Karen Hawkins Quotes & Sayings

But sometimes one must travel the rough road to reach one's ultimate destination. — Karen Hawkins

Oh, he rarely gets angry. But he is perpetually irritated. — Karen Hawkins

So all we know about Hugh MacLean is that his financial situation is unclear, he has an unknown number of illegitimate children, and the family curse is true. I've caught quiet a prize! — Karen Hawkins

How can you become the leader of Romany if you're a prince of Oxenburg?"
"I have three brother. And as Tata Natasha is fond of telling us, there is not room on the throne for four asses. — Karen Hawkins

But that's what happens when you allow a nice person to write a news paper serial for you; now the world thinks you're nice, too, which is silly in the extreme. Sadly, it's a burden that you must bear. — Karen Hawkins

I'm very happy that you're following your dreams. I've discovered that they fragile things and must be fed if they are to live long enough to turn into reality. There are only two things that will feed a dream: action and honesty. If you are honest enough to face your dream, with all its limitations, and willing to take whatever action is necessary to make up for those limitations, then there is a good chance you will be one of the few to succeed. — Karen Hawkins

Family is the only anchor that will hold in a choppy sea. — Karen Hawkins

One should never ask a man questions about his personal life. He just might answer and then you, my dear, would have to listen. — Karen Hawkins

Could he be naked beneath his breeches? They
seemed molded to him, outlining the powerful lines of his thighs and the swell just above
Oh, God. She closed her eyes. She'd been looking at his - Not only was it rude, but it had sent an
amazing tingle through her, almost as if she'd touched it.
"Fiona, if you ever look at me like that again, I will not be held responsible for what I do." Jack was so
close that she could feel his breath on her temple. "Do you understand? — Karen Hawkins

Love doesna always mean burning flashes o' passion. Sometimes, it's jus' the warmth o' yer hearts as they beat yer day together." ~Old Woman Nora to her three wee granddaughters on a cold winter's night. — Karen Hawkins

...it's sad day when you forget your purpose in life. — Karen Hawkins

Good God, what happened to ye?" Shelton dropped the bucket of water he was carrying, unmindful that it spilled across the barn floor.
"I fell." Dougal picked up a brush and began to groom Poseidon.
Shelton gave a silent whistle. "Fell into what? A hammer?"
"Something like that. — Karen Hawkins

Men think they like to be challenged. The truth is, they only like to be challenged if they win. — Karen Hawkins

Fighting lets ye both say wha' needs to be said. Just be sure you fight clean, and dinna bring up old hurts or blame one another. — Karen Hawkins

Most people managed to evade home truths with astonishing ease. — Karen Hawkins

So he's harmless, then."
"I wouldn't say that, exactly."
"No?"
"I would n't slip up behind him with a knife, for he might retaliate."
Michael shrugged. "But that's to be expected. He kills only when necessary."
Mary covered her face with her hands and moaned. — Karen Hawkins

Dougal eyed the breakfast repast. In addition to burnt toast, there was poorly trimmed ham, eggs that looked rubbery enough to bounce off the floor, pathetically dry scones, and small, smoking pieces of something he suspected had once been kippers.
Sophia noted Dougal's disgusted expression, and her heart lifted.
He looked amazingly handsome this morning, dressed in a pale blue riding coat and white shirt, his dark blond hair curling over his collar, his green eyes glinting as he began to fill his plate. Two scones, a scoop of eggs, and a large piece of blackened ham all went onto his plate.
Sophia had eaten earlier in the kitchen with Mary, who had served warm muffins with cream and marmalade, some lovely bacon, and crusty toast, complemented by a pot of hot tea.
Sophia hid a smile as Dougal attempted to cut his ham. Too tough for his blade, it tore into uneven pieces under his knife. He lifted a piece and regarded it on the tines of his fork. — Karen Hawkins

Jane, last night was" - he raked a hand through his hair - "nice."
Her expression could only be described as crestfallen.
"No,"he hurried to say. "Don't look like that! I didn't mean 'nice.' In fact, it wasn't nice at all."
Her brows lowered. "No?"
"No.I mean, yes! Yes, it was nice, but it was also very, very - " He tried with all of his might to grasp a word that would encompass that heart - pounding exertion that even now was making his balls hum,but to his horror, he heard himself say once again," - nice. But really, really, really nice. — Karen Hawkins

