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Talisman Ring #3
How to Treat a Lady
Everyone knows that all the members of the St. John family are destined for greatness - all, that is, except the rebellious Chase St. John. Then, as the fates would have it, a lifetime of drinking, gambling and womanising catches up and leads him to a fateful incident which changes his life. Harriet Ward, on the other hand, has always felt the weight of responsibility caring for her mother and two brothers, but drawing the line at marrying a stuffy bore to save her home, she creates an imaginary fiance, Captain John. There is no one more surprised than she when Chase conveniently shows up, wounded by an unknown attacker, to fill the role of her suitor. As they pose as lovers and begin to unravel the mystery of Chase's assailant, they soon realise that their imaginary love has quickly turned into reality.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
33 people are currently reading
796 people want to read
About the author
Karen Hawkins
59 books2,982 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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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 58 reviews
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October 18, 2019
The book started out strong, but fizzled out so much towards the end that I can't give it higher than 3 stars.
The best thing about this book is that it's pretty damn funny. Not Georgette Heyer or anything, but there was comic dialogue a bit along the lines of Jeeves & Wooster. I was a big fan.
The hero, Chase (WHY do historical romance authors PERSIST in giving their aristocratic British heroes names of modern-day American men???? NOBODY in Britain today is called Chase, forget about 200 years ago!!) but anyway, where was I... oh yes, Chase is funny but not very possessive or anything, actually he's extremely easy-going and a bit weak both morally and spiritually. It's a good thing the heroine Harriet is very firm-minded, though I do feel a bit bad for her because it seems like her husband will become just another person she needs to manage.
Apparently Chase was in love with an OW in the last book of this series, and fully intended to marry her, but it's never alluded to which is probably why I didn't give the book 2 stars. All in all, a pleasant read, but not a satisfying one.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
The best thing about this book is that it's pretty damn funny. Not Georgette Heyer or anything, but there was comic dialogue a bit along the lines of Jeeves & Wooster. I was a big fan.
The hero, Chase (WHY do historical romance authors PERSIST in giving their aristocratic British heroes names of modern-day American men???? NOBODY in Britain today is called Chase, forget about 200 years ago!!) but anyway, where was I... oh yes, Chase is funny but not very possessive or anything, actually he's extremely easy-going and a bit weak both morally and spiritually. It's a good thing the heroine Harriet is very firm-minded, though I do feel a bit bad for her because it seems like her husband will become just another person she needs to manage.
Apparently Chase was in love with an OW in the last book of this series, and fully intended to marry her, but it's never alluded to which is probably why I didn't give the book 2 stars. All in all, a pleasant read, but not a satisfying one.
[Blog] - [Bookstagram]
August 11, 2015
I didn't think very much of Chase. Running from your troubles is never a good idea and climbing in a bottle for the last two years and then running and then say I will send my brothers a letter to explain everything. BAH, coward. Thank goodness, you found a lady willing to make you do the right thing. :-)
May 16, 2017
I was excited to get back to this series and read how the tailsman ring was going to thwart yet another of the St. John men. Chase was stuck with it at the end of the last book, and I think his story was pretty good. He learns and grows a lot in this book which was good for him. Harriet was a strong lead and I truly enjoyed the banter between them. I would love to read more about her family. Wonder if Hawkins ever wrote any of their stories?.. Anyway, I thought this was a good addition to the series. I am looking forward to Marcus' story.. though his is not up next... it looks like Devon's bachelor life is going to be taken down by a Scottish woman! Should be interesting!
Original Review Posted at: http://paragraphsandpetticoats.blogsp...
Original Review Posted at: http://paragraphsandpetticoats.blogsp...
July 7, 2017
Halfway through the reading I already decided that this is my favorite among Karen Hawkins books so far (I've read about a half dozen by this point).
I always enjoy romance comedy, and this book is a certain one. Not only adorned with witty dialogues, but the story itself was classic sitcom with make up stories, pretending to be someone who doesn't exist, sibling mischief.
Although Chase St.John as the hero was not altogether satisfying - major lack of self confidence before his own family - but the heroin Harriet Ward has enough of many things to cover his shortcomings.
