbor widow, Prudence Thistlewaite, is definitely the bane of his existence and they tend to get on each other's nerves. Then Reeves (his late father's butler) tells him that he is the new earl, he needs to learn all the pompous rituals that come with the title and the money, which he desperately needs for his men. So Reeves has Prudence endeavor to teach Tristan, which is a sore trial in and of itself. And the more time they are alone together, passions ignite between the two of them, with the future uncertain if they could end up together in the end.
As much as I love this author, this is probably my least favorite book of Karen Hawkins. It took me a while to get into the story, and had to force myself to keep reading until I got into the story, which thankfully I did, but it seemed to take a while. There were certain aspects of the story that I really fell in love with though. The characters I found intriguing and utterly fascinating, and all of them had me at the very beginning. The plot was very mystery packed and filled with surprises, that will delight you. However I just found at the beginning the interaction between Prudence and Tristan, leaves much to be desired, however once the story really got going, then it started to even out, and I started to enjoy the story. But overall it was a good romance and was glad to finally read Tristan's story.
As much as I love this author, this is probably my least favorite book of Karen Hawkins. It took me a while to get into the story, and had to force myself to keep reading until I got into the story, which thankfully I did, but it seemed to take a while. There were certain aspects of the story that I really fell in love with though. The characters I found intriguing and utterly fascinating, and all of them had me at the very beginning. The plot was very mystery packed and filled with surprises, that will delight you. However I just found at the beginning the interaction between Prudence and Tristan, leaves much to be desired, however once the story really got going, then it started to even out, and I started to enjoy the story. But overall it was a good romance and was glad to finally read Tristan's story.
March 24, 2008
I picked up this book because someone posted about it in an LJ romance book community, saying how great it was. While it was a decent book with its good points, I found it missing something that would have made it great.
I liked the base storyline - Tristan's past, Prudence's past, their situations, etc. It made for a good starting point for a story. And the characters were enjoyable. Each had their quirks that made them unique and interesting. Tristan was a complex character. On one hand, he's this tough former pirate captain and a war hero, and on the other hand, he is a bit of a humanitarian, taking in the members of his former crew and helping them. Prudence was okay. At times I felt she was too forward for the time period she lived in.
The romance was good. Prudence and Tristan were a nice pairing. I also liked the addition of Tristan's twin brother Christian to the story. It added a good side-story - with a lead in to the next book?. And the whole thing with the sheep was great.
I guess what bothered about the book was that it almost completely lacked action. There wasn't really anything going on in the story. It was all just about Tristan becoming an Earl and Prudence helping him with his manners. I wanted something to happen, something to add some action, some excitement. I just ended up a bit bored at times. But overall, like I said, it was a decent story. Enough so that if there is a follow-up with Christian's story, I'll read it.
I liked the base storyline - Tristan's past, Prudence's past, their situations, etc. It made for a good starting point for a story. And the characters were enjoyable. Each had their quirks that made them unique and interesting. Tristan was a complex character. On one hand, he's this tough former pirate captain and a war hero, and on the other hand, he is a bit of a humanitarian, taking in the members of his former crew and helping them. Prudence was okay. At times I felt she was too forward for the time period she lived in.
The romance was good. Prudence and Tristan were a nice pairing. I also liked the addition of Tristan's twin brother Christian to the story. It added a good side-story - with a lead in to the next book?. And the whole thing with the sheep was great.
I guess what bothered about the book was that it almost completely lacked action. There wasn't really anything going on in the story. It was all just about Tristan becoming an Earl and Prudence helping him with his manners. I wanted something to happen, something to add some action, some excitement. I just ended up a bit bored at times. But overall, like I said, it was a decent story. Enough so that if there is a follow-up with Christian's story, I'll read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2014
Where have you been all my life Karen Hawkins?
This book came a such a surprise - it was filled to the brim with whimsical, slapstick humour - and although I appreciate more subtle approaches to humour - this book cracked me up. I swear the story of Daisy the sheep almost overshadowed the main romance.
There was never any doubt that Tristan was a cuddly bear. Even in the prologue you can tell that Tristan is going to be the gentle giant while Christian (his twin) is the brooding rake. His relationship with his crew, especially his first mate and then Reeves is heartwarming and so funny. I wish I could be a fly on the wall in his cottage and just watch them interact all day.
Prudence was just the kind of heroine I love - and we need more like her!! She was passionate, sensible and intelligent - and always stood up to Tristan. She was also refreshingly honest - in fact all the characters were honest - they confided within each other and spoke frankly, it was so damn satisfying!
This book gave off a Disney feeling - also not unlike the movie Stardust, where the humour was rather blunt but still hilarious. There was no sub-plot of mystery or some kind of adventure or quest and frankly I liked the book even more for that. It was simply a romantic comedy without any extraneous fluff - love love love!
This book came a such a surprise - it was filled to the brim with whimsical, slapstick humour - and although I appreciate more subtle approaches to humour - this book cracked me up. I swear the story of Daisy the sheep almost overshadowed the main romance.
There was never any doubt that Tristan was a cuddly bear. Even in the prologue you can tell that Tristan is going to be the gentle giant while Christian (his twin) is the brooding rake. His relationship with his crew, especially his first mate and then Reeves is heartwarming and so funny. I wish I could be a fly on the wall in his cottage and just watch them interact all day.
Prudence was just the kind of heroine I love - and we need more like her!! She was passionate, sensible and intelligent - and always stood up to Tristan. She was also refreshingly honest - in fact all the characters were honest - they confided within each other and spoke frankly, it was so damn satisfying!
This book gave off a Disney feeling - also not unlike the movie Stardust, where the humour was rather blunt but still hilarious. There was no sub-plot of mystery or some kind of adventure or quest and frankly I liked the book even more for that. It was simply a romantic comedy without any extraneous fluff - love love love!
November 17, 2010
I liked this one quite a bit. The hero used to be a pirate, but he's not one any more. I'm not sure how I feel about romances that take place almost exclusively on ships. However, this one does not. The hero has retired because of an injury, and has taken in a bunch of his old shipmates who've also been injured. He has sheep to give the sailors something to keep them busy. One of the sheep keeps getting into the heroine's garden, and she keeps having to come over and give him what for. Then Reeves shows up. The hero and his brother were bastard children, separated in the prologue, when their mother was arrested and died in prison without ever coming to trial. Now, their noble father has died without legitimate heirs, so he's "fixed" things to legitimize them, and has sent his butler Reeves out to find the sons and civilize them. And that's basically your story. It's fun, entertaining, romantic, and just a Good Read.
May 23, 2012
The first book in the Just Ask Reeves series by Karen Hawkins. If you are looking for something light and amusing this might be it. It was a pleasant read but nothing really special for me. Tristan, the hero, is a hero and ex-pirate. Injured and unable to return to the sea, he is living in a small cottage by the sea with a houseful of other injured sailors/ex-pirates. Lady Prudence has come to the remote area in hopes of opening a school. Unfortunately, the pirate's sheep keeps getting into her garden and that dratted pirate won't do anything about it.
Enter Reeves. Reeves has been assigned the task of getting Tristan ready to take over the position of earl. Not an easy task.
Enter Reeves. Reeves has been assigned the task of getting Tristan ready to take over the position of earl. Not an easy task.
April 5, 2014
More like 3.5 stars. I really enjoyed the book but there were several places that got a little boring and I put the book down for a while. I also found myself skipping some scenes (and didn't miss anything). Honestly, I found Reeves finding Christian and everything to do with that more interesting than Tristan and Prudence's (what a terrible name for a heroine) "dilemma".
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 25, 2017
Excellent, didn't end like I thought it would, but I liked it. I thought sure he would have it all.
July 26, 2025
Pela premissa da história e pelo prologo com os irmãos pequenos eu esperava bem mais, eu gostei bastante do primeiro terço, onde os irmãos são separados e o mordomo do pai recebe a missão de buscar os dois e os transformar em herdeiros.
Falando nisso, Reeves foi basicamente o ponto alto da história, eu também gostei do capitão e da história de Prudence, do fato dela ser uma viúva com uma faixa etária um pouco maior do que a da maior parte das heroínas, mas eles dois juntos não me convenceram, a ponto de algumas cenas passarem a impressão de se arrastar, em determinado momento eu estava mais interessada no reencontro dos irmãos do que no casal.
Sem contar que o conflito que foi criado no final me pareceu bem raso, e de certa forma até uma frescura da Prudence, ela começa o livro vendo a importância do dinheiro para a manutenção dos projetos e da vida no geral, para no final bater o pé a ponto do Capitão/Conde precisar fazer a escolha que fez, achei pouco prático e infantil da parte dela e isso acabou me deixando mais desencantada do que eu já estava.
Como são apenas dos livros e eu me interessei por Christian, vou seguir para o segundo, mas eu realmente esperava bem mais desse livro.
