Joan W. (justreadingabook) reviewed The Taming of a Scottish Princess (Hurst Amulet, Bk 4) on + 1711 more book reviews
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Fun stuff. Jane was witty, sassy and confident, making her a great main character. Michael was the typical guy-oblivious of things around him. Lots of mystery, tension, suspense and coming into your own. Great pace! Fun series.
Brekke K. (sfvamp) -
This is my first Karen Hawkins novel and, based on my reaction to this novel, I'll likely read more of her books when I need something fluffy to read. What drew me to purchase this book on a whim was that it was an historical novel with an Egyptologist and his equally intelligent assistant as the main protagonists. Unfortunately there wasn't a lot of actual Egyptology in this book unless one counts the pervasive, "By Ra!" exclamations by Jane and Michael. But, despite this failing, it does have a cuteness, readability, pace, and witty characterization that makes this a fun book to read. Jane is one of those rare historical romance heroines who is not just feisty, but capable, intelligent, and witty to boot. She doesn't need to be rescued thank you very much. Most heroines of the romance genre, while perfectly capable in their own niche, wouldn't stand out as a character in any other genre. There is something about Jane that makes me want to read about her and Michael's adventures more than their romance (not that the romance is bad). She'd be a fascinating character in any kind of book.
The romance is unique in that our characters know each other really well already and have been working alongside one another for four years without realizing how much they cared for each other. It's only at the beginning of the book that inconvenient feelings come up. I typically don't go for this kind of romance because it is so easy for the author to cheat us readers out of a true understanding of how or why these characters should belong together. Sometimes these books end up with declarations of love before the reader feels it's warranted because the author just relies on us accepting that they know each other and they don't have to put any work into their suddenly loving each other. This is where Hawkins really excels in writing. From the very first exchange between Michael and Jane it was clear that they had an awesome relationship and that neither one truly understood how much they relied and cared for each other. So when they kissed it felt both surprising and natural. Plus there was an underlying friendship and respect in their interactions so that it wasn't just the two of them being sexually aware of each other. They started the book as equals and maintained that equality throughout the book even as they became lovers. Michael didn't become all alpha He-Man and Jane didn't become a wilting flower to be rescued. I really, really appreciated that.
I have one big caveat about this book. Namely, that for experienced explorers, Michael and Jane have a horrible tendency to tell *everyone* about looking for the amulet, how valuable it is, and where they are going to look for it. I'd get it if they told a couple of really trustworthy souls, but Jane even tells her obviously ne'er do well uncle these secrets, so that the author can create a perilous situation from which our heroes can come out victorious. I'd prefer if the author had found a less dunderheaded way for the bad guy to sabotage them so that it didn't grate on my otherwise impeccable view of Jane.
Despite this flaw, the book is still a worthwhile beach read and I'll pick up other books by the author when I need something fluffy and fun to read.
The romance is unique in that our characters know each other really well already and have been working alongside one another for four years without realizing how much they cared for each other. It's only at the beginning of the book that inconvenient feelings come up. I typically don't go for this kind of romance because it is so easy for the author to cheat us readers out of a true understanding of how or why these characters should belong together. Sometimes these books end up with declarations of love before the reader feels it's warranted because the author just relies on us accepting that they know each other and they don't have to put any work into their suddenly loving each other. This is where Hawkins really excels in writing. From the very first exchange between Michael and Jane it was clear that they had an awesome relationship and that neither one truly understood how much they relied and cared for each other. So when they kissed it felt both surprising and natural. Plus there was an underlying friendship and respect in their interactions so that it wasn't just the two of them being sexually aware of each other. They started the book as equals and maintained that equality throughout the book even as they became lovers. Michael didn't become all alpha He-Man and Jane didn't become a wilting flower to be rescued. I really, really appreciated that.
I have one big caveat about this book. Namely, that for experienced explorers, Michael and Jane have a horrible tendency to tell *everyone* about looking for the amulet, how valuable it is, and where they are going to look for it. I'd get it if they told a couple of really trustworthy souls, but Jane even tells her obviously ne'er do well uncle these secrets, so that the author can create a perilous situation from which our heroes can come out victorious. I'd prefer if the author had found a less dunderheaded way for the bad guy to sabotage them so that it didn't grate on my otherwise impeccable view of Jane.
Despite this flaw, the book is still a worthwhile beach read and I'll pick up other books by the author when I need something fluffy and fun to read.
