Much Ado About Marriage [Mass Market Paperback]

Fia MacClean was a saucy scottish woman, who refused to give up her dream. She planned on going to London and becoming a famous playwriter. But, when her beloved cousin, Laird Duncan insist that she marry for her own protection, she was left with no alternative. She had to find some way of escaping to London on her own. But, her quick escape was foiled, when she knocks a thief out of the window.

Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Rotherwood had a reputation of being lucky. He was handsome, rich, and favored by the english courts. But For some reason, he felt he always had to prove something. A man and his daddy issues and all that. He was sent on a mission, to steal a letter, in the possession of Laird Duncan. Just as he was making his quick escape, he was pushed out the window.

The attraction is instant. But, Thomas makes the mistake of assuming, that Fia is nothing more than the Laird's mistress. He holds her captive, insisting that she give him information about Laird Duncan's unexplained return. But, Fia isn't one to be told to do anything. In an attempt to escape, she uses her femanine charms and lures Thomas into a false sense of security with a kiss. She then, reluctantly pulls away and robs him at the point of a blade. He didn't know if he was more turned on or pissed off. The chase was on. After a series of unfortunate events and being found in a compromising position, Thomas and Fia were married. While Fia wasn't thrilled about being forced into marriage, she was happy, to finally be going to London. Thomas on the other hand, was livid and resentful. Sure, he lusted after Fia, but he had no intention of marrying her, or marrying anyone for that matter. He informed her, that he intended to get thier marriage annuled, as soon as they got to England. His revelation stung Fia's heart and pride. In an act of bravado, she completely agreed with him.

The supporting characters were fun as well. I loved Duncan and Robert. Ducan was defiantely an alpha male, who adored his cousin. He turned out to be alot wiser, than I was led to believe. In truth, in the beginning, I thought him to be a bit thick-headed. Robert was the charmer, the carefree rogue, the ladies man with the heart of gold. He had me laughing many times. I could see how ladies would find him appealing. He definately charmed me. I really liked how he was tender and understanding with Fia. He treated her as a kid sister, although there were moments I had my doubts. But, it was his loyalty and friendship with Thomas that endeared him to me. I enjoyed the fact, Robert found it fun to instigate Thomas. He knew exactly which buttons to push, where Fia was concerned. But, he also told Thomas the truth, even when it wasn't something he wanted to hear. I hope Robert gets his own book. I would have also liked to have seen Fia get a little bit more angry. She was just too damn forgiving, where Thomas was concerned.

Overall, if there was one word to describe this book, it would be "Delightful". The characters were fun and engaging, and I often found myself lost within the pages. I laughed and I even got misty eyed. I appreciated the blend of magical folklore, budding romance, and historical facts. I should mention, this book is the prequel to Karen Hawkin's two series, MacLean Curse series and her upcoming Hurst Amulet series. I finally got to see, how the curse of the Maclean clan first began. But, it can be read as a stand alone. In fact, it wouldn't hurt, to read this one first, if you haven't read any of her books yet. Much Ado About Marriage is a witty, unpredictable, easy to read, and overall delightful bit of storytelling.

This title was published previously as "One Lucky Lord" by Kim Bennet, aka Karen Hawkins. I'm always disappointed when I purchase something under a different title, only to discover I've already read it!!

I've liked other books by Karen Hawkins because she has had original plots, three-dimensional people and a sense of humor. This book just drags along, with far too much time given to characters thinking about what they had done before. Enough! Plus, there are places (like the middle third) where the plot just grinds to a halt while the hero and heroine make eyes at each other. A little of this goes a long way and there is far too much of it.

In short, I cannot recommend this one. Hope Ms. H goes back to the style she has shown in her contemporaries and other historicals. Until then, she has fallen off my buy list.