Her Officer and Gentleman »

Karen Hawkins was raised in Tennessee, a member of a huge extended family that included her brother and sister, an adopted sister, numerous foster siblings and various exchange students. In order to escape the chaos (and whilst hiding when it was her turn to do the dishes), she would huddle under the comforter on her bed with a flashlight and a book, a habit she still embraces to this day. For more information about Karen, or pictures of her chasing a box of donuts while training for a road race, visit her at www.karenhawkins.com or write to her at Karen Hawkins, P.O. Box 5292, Kingsport, TN 37663-5292.

No ordinary highwayman...

A mere whisper of the name "Gentleman James" sends chills throughout the ton (and thrills the ladies who have heard rumors of his amorous exploits). But the dashing brigand never dreamed that the passing of the father he never knew would leave him with a title, a fortune...and a mission.

No predictable lady...

Considered unmarriageable at twenty-five, Lady Elizabeth has the perfect life, happily snuggled among her beloved books while caring for her curmudgeonly grandfather. Or so she thinks until she meets Christian Llevanth, the dark and mysterious Viscount Westerville, and discovers the delicious ache of desire. Elizabeth finds herself longing for more — more romance, more excitement, and definitely more passion. But when does "more" become "too much"?

Publishers Weekly

Hawkins concludes her sensual Just Ask Reeves Regency series (following Her Master and Commander) with a hint of mystery. Former highwayman Christian Llevanth, Viscount Westerville, is determined to discover who falsely reported his mother as a traitor, leading to her imprisonment and untimely death. Convinced that the duke of Massingale was his mother's betrayer, Westerville plans his revenge, deciding to gain entry into the duke's household by romancing the duke's granddaughter, Lady Elizabeth. But Lady Elizabeth is an enigmatic woman, a forward thinker who doesn't wish to marry and even affects a stutter to discourage would-be suitors. Neither Westerville nor Lady Elizabeth expect emotions to become involved during their saucy, witty flirtation, but as they join forces to unearth the mystery behind the fate of Westerville's mother, excitement and passion bring them closer together. While the novel lacks the emotional intensity and taut romantic tension found in the best of this genre, the protagonists' frank, intelligent dialogue and a twist of suspense carry the novel through to a well-plotted conclusion. (June) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.