Rating: 
Summary: Funny, fast and WONDERFUL!
Review: A friend told me about this book and raved so much that I was a little skeptical. But she was RIGHT! (There, Maggie -- I even wrote it in black and white. *VBG*) The heroine was unique and funny, the hero dashing and SUCH A HUNK, and the secondary characters were just HYSTERICAL! I loved it all! I was laughing out loud at parts of it. The Abduction of Julia is the BEST book I've read all year. I think you'll agree, Ms. Hawkins has a winner here. I understand she is writing two more books, both about characters in this one, so there is more coming! If you only get one book this month, this one should be it. Trust your friends on this one -- it is funny, fast, and WONDERFUL!
Rating: 
Summary: Not a keeper
Review: I was a little dissappointed with this book. After reading the other reviews I was expecting an exceptionally funny and fast paced story. The plot is great, no doubt about that. The execution left a little to be desired. I did like Julia, she is smart and gutsy. Alec, on the other hand, is not really likeable. He doesn't make you swoon or wish to be in Julia's shoes. Sorry, I didn't like this story too much. It is not a "keeper."
Rating:
Summary: You must read this one!
Review: Karen Hawkins is a talented and deft writer. THE ABDUCTION OF JULIA keeps you interested from beginning to end as Ms. Hawkins weaves a tale of mishaps and misadventures between two unlikely souls. The tension between the hero and heroine is kept ever so taut and the secondary characters are wonderful, likeable and potential romance characters themselves. Bravo, Karen. Great job!
Rating: 
Summary: A great new writer of Regencies
Review: The author has dedicated her book to Georgette Heyer, the great Regency novelist. A very apt dedication. Some parts of the book are pure Heyer, ie: the saving of the little chimney sweep. It is wonderful to see a new, fresh author entering the wonderful world of Regency romances. I loved the book and look forward to one about Lucien, the faithful friend.
Rating:
Summary: A humorous romp of errors
Review: Alec, Lord Hunterston, must marry by midnight in order to satisfy his grandfather's will and keep his fortune safe from the hands of his wastrel cousin. Alec has a special license in his pocket and his bride in his carriage--but at a stop to change horses, he realizes that the woman in the carriage isn't his lovely young betrothed, Therese, but her drab spinster cousin, Julia. However, with only two hours left to go, Alec has no choice. Julia Frant has been in love with "Devil" Hunterston since she first met him four years ago. Her life as a poor relation has not been an especially pleasant one, so she strikes a bargain with Alec. The other stipulation of Grandfather's will is that once Alec marries, he and his wife live in London and move about in Society scandal-free for a year. Alec knows it will be a long year without his usual drinking, gambling, and keeping mistresses, but he can do it. The problem is Julia: she is a reformer, actually going into the squalor of the Whitechapel area and rescuing fallen women and other needy souls. Many of the nobility contribute money to various charities, but to *work* with them, brush shoulders with the lowest of the unwashed masses... it simply Isn't Done. Alec must try to convince the headstrong Julia that, while she may still give funds to her pet causes, she cannot be picking people in need off the streets. Upon hearing the title of this book, my first thought was that is it a Gothic. It's not. Rather, it's a humorous romp of errors which reminded me of the novels of Julia Quinn and Cathy Maxwell. Julia is a delight, and the sexual tension between these two is steaming. Secondary characters are well-drawn, including the pug-pampering harridan who takes Julia under her wing and Alec's friends, one a dashing charmer and the other a talkative, more-hair-than-wit fribble that one can't help but smile at. I hope to hear their stories in future books. All in all, THE ABDUCTION OF JULIA is a triumphant debut for Karen Hawkins, and no doubt I will not be the only reader waiting for more from her. Kimberly Borrowdale, Under the Covers Book Reviews
Rating:
Summary: A terrific read!
Review: What a nifty book! The characters, even the villain, are all attractive and likeable. The leading lady is intelligent and practical, and it is enjoyable watching her turn from a mousy frump into a heartstopping temptress. Alex's responses to her are also believable and entertaining. The sexual tension is subtle and believable, and the lovemaking is tasteful. I hope she writes more of the same and soon! Maybe a novel about Nick?
Rating:
Summary: You won't be able to put it down!
Review: I've always loved the clash of American heroines and English lords, and Ms. Hawkins delivers two of the best main characters yet. Julia is feisty yet sensible, lovely but self-effacing. Alec is the rogue with more depth than even HE is aware of. Add to this a cast of amusing, come-to-life characters, and one sexy as-all-get-out villain and you have the making for one of the best romance reads in a long time. RUN to get this book.
Rating:
Summary: ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS
Review: I was lucky enough to read One Lucky Lord from Kim Bennet which was so wonderful I had to write the author. Well it turns out that Kim Bennet is also Karen Hawkins, a wonderful woman who writes excellent stories! The Abduction of Julia is an incredible story between two opposites that share the same heart. Julia is the perfect heroine because she is someone you can relate to - she is actually a real woman. She is not some perfect, cardboard cut-out beauty - she is a gorgeous woman hidden behind what people perceive her to be. When she removes the old clothes and glasses she emerges as a beautiful lady - with the same personality as before - A REFORMER! Alec on the other hand is the perfect rake! He is absolutely stunning and Julia has been in love with him since she set foot in London. He needs to marry immediately and due to circumstances beyond his control, dowdy Julia Frant (the Frant Dragon) is his only option. If he wants to keep the fortune away from his cousin Nick left by his grandfather he must marry and live scandal-free for one year! The choice is clear - he will marry Julia. Little does he know his life has just changed for the better. Little does he know the fortune is not the prize. Little does he know he has just lost his heart! Read it! I highly recommend it!
Rating:
Summary: Characters who come to Life
Review: In a romance novel, you need more than just a good plot (although The Abduction of Julia does have a great plot). Readers have to feel that they know the characters and understand why the hero and heroine fall in love. Karen Hawkins excels at this. Reformer Julia Frant and the wild Alec MacLean are wonderfully written. But Ms. Hawkins doesn't stop with just the hero and heroine. Her story is filled with a cast of charmingly three-dimensional characters from an intriguing villain to a butler who waits up every night to serve his lord a glass of warm milk before bed. It is easy to see why Julia and Alec fall in love with each other, and it is just as easy for the reader to fall in love with them.
Rating:
Summary: On my keeper shelf . . .
Review: I absolutely loved this book! Very humorous-I especially loved Alec's reaction as his plain wife transformed before his very eyes. The secondary characters were very well written-I laughed out loud the whole way through! I think that this new author is very talented and can't wait for her next one!
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