And the Wards family are certainly up to the challenge to make a nice and light comedy stage for their sister's romance.
I always enjoy romance comedy, and this book is a certain one. Not only adorned with witty dialogues, but the story itself was classic sitcom with make up stories, pretending to be someone who doesn't exist, sibling mischief.
Although Chase St.John as the hero was not altogether satisfying - major lack of self confidence before his own family - but the heroin Harriet Ward has enough of many things to cover his shortcomings.
And the Wards family are certainly up to the challenge to make a nice and light comedy stage for their sister's romance.
October 17, 2012
Harriet is the best. Enough said. Loving this series and I love how I always read them out of order. Oh well. This one was pretty adorable and addicting. Good spin on the well used amnesia plotline -oh, and I really enjoyed Harriet's mother and four siblings. They cracked me up. Along with Chase's brothers when they finally tracked him down.
This book reminded me just why I like Karen Hawkins and her writing so much.
This book reminded me just why I like Karen Hawkins and her writing so much.
March 5, 2021
"3 out of 5 stars. It was a very cute story. More tamed then I would have liked but ..."
Read more of this review and TWO teasers here: https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2010/07/made-grade-st-john-brothers-talisman.html
Read more of this review and TWO teasers here: https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2010/07/made-grade-st-john-brothers-talisman.html
April 12, 2014
loved it .. first book I read of this author and was very happy..
August 17, 2018
Oh what fun Karen Hawkins is a hoot! God love her!
October 19, 2019
Chase and Harriet's love story
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2015
This is book #3 in the Talisman Ring series. The St. Johns family is one of the richest in England. They are the possessors of the St. John Talisman Ring - inherited from their mother. The brothers and sister are very close and take great delight in tricking each other into taking possession of the ring -- because it is supposed to lead them to their true love. So far, the sister is married (but I don't think it had anything to do with the ring) and two of the brothers who were in possession of the ring at the time. Now, Chase St. John, has possession of the ring. Chase has always been the lighthearted, happy member of the family, but for the last several months he has been different - unhappy, drinking and all kinds of debauchery and his brothers have been really worried about him.
Chase really isn't a hero -- he is the one who gets rescued. That part is a little unsatisfying. Still, I liked the book.
Chase is being blackmailed about an event that happened while he was drunk and racing his curricle. His 'friend' who was with him keeps needing to 'borrow' more and more money. Chase is shamed and doesn't want to bring shame to his family, so he decides to leave not only London but England. He heads toward the coast to catch a ship, but is drunk the whole way and is, therefore, a prime target to be attacked and robbed.
He is rescued by Harriet Ward and her sisters who are accompanied by a dog that is about the size of a horse. The Ward's also need rescuing because the bank is about to foreclose on their property. Harriet's mother has made up a fictional rich fiance for Harriet to convince the bank to hold off on foreclosure. The bank (at least the villainous member of the bank)is questioning the existence of the fiance. So, since Chase has claimed he has no memory of who he is (that isn't so) Harriet's mother tells him that he is fiance.
Chase and Harriet, of course, fall in love and have to manage to thwart the bad guy and save the farm.
This, like all of the Karen Hawkins books I have read has humor laced throughout. It is a good book and I recommend it.
Chase really isn't a hero -- he is the one who gets rescued. That part is a little unsatisfying. Still, I liked the book.
Chase is being blackmailed about an event that happened while he was drunk and racing his curricle. His 'friend' who was with him keeps needing to 'borrow' more and more money. Chase is shamed and doesn't want to bring shame to his family, so he decides to leave not only London but England. He heads toward the coast to catch a ship, but is drunk the whole way and is, therefore, a prime target to be attacked and robbed.
He is rescued by Harriet Ward and her sisters who are accompanied by a dog that is about the size of a horse. The Ward's also need rescuing because the bank is about to foreclose on their property. Harriet's mother has made up a fictional rich fiance for Harriet to convince the bank to hold off on foreclosure. The bank (at least the villainous member of the bank)is questioning the existence of the fiance. So, since Chase has claimed he has no memory of who he is (that isn't so) Harriet's mother tells him that he is fiance.
Chase and Harriet, of course, fall in love and have to manage to thwart the bad guy and save the farm.
This, like all of the Karen Hawkins books I have read has humor laced throughout. It is a good book and I recommend it.
June 21, 2014
I loved the hero and the story was fun, but I could not understand why this gorgeous, entertaining, wealthy man would have any interest in the heroine. Harriet is utterly humorless, lies, has a martyr complex, and though Chase sometimes exclaims at her beauty he also regularly describes her as plain. I am glad he could see her inner beauty, but I did not. She constantly talks about how handsome Chase is, she in fact says little else that is complimentary about him. Harriet is straight up shallow, and also dishonest and manipulative, so the inner beauty thing was well hidden.
Grammar presented another issue. I am no grammar Nazi, but when writing dialogue for a wealthy titled man in the 19th century proper grammar is essential. The most jarring was repeated misuse of "whoever" when "whomever" is meant. This is an error an educated man at that time would never have made. It seems a small thing, but it took me out of the story.
Grammar presented another issue. I am no grammar Nazi, but when writing dialogue for a wealthy titled man in the 19th century proper grammar is essential. The most jarring was repeated misuse of "whoever" when "whomever" is meant. This is an error an educated man at that time would never have made. It seems a small thing, but it took me out of the story.
August 5, 2022
This was a fast, fun read. I adored Chase and Harriet. The "lost" memory. The fake fiance. Every last bit of it was spectacular. Harriet was strong, determined, level headed while Chase was a little lost but determined to do the right thing for once, if going about it in the wrong way. He was willing to play along with the fake fiance farce, knowing that it was fake, because it was the right thing to do. Harriet was less willing, but she played along for the sake of her family. The bank man was horrible and was determined to see them fail so that he could marry Harriet as a way for them to keep the farm. Chase was great with the family; he really stepped up with all of the farm chores. The sheep shearing was hysterical. I loved how his brothers handled Harry situation, especially since the man he hired almost killed Chase. I adored this book and cannot wait for the next book!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 9, 2016
I love Harriet!!! She's strong, she speeks her mind, she takes care for her family and she isn't afraid to love and feel passion.
I like how you see Chase grow from a spoiled boy who tries to outrun his mistakes and who's too proud to ask for help into a confident, hard-working, loving young man.
I can't say anything negative about this book. It's fun, entertaining and endearing. I think I've found a new favorite author!
I like how you see Chase grow from a spoiled boy who tries to outrun his mistakes and who's too proud to ask for help into a confident, hard-working, loving young man.
I can't say anything negative about this book. It's fun, entertaining and endearing. I think I've found a new favorite author!
February 2, 2017
I enjoyed this story - it was funny and I liked all of the characters. But then the ending was anticlimactic and unbelievable. All of the problems got wrapped up neatly off camera by Chase's brothers, who at the beginning did not know anything about the trouble he was in and who hadn't talked to Chase the whole time he was gone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2020
This was what I would call a charming read. The book contains some genuine humor, which is surprising because in my experience HR books usually only present failed attempts at lighthearted fun and mostly make me cringe and/or sigh. Heroine’s family is a fun bunch of people, who enjoy pranking each other. Obviously, it’s not a comedic genius, but it succeeded in making me smile.
The hero, Chase is easy-going, despite the secret that forces him to run from London, and Harriet is a delightful, resilient, smart, determined woman, whose strength made my girl-power heart so happy, because HR books often use heroines as a damsel in distress, so that readers can swoon over their saviors. Of course HR is not necessarily the genre for strong, independent female characters, but that males it all the more exciting when you stumble upon one.
I adore the fact that Harriet is suspicious of Chase and his supposed amnesia, that she doesn’t just believe him and is preceptive enough to see that something isn’t quite right. And while they both lie to each other, that fact makes everything balance out between them and the resentment isn’t dragged out into oblivion.
Chase is also a wonderful character. While his idea of dealing with mistakes is running - which, we all know never ends well - he also decides to help complete strangers not only with deceiving bank officials, but also with GASP: manual labor! And that is not something a son of a lord is used to. He’s fun, not overly stuffy or arrogant, knows how to laugh, even at himself, he’s not disgustingly possessive and his overall lack of respect for personal space and boundaries is while present mostly bearable.