Luck is a fickle creature. She loves
many, but is faithful to none. — Karen Hawkins

Stop looking as if you'd like to toss me from the window. Give me a hug, and go on to your dinner guest. — Karen Hawkins

One of the benefits of travelling is that you learn what you truly value when you are home. And little things that you might take for granted are sweeter, softer, larger, and infinitely better for the experience of not having them. — Karen Hawkins

Stop that! What were you doing, perched on the window ledge like a big chicken?"
Despite his aches and irritations, he couldn't help but grin. "I prefer to think of myself as a more noble bird, like a hawk."
"I'm sure you do. But you flew like a chicken than any hawk I've seen. — Karen Hawkins

Her honor will come to no harm at my hands," Jack said.
"'Tis not her honor but her tender heart that I worry about," Alexander said.
"She's a delicate lass," Hugh added.
"Aye," said Gregor. "A Scottish rose."
"Your tender, delicate rose had me ambushed, knocked unconscious, and forced to wed," Jack ground
out. "Facts you all know, if you've spoken to Hamish."
Dougal grinned, his teeth flashing whitely. "She has the devil's own temper, our Fiona does. — Karen Hawkins

Aye,Ware is your grandfather, though a more worthless arse I couldn't name. — Karen Hawkins

Nonsense," Ophelia said stoutly. "They're happy sheep. You can tell."
"How?" Sophia demanded.
Ophelia regarded the ewes for a moment, then suddenly broke into a huge grin. "Maybe you can tell they
're happy sheep because they don't feel baaaaad. — Karen Hawkins

Men are, if nothing else, predictable. Fortunately for us all, women are not. — Karen Hawkins

If you ever find yourself presented with a fork in the road of life and you do not know the correct direction, close your eyes and listen to your heart. I have found more adventure, more love, more happiness, and more life by listening to who I am, rather than attempting to tell myself. — Karen Hawkins

Gregor, have you ever been in love?"
"No, I've never been that foolish. — Karen Hawkins

And that was love. True love. The kind that carried on and lasted through the good days and the difficult days. The kind of love that always gave, and never hurt. It might not be the kind of mad love poets wrote about, but it was the kind of love strong enough to build a home upon, secure in the knowledge that this man would be there when things went wrong and would do everything in his considerable power to make things right again. — Karen Hawkins

In fact, you could almost hold that no man is perfect until he meets the right woman. — Karen Hawkins

She was part wide-eyed wood nymph, part awkward society miss, and - he was beginning to realize - part testy library elf. — Karen Hawkins

I am quite out of patience with him." Fiona Kincaid set her teacup on the small tray with a decided click. "Dougal's been in a horrid temper since he arrived."
"I like him better this way," Fiona's handsome husband retorted. "He barely said a word over breakfast."
She gave an exasperated sigh. "I'm surprised you two don't get along better, as you're very similar." Jack's flat stare made her add hastily, "In some things."
"In very few things. — Karen Hawkins

My dear brother, never allow a woman to hold all of the cards. — Karen Hawkins

Instantly, Lucinda fell to the floor in a swoon-" Bronwyn groaned. "Not again! — Karen Hawkins

I'm sorry your chair collapsed, but the furnishings are in as poor repair as the roof."
He retrieved his abandoned glass of sherry.
"I assume the rook leaks."
"Only when it rains."
His eyes warmed with laughter as he watched her over the rim of his glass. "I'm surprised you countenance this place."
"I'm here for my father. Once he returns and you take the house, I will be on my way."
"May I ask where?"
"Italy,perhaps. Or France." She shrugged. "I haven't yet decided."
"I love Italy." His voice deepened the faintest bit. "I imagine Italy would love you,too. — Karen Hawkins

It does not pay to be
possessive of a man determined to remain free. — Karen Hawkins

It was a chaste kiss, but as her lips brushed his warm cheek, her eyes met his. They were deep and dark, warm with passion and longing. And somehow she knew, without question, what he thought. What he felt.
Time held its breath - and in that moment, looking into Buchan's warm, tormented gaze, Tatiana's heart awoke. — Karen Hawkins

