Karen Hawkins
Personal Information
Description
Karen Hawkins writes. Full-time. At her home in Orlando, FL. Sitting on a lounge chair on her lanai. While drinking diet coke. And watching HGTV. In the nude. Ok, ok. She’s kidding about the ‘in the nude’ part, but the rest of it is true. A New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of over 20 humorous historical and contemporary romance novels, Karen doesn’t have time for ‘friends’, although she’s been known to haunt the yards of a few, select well known actors, particularly a sexy Australian with the initials H.J. Fortunately, the two actors who filed injunctions against Karen don’t live in her home state so she’s free to travel within the borders of Florida and can, with permission of the court, even visit Southern Georgia and 3/4ths of the state of Tennessee. For now. Several years ago, Karen married a handsome cop she met while researching her first contemporary romance novel, Talk of the Talk. Her husband, aka Hot Cop, has turned into an exemplary Writer’s Husband. He has learned to ‘talk writing,’ knows the fastest routes to all of the major mail carriers, and can tell the difference between an erasable colored pencil and a regular one. He also knows not to ask for meals during Deadline Dementia Week. Like all good Writer’s Husbands, Hot Cop has learned the value of a good glass of Merlot during dreaded Release Week. When not at home working her fingers to the bone, Karen frequently visits her two grown children who attend college in Knoxville, TN, doing what she can to remind them that they would not be walking this earth without her and that they must wash behind their ears every single day of their life or something very, very bad could happen to the world. They, naturally, look forward to her visits with great excitement. An award-winning author, Karen is working alternately on two series – her historical Hurst Amulet series set in Regency-era Scotland and her contemporary Glory, NC series, which combines the best of the romance genre with the best of the mystery genre. (From the Author's web-site.)
Books
Talk of the town
She's about to give everyone something to talk about!Nothing can put a damper on a wedding day quite like discovering your Mr. Right is Mr. Totally Beyond Wrong, which is why Kelly Atwood knocks him flat and boards a bus to a tiny Washington town. What Kelly doesn't know is that she's accidentally taken off with a suitcase full of lots of money and now some unsavory characters are determined to get it back.The townsfolk are unperturbed by the gorgeous outsider -- even if her skirts are too short and her hair is too big. In fact, the local busybodies are already trying to match her up with blue-eyed local hero -- upright attorney Sam Grayson.One look at Kelly, and Sam gets hot around his too-tight collar. This runaway bride is definitely disturbing his peace, and he's got enough problems. But now big trouble is heading to Paradise, right on Kelly's stiletto heels -- and passion may temporarily have to take a back seat to a more pressing pursuit -- running for her life.
The Laird Who Loved Me
Handsome Alexander MacLean enjoyed his intoxicating flirtation with lovely Caitlyn Hurst...until she embarrassed him in front of the entire ton. Orchestrating Caitlyn's attendance at a fashionable house party, Alexander plots her downfall. But to his fury, her charm and wit thwart his plan to ruin her. Her disastrous London season left Caitlyn filled with regret and determined to make things right with Alexander. She's delighted to find him at the house party to which she's unexpectedly invited—but it's clear that the sexy, arrogant Highlander hasn't forgiven her. So Caitlyn comes up with a bold scheme, proposing an unusual contest drawn from legend: each must complete a set of "mythic" tasks. If Caitlyn succeeds, Alexander promises to relent and forgive her previous rash behavior; if he succeeds, she will join him in his bed! But can Caitlyn force Alexander to give up his quest for vengeance without giving up her heart in return?
What Happens under the Mistletoe
And the Bride Wore Plaid
Karen Hawkins brings us a clever Scottish-set fairytale romance – including a Snow White–type heroine, complete with seven brawny Scotsmen for apprentices. Devon St John has never had a problem in his life – until now. Born to wealth and privilege, surrounded by a warm and loving family, he has pursued a life of leisure, chasing the most beautiful women London has to offer. All told, he has the perfect life and no intentions of ever settling down in any shape, form or fashion. So resolved, he heads to his friend’s Scottish castle, unaware that fate is already hard at work.As the illegitimate half-sister to Viscount Strathmore, Melody Macdonald refuses to reside under his roof and instead lives in a thatched house on the edge of the forest that borders Strathmore Castle. Ever since she ran off at the tender age of twelve to become an apprentice to a master of stained glass, Melody has been deplorably independent and wild. When Devon arrives at Strathmore Castle, he is taken aback by the rude, overbearing, illegitimate Scotswoman who refuses even to pretend to possess any feminine wiles. But Devon is determined to teach the strong-willed Melody a lesson in love ...
A most dangerous profession
Mysterious, elusive, unforgettable. The Hurst Amulet continues to lure lovers into peril as New York Times bestselling author Karen Hawkins spins her newest scintillating tale of danger and desire. AN ENTRANCING THIEF For beautiful, seductive Moira MacAllister, the stakes have become terrifyingly high. Her daughter has been abducted and a priceless ancient relic is the ransom. Moira must acquire it at any cost, even if it means confronting the man she once duped and left, a man who still doesn’t know she has a child . . . and that he is the father. A DASHING RAKEHELL Robert Hurst, an operative in the king’s service, has never forgiven the mysterious spy who seduced him into marriage and then disappeared without a trace. Now, as he pursues the onyx box that will save his brother’s life, their paths cross again. But Robert isn’t sure which he longs for more—to satisfy his lust for revenge or to quench his relentless hunger for this bewitching woman. A PERILOUS MISSION When Moira reveals to Robert her long-kept secret, however, he realizes his burning desires must wait as a treacherous foe closes in, threatening all they hold dear . . . and their second chance at love.
Mad for the plaid
"Prince Nikolai Romanovin is furious when his grandmother is abducted on a visit to an old friend in the Scottish Highlands. Determined to avoid an international incident, Nik plans to quietly rescue his grandmother by slipping into enemy territory disguised as a groom. But his plans go awry when he falls under the cool gray gaze of the laird's daughter... and she instantly realizes he's not who he pretends to be. Lady Ailsa Mackenzie may be plain of looks, but she has more than her fair share of wits. And for the honor of her clan, she demands to assist in the rescue. Together, Ailsa and Nik must free his grandmother from danger, while facing the growing demands of their own unruly hearts."-- back cover.
Confessions of a scoundrel
Legend says that whomever possesses the St. John talisman ring will find their one true love. Now that the ring rests in the pocket of renowned scoundrel Brandon St. John, the dashing rake must decide whether it is a blessing ... or a curse.Never has the irresistible rogue, Brandon St. John, pursued a woman with more fervor -- but his ardent suit of Lady Verena Westforth has a different purpose. The delectable blond lovely is indeed enticing, but Brandon suspects her of hiding a valuable missive that he has sworn to recover. With a sensuous kiss and a passionate caress he intends to lower Verena's guard ... and then discover where she's hidden "the goods."Without the missive, Verena stands to lose the one thing dearest to her heart. And now an extraordinary man has entered her life ... at the worst possible time! Vulnerable though she may be, Verena vows she will not be just another of Brandon's "conquests," even as she aches to melt in his arms. But is he a needed friend or a foe in alluring disguise ... and will she be able to prove to him that love is their true destiny?
Lady Whistledown Strikes Back
Who Stole Lady Neeley's Bracelet?Was it the fortune hunter, the gambler, the servant, or the rogue? All of London is abuzz with speculation, but it is clear that one of four couples is connected to the crime.Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, May 1816Julia Quinn enchants: A dashing fortune hunter is captivated by the Season's most desired debutante...and must prove he is out to steal the lady's heart, not her dowry.Suzanne Enoch tantalizes: An innocent miss who has spent her life scrupulously avoiding scandal is suddenly -- and secretly -- courted by London's most notorious rogue.Karen Hawkins seduces: A roving viscount comes home to rekindle the passionate fires of his marriage...only to discover that his beautiful, headstrong bride will not be so easily won.Mia Ryan delights: A lovely, free-spirited servant is dazzled by the romantic attentions of a charming earl...sparking a scandalous affair that could ruin them both.You'll hear it first from Lady Whistledown
Splish Splash, Splish Splash
Young Fiona loves to play outside. She rolls down the hills, plays leapfrog with bushes – and falls right into the middle of one – then joins a baseball game with the gang and finishes with a game of leaf tag. Of course, while engaging in all of these activities, she tends to get very dirty indeed – and the one thing she dislikes most in the world is taking a bath! Every time her grandmother tries to coax her into a bath, she runs away and hides in the gully where Grandma can’t find her. Finally one day Grandma is successful at catching up with Fiona and takes her home to a big surprise – a tub full of bubbles, and Fiona soon discovers that taking a bubble bath is just as much fun as getting dirty!
