Sleepless in Scotlandby Karen Hawkinsreviewed by Cheryl SneedAugust 2009, 384 pages, Publisher: Pocket, ISBN: 1416560254 Back Cover Blurb: When sensible Catriona Hurst sets off in pursuit of her wild twin sister, Caitlyn - whose plan to trap the handsome laird of Clan MacLean into marriage will lead her to sure disaster - she never expects the journey to end with her own wedding. First Triona is caught in MacLean's carriage, then she's roundly scolded, and then - to her shocked surprise - thoroughly kissed! She is caught, body and soul, by the laird's enigmatic younger brother, Hugh MacLean, who had set a trap for the unprincipled sister and refuses to believe that he's caught the other. While Hugh is enchanted by Triona's delightful response to his kiss, he soon realizes that she is not who he thought, but an innocent whom honor demands he wed immediately. And he also discovers that letting the passionate Triona into his bed is far easier than keeping her out of his many concerns - even the ones he'd planned to keep secret!
This is the fourth book in Karen Hawkins' "Highland Lord" series. I haven't read the previous three books and, while Sleepless in Scotland thankfully stands on its own, it didn't inspire me to seek out the previous books or wish to read the next in the series.
Caitriona Hurst and Hugh MacLean learn of a plot to compromise their respective siblings and, in their attempt to foil it, wind up being compromised themselves and are hastily married. They retire to Hugh's estate in Scotland where they agree to live as husband and wife for a few months until the gossip dies down, at which point, Triona (I really hated this diminutive nickname) will return to her parents' home and they will proceed with their lives as if they were not married.
In the meantime, Hugh wishes Triona to confine herself to taking care of the home and leave him alone. Except when they're having sex, of course. And she is to especially avoid his three daughters. He has just rescued them from their horrible mother and he won't take the chance of them becoming attached to Triona only to have their hearts broken when she leaves, thank you very much.
This whole premise had me wincing in pain. No thought is given to what they would do if Triona winds up pregnant - which is a real possibility seeing as how they go at it like bunnies, but never mind that. From here on (about p. 140) the rest of the book is entirely predictable. I'm sure you can envision, as I did, scenes of Triona putting the house to rights, winning over servants, pranks played on her by the children, yada, yada. Been there, done that.
Hawkins has smooth, readable writing style and a nice way with dialogue. Triona (despite her unfortunate name) was my favorite character; I liked her pragmatism and "carry on" attitude, but this bargain with Hugh seemed not pragmatic, but stupid, which felt against character to me. Hugh is just dense. I never warmed up to him and wanted to give him a good slap upside the head several times.
If you've been following this series, you may want to read this book to catch up on Hugh and Dougal (a brother from a previous book who plays a large role in this one), but otherwise, I can't recommend Sleepless in Scotland.
Reviewed by Cheryl Sneed, August 1, 2009
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