Sophia stood staring blankly up the stairs for an entire minute before it dawned on her that he'd used the kiss to befuddle her. Blast it all! She fumed to herself as she walked to the front window and stationed herself there.
Time went by. The clock ticked. A bee buzzed against the windowpane. Dust settled. After thirty minutes had passed, Sophia had had enough. She gave the empty lane one last glance, then went upstairs. — Karen Hawkins

Bloody hell, what did he hit me with? An anvil?"
"His fist."
"You should put that fool in a bear-baiting pit. You'd make a fortune." Dougal struggled to rise.
Sophia helped him on one side, Mary slipping under his other arm.
The wind swirled a bit harder, sending dust into the air.
"Heavens!" Mary said, glancing over their heads at the sky. "That's the third thunderhead as has passed this way today."
Sophia turned. A huge bank of thunderclouds hung overhead, roiling as if alive.
"We should get inside," she said uneasily.
Dougal didn't even glance at the clouds as he held a hand over his bruised eye and cheek. "Bloody hell, I can barely see. — Karen Hawkins

There is nothing shameful in wanting, Venetia. There's only shame in not getting. — Karen Hawkins

He was going to enjoy pressing his little scheming hostess into improprieties she'd not soon forget. He didn't need a storm to make his point; he had his own powers of persuasion-and he'd use them all on her.
He led her to the library, to the table holding the sherry. "Will you do the honors?" He leaned forward and added in a low voice, "Or perhaps you'd like us to do it together-your hand under mine, your fingers wrapped around the neck of the decanter as we-"
Color flooded her cheeks, and she said in a breathless voice, "I will be glad to pour us some sherry-though I'm surprised you wish for some more."
"It is wretched, but your cook has ruined my palate.When I return to London, I won't know good port from bad, burned meat from raw, and don't begin to talk to me about soups. — Karen Hawkins

Me mam, bless her soul, tol' me tha' was the worst thing ye could be to a man - convenient. — Karen Hawkins

Ye're playing fer the house? But ye won it just a month ago! Why,this land is worth more than yer estate near Stirling!"
Now that he'd toured the land and knew the true condition of the house, Dougal was tempted to agree. The deed to MacFarlane House was worth far more than he'd originally thought.
Shelton shook his head. "Ye're moonstruck, me lord. Moonstruck and fairy-pinched. — Karen Hawkins

It's the pure excitement of the find combined with the golden possibilities of what-may-be; one of bated breath, thundering heart,damp palms, and trembling limbs; a mixture of excruciating hope and the painfully exquisite fear of disappointment. It's a feeling that only another adventurer can truly understand. — Karen Hawkins

I'm surprised that, with all of his supposed experience with the gentler sex, he doesn't realize that women do not like to be carried in a way that musses their hair and leaves them with unattractively red faces. — Karen Hawkins

No, my lord. I merely thought it unwise for you to visit the Duke of Massingale and request his granddaughter's hand in marriage while intoxicated." Reeves replaced the stopper on the decanter and carried it back to the sideboard. "His Lordship would not appreciate such a display. — Karen Hawkins

I need a bath." He chuckled. "You smell of smoke, as do I." The duke turned, leaning heavily on his cane. "Jameson, open the carriage door. We shall return to the house." Beth smiled up at Christian. "Shall we adjourn to the house to get some ointment for your hands and a bath, my love?" His eyes lit. "A bath?" Grandfather snorted. "Someone send to London for a special license! Now. — Karen Hawkins

Ah, lassies, be sure ye make good decisions, firm and fast. Those who don't know what they want get what they deserve.

OLD WOMAN NORA OF LOCH LOMOND
TO HER THREE WEE GRANDDAUGHTERS ONE COLD NIGHT — Karen Hawkins

I plan on flirting shamelessly, so it's a good thing you'll be up here."
"Flirt?"
"Naturally, I have to distract him while he's playing, and what better way than with a casual flirtation?"
"Distract him some other way!"
"What other way?"
"I don't know.You could ... you could drop something on him." Red squinted thoughtfully. "Yes! Scald him with tea."
"During a game? I want him to finish playing, not leap up and run from the room."
"Then think of something else. — Karen Hawkins

You savor the things we seek to avoid. — Karen Hawkins

One good thing that comes from living the nomadic life demanded by an expedition is that one sheds the fake skin donned from living too closely among society. For those of us who live for the freedom of such a lifestyle, that skin is dry and itchy and ill fitting. From my observances, that skin is much like a callus caused by the pure irritation of being forced to spend so much time with one's fellow man. Thank God I am spared such nonsense. — Karen Hawkins

Beth grimaced. "He is a pompous ass." "And in dire need of a wealthy wife. Perhaps you should find a twitch to go with your stutter." "I would fall upon the floor in a fit if I thought it might do some good. The man is a menace. — Karen Hawkins

No soft-skinned, lace-covered, dandified profligate would ever take this house and make it his.
Ever. — Karen Hawkins

Men never understand that all a woman truly wants is a man who will listen.Understand.Pay her bills.And,of course,love her madly even when her hips wide due to an unfortunate addiction to bon bons.

- Lady Jersey to Mrs.Cowper,as the two watched dancers waltz at Almack's. — Karen Hawkins

But love? True love? As wretched as loneliness could be, it was nothing compared to the pain of betrayal. He'd seen with his own eyes what "love" did to a person - how it built hopes that were rarely, if ever, realized. Falling in love meant being weak, vulnerable to the whims of another. — Karen Hawkins

Every day stole away more of her presence, leaving in its place faint wisps of memories devoid of color, scent, and sound. — Karen Hawkins

The world has no boundaries for someone who savors success and is willing to work for it. — Karen Hawkins

The other animals." When she didn't reply, he sighed, frustration on his face. "They have - what you say - hop, hop. And they have the-" He put his hand behind his head and made a 'V' then wiggled his fingers.

"Ah! You mean hares. — Karen Hawkins

You will be glad to know that Mary has made something special for dinner."
"Something edible, I hope."
Her lips twitched. "Absolutely."
"Then it's doubly a pity that I don't want dinner this evening." The hunger that roared through him had nothing to do with food.
"No dinner? But Mary-"
"Are you hungry?"
She gave an odd flicker of a smile. "I couldn't eat anything now if my life depended on it."
Her admission relaxed his taut nerves. She was as affected as he was. Good. That's how it should be. — Karen Hawkins

Such power, and carried with such careless grace. How
that must burden him. — Karen Hawkins

You told me he was dead."
Red said through his teeth, "There was no point,for there's no meaner, more petty man in all of God's England."
"At least I'm not a wastrel," the old man snapped.
Red started toward the old man, but Sophia stepped between them. "Red, don't."
He looked as if he might burst into flames, then snapped, "I came to get you, Sophie.Have Mary bring your things, and let's go. — Karen Hawkins

I don't need a hero. I was blessed with a large amount of common sense, which is of infinitely more use than a man. — Karen Hawkins

Margaret," she told me time and again, "you may be anything you wish, so long as you're never boring. — Karen Hawkins

Women prefer to draw blood using words. It can cause just as much havoc, but it doesn't stain the carpet. — Karen Hawkins

Seducing innocent virgins is such a tiring venture." Christian lifted a brow. "Are we back to that? — Karen Hawkins

I've never found it helpful to treat fate with a gentle hand. Everytime I've stroked, hopin' fer a favor, she's slapped me hand and laughed at me. If ye want something, take fate by the throat and shake it out o' her. — Karen Hawkins

I wish we hadn't kissed at all," he snapped.
"So do I, but we can't unkiss, so we must deal with it as best as we can. — Karen Hawkins

If sarcasm were gold, she would have just made her fortune. — Karen Hawkins

Women provide the only true link to civilization. Men simply are not ruthless enough to survive on their own. — Karen Hawkins

No matter what station you hold in life, there will always be things that will surprise you. Whether you choose to be outraged or delighted is up to you. — Karen Hawkins

When you get to Lady Kincaid's house, don't leave until you've had a chance to talk to the man, even if you have to drag him by the ear. It may take a bit of persistence."
Sophie grinned, feeling better already. "That I have in abundance. — Karen Hawkins