There are still of course cringe-worthy moments such as:
•Harriet kissing a unconscious stranger - which os something her younger sister came up with. I can hardly even blame Chase for thinking she was asking for a roll in the hay and for kissing her again. This part really annoyed me, especially because Harriet behaves incredibly stupid and just creepy.
All in all it’s a cute books for those who like romances between people of different standings (I for one absolutely adore these kinds of pairings, though I haven’t found many like them). Hard working heroines and fun, respectful heroes will always get my vote. Plus the author shows that perhaps whisking a girl away an a horse is NOT the right way to get that girls attention. THAT is something that needed to be said.
The hero, Chase is easy-going, despite the secret that forces him to run from London, and Harriet is a delightful, resilient, smart, determined woman, whose strength made my girl-power heart so happy, because HR books often use heroines as a damsel in distress, so that readers can swoon over their saviors. Of course HR is not necessarily the genre for strong, independent female characters, but that males it all the more exciting when you stumble upon one.
I adore the fact that Harriet is suspicious of Chase and his supposed amnesia, that she doesn’t just believe him and is preceptive enough to see that something isn’t quite right. And while they both lie to each other, that fact makes everything balance out between them and the resentment isn’t dragged out into oblivion.
Chase is also a wonderful character. While his idea of dealing with mistakes is running - which, we all know never ends well - he also decides to help complete strangers not only with deceiving bank officials, but also with GASP: manual labor! And that is not something a son of a lord is used to. He’s fun, not overly stuffy or arrogant, knows how to laugh, even at himself, he’s not disgustingly possessive and his overall lack of respect for personal space and boundaries is while present mostly bearable.
There are still of course cringe-worthy moments such as:
•Harriet kissing a unconscious stranger - which os something her younger sister came up with. I can hardly even blame Chase for thinking she was asking for a roll in the hay and for kissing her again. This part really annoyed me, especially because Harriet behaves incredibly stupid and just creepy.
All in all it’s a cute books for those who like romances between people of different standings (I for one absolutely adore these kinds of pairings, though I haven’t found many like them). Hard working heroines and fun, respectful heroes will always get my vote. Plus the author shows that perhaps whisking a girl away an a horse is NOT the right way to get that girls attention. THAT is something that needed to be said.
May 25, 2021
The summary is annoying because it got so many things wrong:
1. They made it seem like Harriet only had 2 brothers when she had 2 sisters as well
2. They made it sound like Harriet thought it was a burden to take care of her family. Yes, she felt responsible but she did it in full grace and without complaints or wanting anything more than to make her family's life easier
3. They make it seem as if Harriet was gonna be forced to marry another man so she concocted the idea of Captain John Frakenham when in fact, it was her mother who did it (sort of by accident) and it was to get an extension to pay off a the mortgage on their house.
How do we edit this summary?
And don't even get me started with the summary of And the Bride Wore Plaid. They got the heroine's name wrong!
Anyway, on to the review:
Prior to reading this book, I expected to like it. Idk why. I just did. I guess after reading a but of Chase in Confessions of a Scoundrel, I already felt for him. And I'm happy to say I actually did like it.
It felt like the characters were more realistic and they weren't exactly lovestruck from the start and ended up becoming blabbering fools. I felt more connection to them even though their fictional, they still felt like they were real people. Maybe cause the family in this story is part of the working class as opposed to the London peerage.
They were just fun to read. The MCs banters were cute and funny. I love the teasing, especially when Chase played around with the "memory" of the hay in the barn. Tbh, I wouldn't mind reading about this family. They seem fun and all have different personalities which I think would make a good series.
Our main characters, I liked. Chase wasn't perfect but he's also aware of that and I think that's why I liked him. He wasn't anywhere near being a knight in shining armor type. But he did little things for the family that even I, as the reader, didn't realize meant big in the end.
As for Harriet, I love her spunk. She is stubborn but not annoying stubborn. She is really just the responsible older sister. And I love how she doesn't let Chase affect her as a person. She is still her fiery self with Chase, but of course, she also has a soft spot for him.
Yeah. Overall a good read. Maybe 4 stars is giving it a lot but I can't give it 3 stars and I think it shines in it's own way.
1. They made it seem like Harriet only had 2 brothers when she had 2 sisters as well
2. They made it sound like Harriet thought it was a burden to take care of her family. Yes, she felt responsible but she did it in full grace and without complaints or wanting anything more than to make her family's life easier
3. They make it seem as if Harriet was gonna be forced to marry another man so she concocted the idea of Captain John Frakenham when in fact, it was her mother who did it (sort of by accident) and it was to get an extension to pay off a the mortgage on their house.
How do we edit this summary?
And don't even get me started with the summary of And the Bride Wore Plaid. They got the heroine's name wrong!
Anyway, on to the review:
Prior to reading this book, I expected to like it. Idk why. I just did. I guess after reading a but of Chase in Confessions of a Scoundrel, I already felt for him. And I'm happy to say I actually did like it.
It felt like the characters were more realistic and they weren't exactly lovestruck from the start and ended up becoming blabbering fools. I felt more connection to them even though their fictional, they still felt like they were real people. Maybe cause the family in this story is part of the working class as opposed to the London peerage.
They were just fun to read. The MCs banters were cute and funny. I love the teasing, especially when Chase played around with the "memory" of the hay in the barn. Tbh, I wouldn't mind reading about this family. They seem fun and all have different personalities which I think would make a good series.
Our main characters, I liked. Chase wasn't perfect but he's also aware of that and I think that's why I liked him. He wasn't anywhere near being a knight in shining armor type. But he did little things for the family that even I, as the reader, didn't realize meant big in the end.
As for Harriet, I love her spunk. She is stubborn but not annoying stubborn. She is really just the responsible older sister. And I love how she doesn't let Chase affect her as a person. She is still her fiery self with Chase, but of course, she also has a soft spot for him.
Yeah. Overall a good read. Maybe 4 stars is giving it a lot but I can't give it 3 stars and I think it shines in it's own way.
March 2, 2024
3.5 🌟
A different take on the amnesia trope.
Harriet is the eldest of the 5 Ward siblings. Left in very reduced circumstances after the death of their father 7 years ago, the Wards are now only one mortgage payment away from finally being free of the bank. To keep an odious bank official away long enough to finish the sheep shearing that will finance the payment, Harriet's mother invents a wealthy fiancee for Harriet; sea captain Captain John Frankenham.
Chase StJohn is wealthy and aristocratic. After a drunken carriage accident severely injured a bystander, Chase has been wracked by guilt. He is being blackmailed over the matter and decides to leave England rather than bring disrepute to his family name. On his way to the coast he is set upon by thieves and left for dead.
Harriet finds the unconscious Chase in the woods and brings him to the farm to recover. In his concussed state the family believes he has amnesia. Chase allows this to continue when he realises he can lay low for a few days without word reaching his overprotective family. Harriet is unconvinced. When the bank representative arrives uninvited to pressure the family about payment, the Wards decide to suggest to their injured patient that he is ( the previously fictitious) Captain Frankenham.
It's funny because all the Wards know Frankenham isn't real but are acting as if Chase is he, Chase knows he's not Frankenham but goes along with it because he's pretending to have amnesia. The bank manager thinks something is fishy, but there is a real man swearing to be Harriet's fiancee.
Chase is conscripted to helping on the farm because he's acting as if he believes he's the Captain. It's all a good farce. Chase becomes close to Harriet and also feels at home with the Ward's, but knows he will leave once he's helped them with the sheep.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
A different take on the amnesia trope.
Harriet is the eldest of the 5 Ward siblings. Left in very reduced circumstances after the death of their father 7 years ago, the Wards are now only one mortgage payment away from finally being free of the bank. To keep an odious bank official away long enough to finish the sheep shearing that will finance the payment, Harriet's mother invents a wealthy fiancee for Harriet; sea captain Captain John Frankenham.
