I tried hard to finish this one but I found the way the author wrote the hero's dialogue off-putting. I ended up quitting at the 40% mark. I haven't read historicals in a while, and this reminded me why.

This was a sweet and sad book. To have lost your sister who was more like a mother to you and learn that her will requires you to marry in order to keep your inheritance would suck. Who wants to marry within 3 months of your sister's death?
Connor knows just who he'll marry! His longtime friend Thea! She'll be no trouble at ALL and won't mind him being at sea as long as she has a home to manage. HA HA! Such a poor, misguided man!

He finds her eloping with another man and chases off after her. And thus ensues a hilariously funny road trip romance!
Connor and Thea were perfect together! Loved the commentary between them!

I'm excited to read the other 2.. possibly 3 books?? The Duke will need to marry for his son right?

I like Connor and Thea overall. Thea decides to elope with a Baron for a different life but her brothers friend Connor puts roadblocks in the way to stop the elopement.. Thea had loved Connor a long time and finally gave up to marry someone else. Connor has to marry in a short time to keep an inherentance and thinks Thea will be a biddable wife. He really did not know Thea. Along the way Connor puts ideas in the Baron's head to highlight how the match won't work. The book could have had a little more of those funny K.Hawkins one liners that I like. Thea also did not come across as a spinster just an older debutante. Thanks for a fun read

I enjoyed this story for its dialogue and moments of levity. I disliked the light historical details, its dependence on tropes, and the frustrating long time it takes for characters to actually admit to things.

2.75 Stars

First off, I'm a long time reader of the author's books and most often than not liking or even loving her stories. That saying, I just have hard time liking the characters on this book, which sadly led to me having a hard time liking this first entry to the new series.

Don't get me wrong, the author's writing is exceptional as always. But Conner and Theodora just push the wrong button for me. And boy, are they trying my patience.

The hero and heroine are supposedly good friends who know one another well. It's really hard to believe that, reading their story. To me Theodora is rather bourgeois and keen on scapegoating others. I get that at that time period young ladies were not encouraged to chase after gentlemen, but it's not like they're uncommon theme either; with the marriage mart etc. So, blaming Conner for never got attracted to her whilst she didn't actually do ANYTHING to draw that attention?? No sympathy from me, my dear. I don't blame her on eloping, but mulling over inadequate facilities and comparing the comfort her supposed fiancé provides versus that of the man of the dream? Materialistic much? You are eloping, for crying out loud - it's bound to be scant and paltry!


As for Conner, said Mr. Oblivious - these heroes tend to start that way, don't they - who runs after the heroine due to his personal gain. The series of duplicities he planed and plied at Thea really don't endear him to me. That he focus more on comfort - as in the more material side of approach - is another flaw. Now, I'm all for redeemed rake and such. Conner even has reasons for his wanderlust. But overall he's just not endearing enough for me.

Alternate POVs that allow readers into MC's inner thought usually help me to understand them better. Alas, that doesn't work this time as - instead - I get more upset and losing patience with Conner and Theodora instead.

The saving grace of the story are the fascinating side characters, from Conner's ship crew to unwelcome additions to Conner and Theodora's "unconventional" courtship. They make the story bearable for me.

I just hope I can enjoy the next installment more than I do this one.

Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the First book in Karen Hawkin’s brand new series. This had me captivated from the very first word to the last. -Barb Massabrook of Tartan Book Reviews Https://m.facebook.com/groups/822500177761045


Book: Caught By the Scot
By Karen Hawkins

Release Date: September 26, 2017

Series: Made to Marry, Book #1

Reviewed by: Barb Massabrook of
Tartan Book Reviews
Purple Tulip Book Reviews
Celtic Barb’s Tartan Book Review Blog

Heat Rating:🔥

Overall Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sadly the Duke of Hamilton wife Anna dies in childbirth. She was a beloved sister and surrogate mother to her three brothers. Anna’s dying wish is for her husband to find wives for her three bachelor brothers. The short time-line is to find them mates for life in three months. If they do not agree they forfeit and lose their inheritance.

The hero of this book is Conner Douglas, Anna’s middle brother. Conner is furious he is being forced into an unwanted marriage. Then he realizes not much of his life has to change just because he's married. He will still be able to carry on with the married women of the ton. As this is accepted behavior for married men. A wife who will turn the other cheek for his indiscretions. What Conner needs is a mousie biddable wife and he knows just the lady!

Conner heads to a childhood acquaintance now a spinster, English woman, Theodora “Thea” Cumberbatch-Snowe. Yet when he goes to get her he finds out she's run off to marry a local farmer! Conner being egotistical and thinking Thea is a sure thing is running late and has a month to secure this marriage. He thought he didn't have to rush and she would be available, willing, able and would feel like the luckiest woman in the world to be his wife! As if he is the man of her dreams. Well he wasn't about to let this perfect opportunity to obtain the perfect, biddable, wife getaway!

What Conner doesn't realize is Thea has been in love with him for years. She knows Conner doesn't think of her anything more than a distant friend. Tired of waiting she decides to marry someone else. hoping it will be a good match. She doesn't expect to find the man of her dreams charging after her!

Again Karen Hawkins pen another delightful tale from start to finish. I have been reading Karen’s novels for years and they always are captivating and breathtaking. Books that are unforgettable with all the element historical romance readers love! Caught by the Scot is no different. I absolutely loved this charming read it made me laugh and also made me cry. It brought so many emotions out of me and I could never put it down. A book I highly recommend that any romance reader does not want to miss.

I received this book from Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books, publishers for a fair and honest review. I voluntarily agreed to read, review, blog and promote through netgalley. All words, ideas and thoughts are my own.

Caught by the Scot (Made to Marry): Karen Hawkins ... - Amazon.com

https://www.amazon.com/Caught-Scot-Marry-Karen-Hawkins/dp/1476786038

Karen Hawkins has always been my go-to author when I’m in the mood for a Scot. Caught by the Scot is book one in her new series Made to Marry. It had some spectacular parts and some parts that fell flat, but was an enjoyable read overall.

Conner Douglas needs to find a wife in four months’ time or his inheritance goes to a rival family. He has just the woman in mind—his best friend’s little sister, Theodora.

Theo has been in love with Conner for years, but she’s nothing more than a sister to him. She decides to marry elsewhere and go on an adventure to Gretna Green. She doesn’t expect to find Conner along for the ride.

I enjoyed these two together. Ms. Hawkins has a delightful knack for dialogue and playful banter. The barbs are laced with tension and these two fighting with words was such fun to watch. There’s an elopement gone wrong, friends-to-lovers, and hijinks and mayhem galore. The secondary cast really rounded out the story.

That said, there was a little too much focus on the secondary cast and it detracted from the main romance itself. Conner and Theo didn’t have the chance to really sit down and get to know each other. By the end, I just felt a bit frustrated with them.

I'm really looking forward to more in this series. Our Conner has some brothers, and I can't wait for their stories.

3.5 stars!

I loved this story. As the secondary characters started arriving I could see matches being made! Theo and Conner were perfectly matched in their personalities and watching him fall in love with her was a delight. This was an amazing friends to lovers story and I can't wait to read his brothers stories as well! I also hope we see a bit more of Alice!!!

An Elopement Goes Wrong.
This is the first book I have read by this author and I can't believe I've never come across her writing before. I loved the humour; one passage that tickled me was after Thea had been a little unladylike: "Theodora!" Lance couldn't have sounded more shocked if she'd announced she'd killed her own brother with a dinner knife and had found the experience invigorating.
I'm also a sucker for a friends to lovers romance which was what this was and it made a pleasant change for a Regency romance not to be littered with dukes and earls (with the exception of the first chapter).
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

Title and author: Caught by the Scot by Karen Hawkins
Series: Made to Marry - Book 1
Publisher: Pocket Books
Releases: September 26, 2017
Purchase: http://tinyurl.com/ycgabc8q
Genre: Historical
Author website: http://www.karenhawkins.com/
Rating: 4 Stars

The Made to Marry series begins with a delightfully interesting novel filled with desperate plotting and lots of humor. What Conner Douglas thought would be an easy answer to an unexpected problem ends up having him devise one inventive plan after another in order to hopefully marry Theodora Cumberbatch-Snowe. He had believed this particular female would be easily persuaded to do his bidding, but it quickly becomes apparent that is not the case. From the moment these two longtime friends meet up, sexual longing increases the tension between them, often to a fever pitch. There are always plenty of humorous incidents occurring to the appealing characters in a historical story by Karen Hawkins, and CAUGHT BY THE SCOT intrigues with misadventures and witty banter.

Losing a beloved relative was bad enough, but Conner Douglas is downright angry upon hearing the terms of this person’s will. What he should inherit is to be given away if he does not wed within a certain number of months. While he could find a woman willing to be his wife, his intended must also be accepted in society. Though most of his female acquaintances are not well-regarded, Conner does know of one woman who would meet the stipulations that he must follow.

Although Theodora Cumberbatch-Snowe may seem to be shy and reserved, she is actually much more spirited than Conner thinks. While there was a time when she would definitely have married him if asked, the Scotsman has waited too long and now she is set to marry another man because she is ready for a change. But when Conner shows up with a surprising proposal, Theodora will have much to think over before her final answer is given.

When I started the book, I wondered how the author would handle the theme of the story where a man is forced to marry or suffer harsh consequences. Conner is shrewd when it comes to carrying out dealings as a privateer, and any relationships with women are for the sole purpose of gratification. He even thinks that having a wife will not truly change how he lives, and I enjoyed watching him come to comprehend what is really important in his life. It did take numerous unanticipated turns to make Conner realize several facts, and it was fun to see his devious mind at work as he plotted new strategies.

CAUGHT BY THE SCOT is entertainingly romantic. While love is certainly not on the mind of Conner when he uses trickery to keep Theodora from marrying another man, she has adored him for years. But this strong-willed woman wants her future to be genuinely happy, and she now understands that a sea-loving privateer cannot ever bring her lasting joy. The couple have much going against them of ever being together, and I was not certain on more than a few occasions if their differences could ever be worked out. When Conner and Theodora have discussions, their sharp wit is evident when cleverly worded comebacks are delivered. There are also some other characters whose remarks are very amusing. Karen Hawkins always manages to create scenes which leave me laughing and wanting more.

I voluntarily reviewed the book from the publisher, and all comments are my honest opinion

This is a fair and honest review in return for this ARC. Oh yes, please....This read made me dream about being caught by this Scot!! And it will make you do the same.

Publisher's Description:

New York Times bestselling author Karen Hawkins is back with a brand-new, sizzling series featuring three unforgettable, untamed brothers who must marry or risk losing their inheritance.

Dashing Scottish privateer Conner Douglas must marry a respectable, well-born woman—and soon, if he wants to secure his rightful inheritance. Determined to still explore the high seas as well as his mistresses’ beds, he aims to find a pliable wife who’ll turn a blind eye to his antics. And he knows just the woman—childhood friend and mousy spinster Miss Theodora Cumberbatch-Snowe.

Unbeknownst to Conner, meek and plain Theodora has been hopelessly in love with him for years. But unwilling to wait forever for what will never happen, Theodora plans to wed a kind—if unexciting—local landowner, leaving behind the wild Highlander of her dreams.

Yet Conner refuses to let his perfect wife get away. He chases her to Gretna Green and is shocked to discover the real Theodora is an ardent and wildly sensual woman. Soon he realizes his passion to win her has nothing to do with securing his inheritance and everything to do with earning the love of the unforgettable woman who has vowed to leave him in her past forever. But have his wandering ways chased the woman he loves away for good? Or can Conner convince Theodora to give him one last chance before she marries the wrong man?

My Thoughts:

This is another winner from Karen Hawkins. She never fails to amaze me, even with her novellas.
Conner is a well established privateer with a true love of the sea. Marriage is the last thing on his mind but when his sister tragically dies in childbirth he finds himself in caught in a dilemma. She has requested in her will that all of her brothers marry and very soon. He, unlike his brothers, knows precisely who that lady will be.
Theodora is his best friend's younger sister. She has been in love with Conner for years but since she is certain he will never love her in return she elopes with a local squire. When Conner arrives at her home to do the unthinkable and actually ask her to marry him, he finds her gone with only a note left behind. He must stop her from marrying this other man at all costs.
This is how this convoluted and often comical story begins. This book has everything from intrigue, action and enough humor to keep us laughing.
This is a full length novel and the first in the new, Made to Marry Series. I can hardly wait for this series to continue, however this book does read well as a standalone title. There are no cliffhangers which makes me wonder who the characters, other than the other brothers, will be in the continuation of this series.
I always look forward to reading Karen's books. and try not to miss any of them.
I gave this book 5.0 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a sensual rating of 4.25 of 5.0 flames..
Although the intimate scenes are limited they can be very heated in nature.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I have read and reviewed voluntarily.

Conner Douglas’s sister has passed away and her husband the dark Duke of Hamilton enforces plans her dying wish that he make certain her three brothers marry well or their inheritance money will go to the hated Campbell clan. The Duke gives them three month to find a respectable bride or forego their inheritance. Conner knows just who he’ll choose his friend’s sister Theodora Cumberbatch-Snowe the most pliable female he knows.

Conner is so certain Theodora will joyously agree to marry him that he takes his time traveling to her house only to find she’s just left to elope with a local landowner squire to Gretna Green. Unbeknownst to Conner Theo has always loved him and has decided it’s time to move on with her life and marry someone else since all Conner will always see her is as friend. Conner isn't about to let 'the perfect wife' get away so easily so he chases after the couple to rescue Theo from making a huge mistake. What he doesn’t expect is Lance the big brawn handsome man Theo has chosen, now to just convince her Lance is the wrong husband for her. Theo knows Conner loves the sea and he’ll never change. Theo struggles with her emotions and trying to holding Conner at bay is becoming quite a challenge so her heart will not be broken and shattered again. This story has some funny moments, touching and romantic times as Conner and Theo struggle with their feelings and emotions.
This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

A new Karen Hawkins is always a treat, and I happily pushed "Caught by the Scot” to the top of my To Read stack this month. Connor Douglas and Thea Cumberbatch-Snowe are a perfectly matched couple, except for a few small items. Thea is engaged to another man, for example, and Connor plans to spend his life on the sea for another. But except for those pesky details, they are an extraordinary pair. The (literal) road to romance in this novel is amusing and entertaining.

So let me start with what I liked about this book.
1. Thea. I thought she was wonderful. She was sticking to her guns till the very end. She knew what she wanted and felt that Conner could not be the one to give it to her so she held firm and refused to give in. Good for her.
2. Everyone else but Connor. The rest of the cast was fun and quirky although Jane was a little whinny.
3. Connor. In the end he grew on me but I hated him for 90% of the book. Why did I hate Connor so much? Well now for spoilers.......


Before I get into it let me say that i am not a fan of manwhores heros but since HR is my favorite genre I have come to expect them. This book did not hit my triggers of cheating or detailed sex scenes with other women so that was good. But Connor was a definite manwhore. Ready for the spoiler? After deciding to marry Thea he goes off on a 5 week drinking and whoring binge which I may have been able to brush aside but...... then he shows up at her house to tell her he has decided to marry her with his "nether regions" exposed and a naked woman asleep in his coach. So gross. Even one of his shipmates that work for him commented that might not be the best idea. But he is so arrogant that he brushes him off and goes inside to find out that Thea has eloped with another man. So he immediately goes after her because she is his (obviously he is not hers) and catches up to her where he then kisses her. Are you serious. Have you washed the other woman from your body. Where has his mouth been. I was disgusted. If that's not bad enough he loans Thea and Lance is carriage to "help" them elope so he can sabotage the whole thing. So let me get this straight you now want the woman you want to marry (and he really wants her now that they shared a passionate kiss) to get in the carriage where you f***ed another woman two days ago. Again has this thing been cleaned? Disgusting.
I was so disgusted I couldn't get over it. It ruined the whole book for me. I kept flip flopping between not wanting Thea to find out because I don't want her hurt and wanting her to find out so she could leave his ass. The fact that he had so little respect for his "friend" and future wife really turned me off.

So while Connor did grow on me and he did have some excellent character development I can not give this more than a 2.5. This scene had no bearing on the story. It added nothing to the plot. If he had gone on his drinking and whoring binge and then left it behind and shown up clean and sober and alone I would have been fine with it and this would have been a solid 4.

It is a fun friends to lovers romance. When Connor comes to know that he has to marry within 3 months to get his inheritance, he decides that he will marry Theodora his best friend's mousy spinster sister. But when he arrives at their house he discovers that she has eloped with a squire. What follows is a wonderful trip with lots of fun and interesting secondary characters. If you overlook the fact that Theodara's parents and brothers does not follow her to Gretna Green then you can enjoy the book

How could you not love Conner? He is thoughtful and generous. He is also bossy and stubborn and he needs to marry a respectable woman. Either that or his inheritance will go to his enemy. He knows the perfect woman. He has known Thea for years and just knows she will marry him without any problems. Wrong! Thea is on her way to Gretna Green to marry a squire. How could she do that to him? When he catches up with them, he knows that Thea is the only one for him, but she refuses to leave the squire and marry him. How will he convince stubborn Thea that she is meant to be with him? She would never be happy with the squire. He won't give up the sea and she wants a marriage with her husband at home and she knows that will not happen with Conner. What are they to do?

The plot:
A sister and three brothers lost their parents. The sister is older and basically raises the three boys. She frets and worries about how wild they are and fears they are wasting and ruining their lives. She wants them to marry – now. She has married a duke who loves her very much and when she dies in childbirth, he implements her plan to force her brothers to marry. He’s not polite about it. They have three months to marry good, suitable brides. If they do not, their inheritance will go to their family enemies, the Campbell’s.

NOTE: Love the book, but there is something I don’t understand here. This is the Regency period and I thought that it was against the law (or at least a standard requirement) for a female to inherit over the males in her family AND that any underage children, particularly the males, must have a male guardian. This was a wealthy family, though evidently not of the titled variety. So, I wonder how the sister ended up responsible for her younger brothers and particularly their inheritance. How is it that she, rather than her parent's wills, determined when and how the brothers would receive their inheritance. I don’t know – just seemed a bit off to me. It didn’t intrude on my enjoyment of the story but puzzled me enough to make me think about it all through the story. I thought it might be explained somewhere, but it wasn’t. Maybe it has to do with Scottish law rather than English.

The Story:
When Connor Douglas receives the news that he and his brothers Jack and Declan must marry within three months or forfeit their inheritance to the Campbell’s. He rejects the idea outright and argues. However, the duke, who is carrying out his wife’s final wishes, will not budge. Finally, he relents because, even though he doesn’t need the money, he cannot abide the idea of the Campbell’s getting it.

Connor knows just the bride for him, Thea (Theodora Cumberbatch-Snowe), who is the younger sister of his best friend Derrick. He’s sure she’ll accept him right away and will be happy to live in the country managing his home while he continues his life as it is. Yes, we all know how well that is going to work out, don’t we? So, Connor spends some time drinking, womanizing and carousing around and finally decides to go and get his bride. Only, when he gets there he finds she has eloped to Gretna Green with the local squire. Well – shut my mouth!!!

Thea has been in love with Connor since she first met him when he came home from school with her brother. He’s been a constant visitor to them ever since – even visiting them when they were posted in other countries. However, she has finally determined that Connor doesn’t even notice she is alive much less holding any tender feelings for her. So she decides that if she wants a home and family of her own, she must look elsewhere. Enter the young, wealthy and handsome squire who lives about an hour away. He’s pretty staid and dull, but Thea has convinced herself that she at least has an affection for him and he’s in love with her. When he proposes that they elope, she accepts and off they go.

Connor goes tracking Thea and the squire down in order to convince Thea to marry him instead. Thus begins the adventure. You’ll love the way Connor keeps convincing the squire to do things that will irritate Thea – and the way Thea thwarts him. There are lots of humorous times interspersed with some angst – just enough of each to keep you flipping the pages to see what happens next. I just know you’ll love the story as much as I did.

The Characters:
Connor – I just loved him. I loved that he was absolutely flummoxed when Thea didn’t just fall into his arms when he asked her to marry him. I also enjoyed watching him grow and realize that he actually loved Thea, then realize that he could very easily lose her.

Thea – she was very smart and stubborn. Once she made up her mind it was almost impossible to change it. She had decided that she would not marry Connor even if she didn't end up marrying the squire. She fought the idea that she still loved him, but finally realized she did. However, she’s also decided that she cannot live the life he wants for them, so she still refuses to marry him.

The Squire – Lancelot (Lance) Fox. He’s young, handsome, wealthy, predictable and a bit dull. He was raised by a dominant mother along with his sisters. He was a bit deferential to females – especially his mother – she ruled the roost. He wasn’t sure what to do with headstrong, forceful Thea. Maybe he needed someone more retiring.

Miss Simmons – Lance is persuaded (by Connor) to hire a companion for Thea in order to protect Thea’s reputation. That chaperone is Miss xxx. She is diminutive, shy and retiring – and she gets overtaxed and ill easily.

Alice – Connor hires one of the maids from an Inn they stopped at – she is to be Thea’s Ladies Maid. She is brash and outspoken, but remarkably efficient. You’ll get a kick out of her.

Connor’s Crew – they are all wonderful and in on the plot to slow Thea and Lance’s progress to Gretna Green.

I can highly recommend this book. There are a number of quotes I’d love to share with you, but since this is a pre-release version, I cannot do so. I’m sure you’ll find those gems as you read through the book!

"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

This is the first book of Karen Hawkins’ new series and it’s wonderful! Brothers Conner, Jack and Declan Douglas arrive at the home of their brother-in-law, Lachlan (Duke of Hamilton) to discover their sister died giving birth to a baby boy who survived. According to her will they have 4 months to marry or their inheritance goes to the hated Campbells. Anna raised them after the death of their parents and wanted them to settle down. This book is Conner’s story.

Conner decides he’ll marry Thea (Theodora Cumberbatch-Snowe), his friend Derrick’s younger sister. He spent lots of his school breaks at Derrick’s house and likes Thea. However, he doesn’t go to her until the 4 months are almost up and discovers she’s eloped with a neighboring squire, Lancelot Fox. So, he goes after her. He finds her at an inn after the squire’s curricle lost a wheel.

As a young girl, Thea fell in love with Conner but he never paid her much attention. She finally accepts that he won’t ever love her and since she is “on the shelf” agrees to elope with the squire. When Conner finds her at the inn she realizes he is upset about something. Since the curricle is broken, he offers Thea and Lance his carriage. He also convinces Lance she must have a chaperone. His driver is told to take the long way to Gretna Green and somehow he keeps meeting up with them.

I hope I’ve enticed you to read this really good book as the rest of it just gets better and better. Miscommunications, kisses and maybe more than one HEA. I can easily recommend this book. One of the best lines is from Conner: “Tis easier to read the intentions of a nor’easter than it is to follow a woman’s thinking.”

Thank you to Karen Hawkins, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. No one has influenced my review or required I write one. I can’t wait for the brothers’ stories and maybe even a HEA for the now widowed Duke.

I loved this book! Connor and Thea were such fun. I loved that they wetter such good friends before their adventure began. You won't regret buying this book.