Why would he bother? He has no more wish to wed than I."
"How do you know?" Anthony asked. "Did you ask him?"
Her face heated, and Anthony covered his eyes. "Pray do not say another word. I don't wish to know."
"Bridgeton had a choice, Sara," Marcus said. "And he chose marriage."
"Get married or die. I vow, how did he make up his mind so quickly?"
"I wanted to shoot him," Anthony offered. "But Marcus would not allow it."
"You are both insufferable! — Karen Hawkins

My lord?" Reeves appeared concerned. "Are you well? Does your head pain you?" "No, no. I am fine. I just had a stupid thought, is all." "Ah. And what was that thought, my lord? I take it that it did not have anything to do with wearing that black waistcoat?" "It had nothing to do with clothing." "A pity," Reeves said with a long-suffering sigh. "If you were not thinking of clothing, then your thought must have had something to do with Lady Elizabeth." "Reeves, I am not going to tell you anything." "Yes, my lord." Reeves walked toward the door. "Though it is a pity ... " "What's a pity?" "That you will miss so much sleep. Unsettled thoughts will fester in the night air and leave one tossing and turning. I have seen it many times." With that cheery thought, Reeves opened the door. "I shall be just outside if you decide you wish to discuss the matter further. — Karen Hawkins

Roland sat beside his little sister. "You are too young to know this, but love cannot grow in rocky soil. It must be planted in a tender heart, cared for with the gentlest of touches, warmed with happiness. and protected from all that might wish to harm it."
"That sounds like a lot of work," Melisandre said.
"It is a lot of work. But if it's true love, then it will be the lightest burden you'll ever carry. — Karen Hawkins

It is surprising how many times a good feeling can be confused with a bad one. Often one is unsure which feeling it really is until much later. — Karen Hawkins

Pray stop your infernal whispering. You sound like a pack of nuns planning a murder. — Karen Hawkins

Beth sighed. "I want a relationship, but then again ... I don't." To her surprise, Grandfather cackled. "That's quite normal, my girl. Quite normal indeed. There are no guarantees in this life. You have to take what you can get and enjoy it while you have it. — Karen Hawkins

There comes a time in every endeavor when one must take fate by the lapels and explain the need for urgency. — Karen Hawkins

There are times when simplicity makes a decision for you. — Karen Hawkins

Pray don't hold back," Robert said politely. "You can tell me what you really think of my valet." Stewart broke in to a reluctant grin."Sorry fer bein' so forward, sir, but that valet o' yers is nothin' but a Frenchified piece o' lace. — Karen Hawkins

There's no more jam to be had."
"Or bread?" Dougal asked, knowing what the answer would be.
"Nor bread," Angus said with a smirk.
Dougal flicked his hand in the butler's direction. "Then you may go."
Angus's smile faded, and he glared at Dougal until Sophia said softly, "Angus, that will be all."
The buter scowled but obediently tromped from the room.
"He loves me," Dougal said simply.
Sophia's lips twitched. "I doubt that."
"No,no,I'm certain of it.He's constantly staring at me and cannot seem to stay away.But the most telling symptom is the way he gets upset when I pay attention to another woman. — Karen Hawkins

I've often thought it unfair that women are expected to stay at home when there's a fight to be won. If a
woman has the strength to bear a child, she can swing a sword as well as any man. — Karen Hawkins

As Dougal ushered them into the dining room, he wondered if Sophia's father and her grandfather would both wish to stay at MacFarlane House with them.
But as he looked into Sophia's smiling eyes, he realized it didn't matter. So long as she was by his side, life would be a grand adventure.
And no man could ask for more. — Karen Hawkins

Blast it! Where is that letter?"
Sophia pulled it from her pocket. "I have it here."
Sir Reginald's voice lifted with amazament. "You took that from me? When we were-"
"Yes," she said, her color high. "I thought you'd sold my jewelry and that the envelope contained the payment. I wanted proof,so I took it."
"By kissing me?"
Outside, lightning cracked.
"You kissed him?" Dougal demanded.
"Only once."
"Actually, it was twice," Sir Reginald said softly.
Dougal punched him, sending the dandy flying into the wall, where he slid to the floor.
"B'God, that's a nice one!" Red cried. "MacLean, I'd like to see you in a real mill."
"Aye," the earl agreed. "He's got a good solid left."
"What do you know about boxing? Red asked rudely.
"I've seen every large match for the last-"
Thunder crashed as lightning sent shards of light flashing into the great hall.
"That's enough," Dougal said firmly, noting Sophia's pale face. — Karen Hawkins

Sometimes the little things are the big things. — Karen Hawkins

Never underestimate the power of a bossy woman. — Karen Hawkins

I am not
made of porcelain, Anthony. Nor do I need to be wrapped in wool and placed in a box for safekeeping.
I don't like boxes; I never have. — Karen Hawkins

If there's one thing you taught me, it's to never trust an answer that's actually another question. — Karen Hawkins

Some crave the safety of boredom while others crave the bravery of adventure. — Karen Hawkins

She eyed him uncertainly. "Very well. Nick wants me, but he's decided not to ... to ... " She floundered
to a halt and the tears that threatened in her eyes became reality. One, single drop slipped down her
cheek.
Bloody hell. Anthony raked a hand through his hair. "Do you mean to tell me that Bridgeton is not ... er,
fulfilling his husbandly duties?"
She nodded miserably. "Oh, Anthony, what am I to do?"
He closed his eyes. God above. He was a decent man, one who took his responsibilities seriously. He
was a good friend, an excellent landlord, and he never cheated at cards, unless it was with one of his own
brothers. What had he done to deserve this? — Karen Hawkins

It is a foolish man who apologizes without reason. — Karen Hawkins

I'm not blind,you know." His gaze flicked down to her breasts, interestingly encased in her tight riding habit. "I can see very well."
Her cheeks flushed, and she tried to pull away again.
Behind Dougal came a bang, like the sound of a large door slamming, and Sophia's eyes widened. "Angus, no!" she cried.
"Ye misbegotten bounder!" Angus roared.
Dougal turned just in time to see a huge fist hit him squarely in the eye.
Thanks to Sophia, who'd jumped up and clung tightly to Angus's huge arm, the punch was softened. Otherwise, not only would it have knocked Dougal down (which it did), and not only would it have sent the world dark (which it did), and not only would it have blackened his eye (which it did), but it also might have killed him. Instead, Angus's slowed fist merely smashed into Dougal's face, spun him around, and laid him out as neatly as a piece of firewood. — Karen Hawkins

You can get lost, pretending to be someone you're not. — Karen Hawkins

She opened her eyes.
He sniffed.
Ah! The rosemary! Holding her breath, she waited.
He sniffed again. "Is it an herb, nyet?"
She nodded, smiling shyly. "Rosemary."
"The cook at Tullock puts it in turtle soup."
Her smile faltered. She smelled like a turtle? Not a fragrant loaf of bread, but a turtle? "Surely you've smelled it in some other dishes, too? Bread, perhaps?"
He shook his head.
"In a delicious stew, then? Something savory and warm?"
He released her cloak. "In my country, we throw rosemary onto graves."
She just looked at him, appalled.
"That seems odd to you, nyet? Rosemary keeps fresh the ... How do you say-?" He tapped his forehead. "Thoughts about times no longer here."
"Memories?"
"Da! Rosemary keeps fresh the memories of the dead."
Lovely. She smelled like a turtle and the grave. — Karen Hawkins

Women never dress without thought. — Karen Hawkins

Some women
the good ones
are like a breath of fresh air, amusing and different and invigorating. The trouble is that it is damnably difficult to capture air and hold it for any length of time. — Karen Hawkins

Somewhere around chapter seven she had started wondering if Lucinda, the annoyingly incompetent heroine of The Black Duke, truly deserved to live. The chit was forever whining about her life, while refusing to do anything about it. — Karen Hawkins

Sometimes you have to grab life by the horns and ride it,even if it tries to throw you. — Karen Hawkins

With a hoarse moan, he swept her against him, kissing her wildly, passionately, his mouth promising and teasing, as if her kiss had broken the dam that had held back his passion. — Karen Hawkins

You and I are from two different worlds."
"Nonsense. We have much in common. We both like books, dogs, poems, Sir Walter Scott, dogs - I could go on."
"You listed dogs twice."
"It does not matter; I still made my point."
"No, you haven't. — Karen Hawkins