Chase StJohn is wealthy and aristocratic. After a drunken carriage accident severely injured a bystander, Chase has been wracked by guilt. He is being blackmailed over the matter and decides to leave England rather than bring disrepute to his family name. On his way to the coast he is set upon by thieves and left for dead.
Harriet finds the unconscious Chase in the woods and brings him to the farm to recover. In his concussed state the family believes he has amnesia. Chase allows this to continue when he realises he can lay low for a few days without word reaching his overprotective family. Harriet is unconvinced. When the bank representative arrives uninvited to pressure the family about payment, the Wards decide to suggest to their injured patient that he is ( the previously fictitious) Captain Frankenham.
It's funny because all the Wards know Frankenham isn't real but are acting as if Chase is he, Chase knows he's not Frankenham but goes along with it because he's pretending to have amnesia. The bank manager thinks something is fishy, but there is a real man swearing to be Harriet's fiancee.
Chase is conscripted to helping on the farm because he's acting as if he believes he's the Captain. It's all a good farce. Chase becomes close to Harriet and also feels at home with the Ward's, but knows he will leave once he's helped them with the sheep.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
September 12, 2023
Copyright 2003. This is 3rd in the series & I somehow am reading them out of order. Oh well!
So Chase St John is the youngest of the St John brothers & is the designated man whore. He allows a "friend" to manipulate him & he ends up causing a accident which he believes a young woman was killed by his speeding carriage. This "friend" then extorts money from him til he decides to leave England. Before he makes it to the boat, he's robbed & hurt. Harriet & her sisters find him & nurse him back to health.
Harriet & her family are down on their luck gentry who need one more payment to the bank to finish the mortgage. The bank is leaning on them to pay, so they make up a fictitious sea captain who is wealthy enough to quiet the creditors.
Now Chase has had a head injury, but he decides to pretend amnesia. This fits in with Harriet's mother who tells him he's the sea captain. He decides to play along.
The magical Talisman Ring plays a part in this story.
Those who like their Regency Romances somewhat realistic won't like this. There are 2 graphic sex scenes, one in the bedroom in the house & one in the barn. The fact her family is within earshot is not a factor for them. Also, she's the daughter of a gentleman & a virgin, but you know...hormones.
I suppose there's some humor, but it's pretty broad. I didn't even smile.
The villains are wrapped up neatly by the last chapter when his brothers come to save the day.
Meh...
So Chase St John is the youngest of the St John brothers & is the designated man whore. He allows a "friend" to manipulate him & he ends up causing a accident which he believes a young woman was killed by his speeding carriage. This "friend" then extorts money from him til he decides to leave England. Before he makes it to the boat, he's robbed & hurt. Harriet & her sisters find him & nurse him back to health.
Harriet & her family are down on their luck gentry who need one more payment to the bank to finish the mortgage. The bank is leaning on them to pay, so they make up a fictitious sea captain who is wealthy enough to quiet the creditors.
Now Chase has had a head injury, but he decides to pretend amnesia. This fits in with Harriet's mother who tells him he's the sea captain. He decides to play along.
The magical Talisman Ring plays a part in this story.
Those who like their Regency Romances somewhat realistic won't like this. There are 2 graphic sex scenes, one in the bedroom in the house & one in the barn. The fact her family is within earshot is not a factor for them. Also, she's the daughter of a gentleman & a virgin, but you know...hormones.
I suppose there's some humor, but it's pretty broad. I didn't even smile.
The villains are wrapped up neatly by the last chapter when his brothers come to save the day.
Meh...
February 11, 2018
Chase St. John was a younger son and wealthy on his own. Faced with a problem he didn't believe could be solved and that his conscience couldn't be made free, he wallows up in self-pity then finally decided to ran away from it all. Leaving behind loose ends in London, for his family to find out what had happened to him as he was attacked by footpads, leading to where their Charade had begun to start.
At first the Wards gave the impression of being all dependent on Harriet but as the oldest of the siblings most of the leadership does inevitably goes to her. Theirs was a fun family to read, I like how they were portrayed as a team, managing their household and all. The charade was a last resort as they struggle to make their last payment when they were unable to avoid some certain incidents that had happened.
Overall, I really liked it. The deception was easy to accept and forgive for everyone involved since they were on a level and friendly terms. I was kind of sad at near the end, I just think it was such a shame.
This book is the first one I read of the "Talisman Ring" series, I like the ring's subtlety throughout the book since it kind of said that it was not because of the ring that they have fallen in love with each other but it was because of the ring that the holder would have to have to face what fate has in store for them.
At first the Wards gave the impression of being all dependent on Harriet but as the oldest of the siblings most of the leadership does inevitably goes to her. Theirs was a fun family to read, I like how they were portrayed as a team, managing their household and all. The charade was a last resort as they struggle to make their last payment when they were unable to avoid some certain incidents that had happened.
Overall, I really liked it. The deception was easy to accept and forgive for everyone involved since they were on a level and friendly terms. I was kind of sad at near the end, I just think it was such a shame.
This book is the first one I read of the "Talisman Ring" series, I like the ring's subtlety throughout the book since it kind of said that it was not because of the ring that they have fallen in love with each other but it was because of the ring that the holder would have to have to face what fate has in store for them.
October 27, 2022
4 stars ⭐️
🌳☀️🧔🏻♂️🐑💍👩🏼🏡🚜🌾
A women and her family are in financial debt and have created a fake fiancée to keep the bank at bay. One day they stumble upon a hurt man and decide he is the perfect person to play her fiancée. Little do they know he is a high class member of society and he was on his way to leave the country because of a secret.
• The beginning of the book dragged for me but the middle / end was amazing! The synopsis made it seem like he had amnesia, but he knew from the start who he was and they were all lying to each other which I found annoying🙄 he pretended he was confused, they pretended he was a sea captain and the heroines fiancée. Also, I feel like Chase’s “secret” was overly exaggerated throughout the book and then it fell flat in the end.
• I also did not understand the “magical” aspect of the story with the family talisman ring. Whoever has the ring will find their one true love. I feel like we could have done without that 😬
Overall the romance was adorable! I loved watching the hero have major character development going from a rich snob to a hard working low class farm hand. Adorable couple.❤️
📖Tropes: farm setting, fake fiancée, amnesia, wealthy hero, family, smart heroine, bantering couple
🌳☀️🧔🏻♂️🐑💍👩🏼🏡🚜🌾
A women and her family are in financial debt and have created a fake fiancée to keep the bank at bay. One day they stumble upon a hurt man and decide he is the perfect person to play her fiancée. Little do they know he is a high class member of society and he was on his way to leave the country because of a secret.
• The beginning of the book dragged for me but the middle / end was amazing! The synopsis made it seem like he had amnesia, but he knew from the start who he was and they were all lying to each other which I found annoying🙄 he pretended he was confused, they pretended he was a sea captain and the heroines fiancée. Also, I feel like Chase’s “secret” was overly exaggerated throughout the book and then it fell flat in the end.
• I also did not understand the “magical” aspect of the story with the family talisman ring. Whoever has the ring will find their one true love. I feel like we could have done without that 😬
Overall the romance was adorable! I loved watching the hero have major character development going from a rich snob to a hard working low class farm hand. Adorable couple.❤️
📖Tropes: farm setting, fake fiancée, amnesia, wealthy hero, family, smart heroine, bantering couple
August 23, 2022
I really like the Talisman Ring series. The ring apparently has magical properties for the men of the wealthy St. John family. Whoever ‘gets’ the ring, bestowed cunningly by another is destined to meet the love of his life. Several members of the family have been felled. Now Chase St. John has inherited the ring but he actually has bigger problems. He accidentally hit a woman while driving drunk, and is pretty sure he killed her. Disgusted with himself, he flees London intending to leave England and spare his family a scandal. Unfortunately, Chase is set upon by robbers and left in the road. Fortunately, Harriet Ward comes upon him and is able to return with him to her home where he can receive care.
The Wards have a lovely home and farm, though a bit run down. After their father died, they have been struggling. Naturally, it becomes necessary for Chase, now masquerading as a sea captain, to stay and help.
I absolutely love Harriet, and of course Chase is the perfect man for her. It’s an enjoyable romp with plenty of heart and wit.