The Prince Who Loved Me
Determined to foil his grandmother's matchmaking attempts, Prince Aleksey Romanovin sets his sights on unsuitable Bronwyn Murdoch who, much to his chagrin, turns his game upside down as she sets out to prove that an ordinary woman can bring a prince to his knees. "Prince Alexsey Romanovin enjoys his carefree life, flirting--and more--with every lovely lady who crosses his path. But when the interfering Grand Duchess Natasha decides it's time for her grandson to wed, Alexsey finds himself in Scotland, determined to foil her plans. Brainy, bookish, and bespectacled, Bronwyn Murdoch seems the perfect answer--she isn't at all to the duchess's taste. Living at the beck and call of her ambitious stepmother and social butterfly stepsisters, Bronwyn has little time for a handsome flirt--no matter how intoxicating his kisses are. After all, no spoiled, arrogant prince would seriously be interested in a firm-minded female like herself. So ... wouldn't it be fun to turn his 'game' upside down and prove that an ordinary woman can bring a prince to his knees?"--from cover, page .
How To Abduct A Highland Lord
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…
Bicycle Touring In Europe
Offers guidelines on equipment and accommodations for tourists interested in traveling through Europe on bicycles and presents suggested tours and listings of organizations to help insure a pleasant trip.
Lois Lane Tells All
She thinks she's Lois Lane... Susan Collins always wanted to be a hard-hitting reporter, but there's not much call for her talents in sleepy Glory, North Carolina. Then the Murder Mystery Club--a trio of enterprising octogenarians--decides to open their own CSI lab at the assisted-living center. And when strange accidents begin to happen around town, Susan senses she could be on to the news story of her dreams. He doesn't want to be her Superman... Mark Tremayne has returned to Glory to take over as CFO of The Glory Examiner. His job is to keep the newspaper profitable, which means covering the annual Baptist Church Bake-Off and selling ads for the county fair--not allowing his too-sexy-for-her-own-good reporter to hare off after a wild story that could alienate some of the townspeople. Together ... they're Kryptonite... Mark's and Susan's viewpoints could be from different planets, but their mutual attraction is in total alignment. Despite their arguments, the indomitable redhead and the hot accountant are a sexual explosion waiting to happen. And when it does, Glory had better watch out.
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 househol... 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. Can Prudence tame the rakish captain? Or will Tristan gain what he most wishes, to become...
To Catch A Highlander
When her father gambles away the family estate to darkly dangerous Lord Dougal MacLean, Sophia MacFarlane is determined to use her wiles to regain it. Forced to stake the one thing she has left—her virtue—she desperately hopes her skill can limit her losses to a few kisses…no matter how hotly tempting Dougal turns out to be. Dougal MacLean knows that Sophia has some trick up her sleeve, but he can’t resist the challenge—or her ravishing beauty. SO when she proposes a card game with most unusual stakes, Dougal is delighted to accept. But as the game ends, Dougal and Sophia discover they’ve wagered something even more precious—their hearts. (From the Author's web-site.)
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.
Her officer and gentleman
No ordinary highwayman... A mere whisper of the name "Gentleman James" sends chills throughout the ton (and thrills the ladies who have heard rumors of his amorous exploits). But the dashing brigand never dreamed that the passing of the father he never knew would leave him with a title, a fortune...and a mission. No predictable lady... Considered unmarriageable at twenty-five, Lady Elizabeth has the perfect life, happily snuggled among her beloved books while caring for her curmudgeonly grandfather. Or so she thinks until she meets Christian Llevanth, the dark and mysterious Viscount Westerville, and discovers the delicious ache of desire. Elizabeth finds herself longing for more -- more romance, more excitement, and definitely more passion. But when does "more" become "too much"?