Falando nisso, Reeves foi basicamente o ponto alto da história, eu também gostei do capitão e da história de Prudence, do fato dela ser uma viúva com uma faixa etária um pouco maior do que a da maior parte das heroínas, mas eles dois juntos não me convenceram, a ponto de algumas cenas passarem a impressão de se arrastar, em determinado momento eu estava mais interessada no reencontro dos irmãos do que no casal.
Sem contar que o conflito que foi criado no final me pareceu bem raso, e de certa forma até uma frescura da Prudence, ela começa o livro vendo a importância do dinheiro para a manutenção dos projetos e da vida no geral, para no final bater o pé a ponto do Capitão/Conde precisar fazer a escolha que fez, achei pouco prático e infantil da parte dela e isso acabou me deixando mais desencantada do que eu já estava.
Como são apenas dos livros e eu me interessei por Christian, vou seguir para o segundo, mas eu realmente esperava bem mais desse livro.
February 25, 2023
i read this book (and its sequel) at about 1 in the morning during what i can only describe as some kind of hysterical fugue episode of which i only have vague memories of pacing around a room and yelling UGH and OH, DON'T DO THAT into the unfeeling night air... now i feel ready to discuss my thoughts to an extent. i can only say that for a book which blatantly ripped off the jeeves character he was extremely incidental to what little of a love story there was. additionally, the beauty and the beast motif was not great, mostly because the entire concept of beauty and the beast makes me want to pitch myself into the sea, although in this case if i did that it would only have been more fodder for tristan's gross woman= boat metaphors. man was a pirate turned privateer and still managed to be incredibly tedious when he wasn't being a complete pig but hey at least he's busty and mildly tortured from his sort of sad backstory!
line up ladies you too could have the merits of your figure debated between tristan, his estranged brother, and his sidekick before he continues to make increasingly forward comments and gestures no matter how many times you tell him to stop doing that <3
line up ladies you too could have the merits of your figure debated between tristan, his estranged brother, and his sidekick before he continues to make increasingly forward comments and gestures no matter how many times you tell him to stop doing that <3
April 9, 2018
Rating 6 of 7
I love a good bastard that it's not a bastard anymore lol
I thought this one was pretty cute all the way they start to care about each other and oh my oh my the sheep plot oh my god I loved it!
I'm as mad as Christian about their mother being accused of treason so I do hope we'll see the blamed for it dead in the next book
I love a good bastard that it's not a bastard anymore lol
I thought this one was pretty cute all the way they start to care about each other and oh my oh my the sheep plot oh my god I loved it!
I'm as mad as Christian about their mother being accused of treason so I do hope we'll see the blamed for it dead in the next book
October 30, 2021
Very enjoyable, although it left me feeling as if there should have been more to the story. What there was... was fine, well written, and engaging. So we'll see how Christian's tale continues it all...
March 30, 2024
A stand alone but part of a 2 book set about twins. I don't think 2006 works in 2024. The plot is fine but the wording is very out of date. It must have been fine in 2006. This is the oldest of the twins, Tristan.
July 15, 2024
Good read from Karen Hawkins. Don't know how I missed this one! I can't believe how much i laughed through this tale. I really liked the characters and the plot of this book. Looking forward to reading many more from this talented storyteller.
November 14, 2024
I think the book lost itself a little towards the end but on the whole a very enjoyable read. Solid cliches in there if you're a fan of enemies to lovers and a wounded hero I recommend reading this. It did have some fun and unique moments and just brought a lot of joy.
December 5, 2017
non l'ho terminato, incipt troppo prolisso e poco interessante.
June 28, 2023
I like Karen Hawkins’ newer books, but this one was just okay- a basic romance novel, with nothing to make to stand out.
Read
July 9, 2025I truly think the most respectful thing I can do is DNF. Sorry.
November 9, 2025
I wish less historical romances would treat their FMC as stupid. I don’t want to see a woman being treated as less than, I would just go outside and interact with men.
November 16, 2010
Tristan Llevanth’s life changed when he was 10 years old, his mother was taken to prison on a false charge of treason, he was separated from his twin brother Christian and he was impressed for a life at sea.
The Duke of Rochester has not been able to father legitimate children and now that he is dying he needs to find his illegitimate twin sons so that he has someone to inherit his title. He concocts a plan to legitimise them and sets his butler extraordinaire, Reeves, the task of finding them and notifying them of their inheritance but it comes at a price – he must make gentlemen of them.
We meet Tristan again when he is 35 - he has been a pirate and is now a wounded war hero who can no longer sail because of his injury. He has settled on a property in Devon with men who had been part of his crew, just waiting for life to pass him by.
Unfortunately his bothersome neighbor, the delectable widow Prudence Thistlewaite has other ideas. When Reeves meets her he hires her to teach Tristan the manners of a gentleman, it is a hard task, especially as passion takes over on more than one occasion.
He eventually is reunited with his brother who lives life alternatively as a gentleman farmer and a highwayman. I have already read Christian’s story and this ties them together nicely. It was a good read.
The Duke of Rochester has not been able to father legitimate children and now that he is dying he needs to find his illegitimate twin sons so that he has someone to inherit his title. He concocts a plan to legitimise them and sets his butler extraordinaire, Reeves, the task of finding them and notifying them of their inheritance but it comes at a price – he must make gentlemen of them.
We meet Tristan again when he is 35 - he has been a pirate and is now a wounded war hero who can no longer sail because of his injury. He has settled on a property in Devon with men who had been part of his crew, just waiting for life to pass him by.
Unfortunately his bothersome neighbor, the delectable widow Prudence Thistlewaite has other ideas. When Reeves meets her he hires her to teach Tristan the manners of a gentleman, it is a hard task, especially as passion takes over on more than one occasion.
He eventually is reunited with his brother who lives life alternatively as a gentleman farmer and a highwayman. I have already read Christian’s story and this ties them together nicely. It was a good read.
December 27, 2011
This was a fun read. The hero, Tristan, is a grounded pirate who inadvertently became a war hero during the Battle of Trafalgar. Wounded during that battle, he can no longer sail the high seas so now lives in a rather grand secluded estate taking care of his fellow crewmen who have also been grounded due to various injuries, or, in some cases, just dedication to him.
His neighbor, a widow named Prudence, comes into his life because his sheep keep eating her garden and she is not happy about it. Of course, she is beautiful, fiery, and passionate. And, falls in love with Tristan who is determined never to love again.
Tristan learns that his father, an earl, has died and has sent his butler and solicitor to find him and his twin. They were illegitimate and never claimed by their father when he was alive. Now, however, they stand to inherit his fortune if they prove themselves worthy of the ton.
Tristan and his brother, Christian, were separated at the age of 10 when their mother was wrongly imprisoned for treason where she died. It takes the butler, Reeves, to bring them back together.
A touching story with unexpected twists and turns. Loved it.
His neighbor, a widow named Prudence, comes into his life because his sheep keep eating her garden and she is not happy about it. Of course, she is beautiful, fiery, and passionate. And, falls in love with Tristan who is determined never to love again.
Tristan learns that his father, an earl, has died and has sent his butler and solicitor to find him and his twin. They were illegitimate and never claimed by their father when he was alive. Now, however, they stand to inherit his fortune if they prove themselves worthy of the ton.
Tristan and his brother, Christian, were separated at the age of 10 when their mother was wrongly imprisoned for treason where she died. It takes the butler, Reeves, to bring them back together.
A touching story with unexpected twists and turns. Loved it.
August 20, 2017
I am a fan of KH, but this one just ran a little to slow and a little to *ehh* for me.
Not a bad read at all, really. Reeves was most intriguing.
I think I just didn't get the heroine's over all character portrayal for me to connect with her.
One minute she's hot and fowl mouthed (if only to herself, which was entertaining), next minute she's so prim that she's an autotron. If KH had meant to make her vulnerable yet strong, to me, she came across as a bit of a whiny self-centered child woman. But that might not be how someone else reads her.
Even the captain, my captain, didn't really seem to know what he was about...a bit too indecisive for me to see him as the hero I knew he could be. And to be honest, and maybe because I didn't make any connection with her, I just couldn't see his attraction to the prickly Mrs. Thistlewaite.
Well, at the very least and in the end, Prudence and Tristan deserve each other.
I rate it 3.5 stars.
Christen's character sounds intriguing, so I'll see if I will go there.
Not a bad read at all, really. Reeves was most intriguing.
I think I just didn't get the heroine's over all character portrayal for me to connect with her.
One minute she's hot and fowl mouthed (if only to herself, which was entertaining), next minute she's so prim that she's an autotron. If KH had meant to make her vulnerable yet strong, to me, she came across as a bit of a whiny self-centered child woman. But that might not be how someone else reads her.
Even the captain, my captain, didn't really seem to know what he was about...a bit too indecisive for me to see him as the hero I knew he could be. And to be honest, and maybe because I didn't make any connection with her, I just couldn't see his attraction to the prickly Mrs. Thistlewaite.
Well, at the very least and in the end, Prudence and Tristan deserve each other.
I rate it 3.5 stars.
Christen's character sounds intriguing, so I'll see if I will go there.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews