Review - One Night in Scotland by Karen Hawkins

The first book in Karen Hawkins’ Hurst Amulet series, One Night in Scotland, sets the tone for the upcoming novels and promises an exciting adventure with the younger Hurst siblings. This first entry centers on Miss Mary Hurst, whose Egyptologist and adventurer brother is being held prisoner until he returns a rare artifact. Mary sets out to recover the artifact to send it on its way to free him. The artifact is in the keeping of one of her brother’s colleagues, Lord Angus Hay, Earl of Erroll. Angus refuses to believe Mary is who she says and in turn imprisons her in his castle. Mary, not one to be so easily cowed, sets out to prove her identity, or barring that, to refuse to be ignored.

Hawkins does a masterful job of creating lovable, realistic characters with believable motivations and actions. These together build what a relationship that feels more organic and genuine than in many other books. The protagonists share interests and ambitions, and together have meaningful conversations as well as healthy disagreements. Of course, there is a healthy dose of lust as well, but it is presented in a way to add to admiration and authentic regard, rather than the only commonality between the hero and heroine.

Overall this is a very enjoyable, fast paced read. The ending felt a bit rushed with some loose ends left hanging, but hopefully future books will see those taken care of.