The Wards have a lovely home and farm, though a bit run down. After their father died, they have been struggling. Naturally, it becomes necessary for Chase, now masquerading as a sea captain, to stay and help.
I absolutely love Harriet, and of course Chase is the perfect man for her. It’s an enjoyable romp with plenty of heart and wit.
December 2, 2017
If you're in the mood for some romance this is the book for you! Okay it's predictable in that you've got your young plain feisty heroine & your rich handsome hero but who cares?
Harriet is in desperate need of a fiance & as luck would have it Chase St. John enters her life after being attacked - seemingly with amnesia. When he recovers from his accident he finds himself playing the role of Captain Frakenham even though he knows Harriet is lying to him about his identity. Of course, as the two spend more & more time together.....
All in all, this book was a pleasant way to spend a few hours. I'm presuming (& hoping!) there's more in this series as there are a number of St John brothers...let's hope so!
Harriet is in desperate need of a fiance & as luck would have it Chase St. John enters her life after being attacked - seemingly with amnesia. When he recovers from his accident he finds himself playing the role of Captain Frakenham even though he knows Harriet is lying to him about his identity. Of course, as the two spend more & more time together.....
All in all, this book was a pleasant way to spend a few hours. I'm presuming (& hoping!) there's more in this series as there are a number of St John brothers...let's hope so!
May 7, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
This book was literally made with eldest daughters in mind!
Loved the romance and the characters and the fact that Karen toppled the amnesia trope on its head and did something different with it!
I will say that the action and goofiness did happen off page a lot of the drama to do with the main characters life outside the relationship was forced on other characters and we didn’t really see what happened with the “big bads” other than when they appeared at the end and the story was finishing up so it did feel anticlimactic in that sense.
I’m intrigued with Devon’s story so I’ll definitely be reading his and I might go back and read the previous books but this can totally be read as a standalone I didn’t feel like I was missing anything from previous books!
This book was literally made with eldest daughters in mind!
Loved the romance and the characters and the fact that Karen toppled the amnesia trope on its head and did something different with it!
I will say that the action and goofiness did happen off page a lot of the drama to do with the main characters life outside the relationship was forced on other characters and we didn’t really see what happened with the “big bads” other than when they appeared at the end and the story was finishing up so it did feel anticlimactic in that sense.
I’m intrigued with Devon’s story so I’ll definitely be reading his and I might go back and read the previous books but this can totally be read as a standalone I didn’t feel like I was missing anything from previous books!
August 4, 2021
Finally!!! Finally I got around to a good Karen Hawkins book. I read the first book in this series and it was fantastic! The second one was a disappointment and her other books were equally a let down. I had almost given up on this author. But this book was great. I loved it. I enjoyed it. I had fun with it. It was sweet and funny and filled with great characters. I love the St. John clan and now the Ward family has joined with their eccentric nature and deep family bond. This book was testily amazing! And yes, I loved Chase.
April 9, 2018
Rating 6 of 7
Yeah, Chase, great idea, run of your problems they'll definitely disappear - but honestly, who can blame him?
I really liked that there wasn't a huge problem when she realised he was lying cause honestly she was too (yeah, her mother's idea but) and it would really piss me off if she overreact in that moment.
Yeah, Chase, great idea, run of your problems they'll definitely disappear - but honestly, who can blame him?
I really liked that there wasn't a huge problem when she realised he was lying cause honestly she was too (yeah, her mother's idea but) and it would really piss me off if she overreact in that moment.
July 30, 2021
On the whole, one of my favorites. So much in the storytelling to appreciate. Lessons are learned. Hearts are changed. Family is centerstage. Manipulations, intrigue, deceptions, hard work, humor and more humor. Respect is acquired, love grows. Healthy boundaries are developed. The villains are foiled in the end. And our hero and heroine are just right.
February 11, 2025
This book was …. Just not good. Harriet was annoying and rude, and her and Chase’s love story was immature and underdeveloped. I skimmed the last 25% because I had zero investment at that point in how things would end.
December 5, 2017
letto a metà, tanto noioso da non credere.
August 31, 2017
Rated 3.5
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