Mad for the Plaid
Authors: Karen Hawkins
PRAISE FOR THE PRINCES OF OXENBURG SERIES
THE PRINCE AND I
“Another fairy-tale romance that demonstrates Hawkins's talent for sharp repartee, clever plotting, memorable characterization, and sizzling sexual tension.”
â
RT Book Reviews
(4â
1
/
2
stars)
“Completely captivating, wonderfully written, and ripe with romance with a legend so captivating you'll believe every word.”
â
Romance Junkies
“Beautifully written and filled to the brim with that famous Karen Hawkins charm,
The Prince and I
is a darn right exhilarating and adventurous read!”
â
Love Life and Books
“
The Prince and I
is a Robin Hoodâthemed romance that will keep you entertained and entranced. Karen Hawkins will charm you with this story!”
â
Addicted to Romance
(5 stars)
THE PRINCE WHO LOVED ME
A
Publishers Weekly
Book to Watch for 2014!
“Hawkins puts her unique stamp on Cinderella in a tale that shines with humor, sparkling dialogue, and plenty of sexual tension.”
â
RT Book Reviews
(4
1
/
2
stars, Top Pick)
“This is the funniest and most satisfying Hawkins book yet! A clever retelling of Cinderella!”
â
Romance and More
PRAISE FOR THE DUCHESS DIARIES SERIES
HOW TO ENTICE AN ENCHANTRESS
“This fairy tale gone awry is just different enough, just quirky enough, and just wonderful enough to have readers sighing with pleasure.”
â
RT Book Reviews
(4
1
/
2
stars)
“Doesn't disappoint on any level. There's heat, humor, misunderstandings, and, finally, love.”
â
Tampa Bay Books Examiner
(5 stars)
HOW TO PURSUE A PRINCESS
“Sparking, witty repartee and heart-tugging emotions. With a wonderful romantic story, this book is pure, unadulterated Hawkins.”
â
RT Book Reviews
(4
1
/
2
stars, Top Pick)
“Incredibly witty and sweet with the kind of fairy-tale charm that cannot help but remind us of our own childhood dreams of handsome princes and happily ever after.”
â
Novels Alive.TV
HOW TO CAPTURE A COUNTESS
“A delightful, sprightly romp is what Hawkins does best, and when she sets her witty tale in Scotland and adds a charming castle and an engaging cast of characters, readers have the beginning of an appealing new series.”
â
RT Book Reviews
(4 stars)
“A beautifully written romance filled with passion, zest, and humor.”
â
Addicted to Romance
PRINCESS IN DISGUISE
“Karen Hawkins delivers warmth, humor, romance, and a touch of heartache. . . . A great story to curl up with on a cold winter's eve.”
â
Joyfully Reviewed
“Karen Hawkins has . . . appealing characters, an eye for detail, a talent for bringing historical events from the past to life, and wickedly entertaining plots.”
â
Romance Junkies
PRAISE FOR THE HURST AMULET SERIES
“Delightfully humorous, poignant, and satisfying. . . . Memorable characters, witty and humorous dialogue, and sizzling sensuality.”
â
RT Book Reviews
(4
1
/
2
stars, Top Pick)
“An entertaining romantic battle of wits.”
â
Chicago Tribune
“A lively romp.”
â
Booklist
“Charming and witty.”
â
Publishers Weekly
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To Hot Cop, who instinctively recognizes when I need hugs, a laugh, or a cup of coffee.
You know what I'm like without those, and love me anyway.
Thank you.
Many thanks to my soon-to-be-retired editor, Micki Nuding, who found me in her slush pile one fateful day in 1998. I still remember where I was at the exact moment she called to say she'd read my submission and loved it. (FYI: I was standing in a pile of dirty laundryâit wasn't pretty.)
It's been a long, fun, rewarding ride and I'm so, so grateful for all the time, effort, and care you put into my books over the years. Micki, I'm going to miss you!
Prologue
To: His Royal Highness
Prince Nikolai Romanovin of Oxenburg
Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh
Your Highness,
As you may recall, two weeks ago you escorted the Grand Duchess Natasha Nikolaevna to Castle Leod for her visit with my grandmother, the Dowager Countess Cromartie. I'm sorry we did not have the opportunity to meet, but that is not surprising, as I was informed you stayed less than ten minutes.
Soon after you left, your grandmother discovered her black leather travel case was not with her trunks. Her Grace assures me it is quite important and that she must have it with all possible haste and thus requests that you send it at your earliest convenience.
Yours sincerely,
Lady Ailsa Mackenzie
September 12, 1824
To: Lady Ailsa Mackenzie
Castle Leod
Lady Ailsa:
Pray inform my grandmother that the “case” to which she refers is actually a very large and heavy trunk and would take well over a fortnight to ship, by which time her visit will be over. She can do without it.
HRH Nikolai of Oxenburg
September 21, 1824
To: His Royal Highness
Prince Nikolai Romanovin of Oxenburg
Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh
Your Highness,
Once again I am writing on behalf of your grandmother the Grand Duchess Nikolaevna. Her Grace requests (again) that you send her black leather case which contains her favorite lotions as soon as possible (again), for she has great need of them (still). As she has decided to stay another month and perhaps longer, there is now plenty of time to have the case (or trunk, if you insist) delivered.
Yours sincerely,
Lady Ailsa Mackenzie
October 2, 1824
To: Lady Ailsa Mackenzie
Castle Leod
Lady Ailsa: