Mad for the Plaid (The Oxenburg Princes, #3) by Karen Hawkins Published by Pocket Books on August 30th 2016
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Nikolai Romanovin, a royal prince of Oxenburg, has travelled to the deepest wilds of Scotland to rescue his grandmother the Grand Duchess, who was abducted while visiting an old friend in the Highlands. Wanting to avoid an international incident, Nik plans to quietly slip into enemy territory disguised as a groom at Castle Cromartie. But his plans go awry when he falls under the cool gray gaze of the laird’s daughter.
Pragmatic and clever, Mairi MacKenzie has been left in charge of the family estate and her unruly grandmother in her father’s absence. Something about the new groom catches her eyes, and makes her think he’s not who he pretends to be—and even more shockingly, stirs her senses. Is it his obviously educated manners? His arrogant, non-servant-like presence? It’s certainly not his towering, powerful form, or slumberous, inviting green eyes!
After confronting the imposter and learning the truth, Mairi agrees to help Nik—for she, too, understands difficult relatives and would do anything for family. Soon their secret partnership leads to growing respect, searing kisses, and then something far more perilous. And when their quest turns dangerous, Mairi and Nik must discover this unknown enemy while facing the dangerous demands of their own unruly hearts.
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At the request of the Good Ladies of Buried Under Romance, Lady Ailsa Mackenzie is conducting an interview of Nikolai Romanovin, the Crown Prince of Oxenburg.
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Lady Ailsa: (seated at a small table in the parlor, quill and paper nearby) Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. I hope it was nae too difficult for you to get away.
Prince Nikolai: (seated across for her) (tilts his head to one side) Your accent . . . Scottish, nyet?
Lady Ailsa: Quite. Now, aboot you. (dips quill into ink) Describe an ordinary day in the life of a prince.
Prince Nikolai: (leans back in his chair and shrugs) There is not much to tell; princes live ordinary lives.
Lady Ailsa: Ordinary? Surely you jest.
Prince Nikolai: (smiles faintly) I never jest when I’m speaking to a beautiful woman.
Lady Ailsa: (eyes narrow) You should nae say such things.
Prince Nikolai: Why not?
Lady Ailsa: ‘Tis improper. Perhaps we should start this another way. (holds quill over the paper, ready to write) Prince Nikolai, our readers would like to know aboot you, your average day, where you go, what you wear, the type of events a prince might get invited to – that sort of thing. I’m sure princes lead fascinating lives.
Prince Nikolai: I would use the words ‘dull’ and ‘boring’ rather than ‘fascinating.’ (he leans forward and runs his finger over the edge of the paper, his hand close to hers) You did not write that down.
Lady Ailsa: It seemed rather pointless.
Prince Nikolai: Tell me, little one, what do you think princes do?
Lady Ailsa: Me? I’m nae the best person to ask, because you’re the only one I’ve met.
Prince Nikolai: (smiles) Then I am the best, eh?
Lady Ailsa: (does not smile) You are the only prince I know. I was under the impression that princes went to a lot of gorgeous balls, elaborate suppers, and fabulous house parties. That sort of thing.
Prince Nikolai: And at each, we are put on display like a prize spaniel, trotted about like some sort of display. It is not so much fun as you may think.
Lady Ailsa: (looking exasperated) But you’re a prince! Surely there’s some good to be said for being a prince.
Prince Nikolai: There are a few benefits. (he leans closer) Some women, for example, are often impressed with a title.
Lady Aila: I’m nae impressed.
Prince Nikolai: I said ‘some.’
Lady Ailsa: (lips twitch, despite her determination not to smile) People, and nae just women, get excited when there’s a prince aboot – it’s understandable, really. There are so few of you.
Prince Nikolai: (covers her hand with his, the pen now held prisoner between their mingled fingers) Are you excited to meet me?
Lady Ailsa: (flushes) (pulls her hand free) Nae, but then we’ve met before, and under difficult circumstances. Because of that, it’s to be expected that I dinnae regard you with ‘excitement.’
Prince Nikolai: Difficult circumstances? For me, perhaps. The abduction of my grandmother the Grand Duchess has been very hard on my entire family. Fortunately, it does not have anything to do with you.
Lady Ailsa: (stiffens) I beg your pardon? She was my guest, and so she is my responsibility.
Prince Nikolai: (scoffs) Nonsense. She is my grandmother, not yours. I will take responsibility for her. Besides, you have no experience with abductions.
Lady Ailsa: And you do?
Prince Nikolai: (leans forward, his eyes a dark, mysterious green) Krasivitsya, I am very experienced, and not just in abductions. Perhaps I should show you—
Lady Ailsa: (droped her pen, ink splattering over the page as she stands and grabs her reticule from where it sits on the table) Thank you for your time. I’m sure I have enough for the article.
Prince Nikolai: You did not write anything.
Lady Ailsa: I dinnae need to.
Prince Nikolai: (stands) You do not wish me to list all of the balls I’ve attended? Describe the elegant suppers I’ve been forced to endure? (lowers his voice) Tell you the type of woman who most intrigues me?
Lady Ailsa: (flushes again) Nae. (folds ink blotted paper and stuffs it in her reticule) I’ve nae more questions.
Prince Nikolai: (makes his way around the table) Perhaps I have some questions for you.
Lady Ailsa: Me? (her voice squeaks a bit as she starts backing toward the door, her reticule clutched before her like a shield) I’m nae the one being interviewed.
Prince Nikolai: (follows her step for step) Not at first, but now I will interview you, and well, too.
Lady Ailsa: (she reaches the door, slips her hand behind her and finds the knob) That will nae be necessary. I-I’ll see you between the pages of Mad for the Plaid. It comes out tomorrow.
Prince Nikolai: I would not miss it for the world. (bends forward to give her a kiss)
Lady Ailsa: (ducks and whisks herself from the room, shutting the door behind her)
Prince Nikolai: (laughing softly as her footsteps fade) Tomorrow, my love. Tomorrow.
You can follow The Oxenburg Princes series on Goodreads.
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Do you enjoy reading the breathless moments when the hero ‘chases’ the heroine, or do you prefer it when the heroine ‘chases’ the hero? I love them both, so I’m not sure which is my favorite … perhaps when the heroine chases the hero just because it allows for a LOT of fun dialogue.
Which is your favorite?
At the end of the day, one comment from those below will be randomly selected to receive a $25 B&N gift card.
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When the hero chases the heroine
Especially the way they did it in those delicious old-style rom coms where the hero chases the heroine, but can’t quite figure out why as she’s so different from his usual woman-of-choice. That’s always a fun plot!
I prefer when the hero chases the heroine.
The book sounds great and the cover is lovely.
It’s a gorgeous cover, Rita, and I’ve thanked the art department about a hundred times. Looove it!
I like both. As long as I enjoy the charactets and storyline it can be either. I’d love to read this. I always enjoy Karen Hawkins books.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
Carol, thank you! I hope you enjoy MFTP!
While I like both, I think I like when the guy chases the girl just a bit more.
It’s the classic character arc and appeals to all of us on a lot of levels. I think we all like being pursued.
Both…When either character realizes they need to do the “Chase,” it doesn’t matter which one. I just don’t like when the chaser is the one wronged and is basically begging the other to realize they need to be together.
I hate that, too. It’s ok for one of the characters to know they are in love first, but it’s NOT ok for anyone to have so much more power over the other. That’s unhealthy.
both, the chase is always fun no matter who is doing it
The chase is The Thing in a romance, isn’t it?
Both … I love to see both ways and get different perspectives.
People who don’t read romance always say “they’re all alike,” which amazes me as no two relationships are alike. They’re all different!
So true, You do a great job of showing different relationships.
I like boy chases girl best. Especially if he’s a former bad boy reformed.
Oh my, those BAD BOYS REFORMED. I love those!
I like a little of both. I do enjoy being pursued, but it’s fun to do the chasing, too. 😉
Julie, as a Southern woman, I totally understand that.
Whicherver one is chasing is fine by me as long as it’s plausible, and the characters are smart and witty.
Diana, that’s key, isn’t it? Smart and witty — they’re simple words, but hard to craft well.
I think both, but I also like a gutsy heroine who finds her own way out of trouble, and sometimes rescues the hero with a daring act!
I do, too!!! And if she can sword fight or ride a horse like she was born to it, I’m even HAPPIER for some reason.
Men chasing with just enough cat and mouse to make it fun. ha
Oh yes, the cat and mouse is the fun part!
I tend to enjoy the heroine being chased…but no, I do enjoy the heroine chasing the hero…why do you ask tough questions?! I love them all! Each scene is always entertaining and fulfilling in their own way!
Lol! Sorry to asking such a tough question. 🙂
I like it when the men chase the women. The shoe needs to be put on the other foot sometimes.
Very true. In MFTP, they chase each other — first one, then the other, all while constantly trying to stay in control of their situation and each other. It was fun to write!
Honestly, I just like a witty, well written book. Humor, sometimes a bit of mystery or magic. I prefer something with a bit of a twist. Don’t just give me the same old formula book after book. I tend to get hooked on an author and want to read everything they have written, but I will quit after a few books if they seem to be the same story with just new character names. Haven’t quit on Karen Hawkins yet! New characters with new personalities and new twists in each book. Can’t wait for the next one to come out!
Sue, thank you so much! This is a bit of an adventure book, so there’s lot of new personalities and twists. I think you’ll be happy. 🙂
I love a heroine who goes after what she wants, but sometimes I also love for the man to take anitiative!!!…
Angie, I always say that if I ever write a heroine I wouldn’t love to go shoe shopping with, then I need to quit writing and take a sabbatical. IMHO, strong heroines are the backbone of a good romance.
I like both but of my favorites its boy chases girl. Tends to be a bit more fun.
I’m writing that right now — he’s decided to marry and she’s it. In MFTP, it’s back and forth, because they both fear giving up too much.
I like a strong heroine with humor. I don’t have a preference if the hero chases or the heroine as long as the story is good, the romance is hot and there is some humor. I like a twist or two and a little mystery to keep it interesting. Otherwise, who cares who chased who?
Oh Lili, this book as all of that — the romance is hot, there is some humor, and the entire book is based on a mystery. It’s as if you’d already read it. I hope you’ll enjoy the story and find all of the things you like best!
Either one as long as it’s written well
Amen, Geraldine. That’s the gold standard.
I love a heroine that keeps the hero on his toes. I love witty books and quips between the two. I can’t wait to read this story!
Thank you, Pam! These two were constantly struggling for power, but coming at it from different directions — one too sure of himself and the other not as certain of herself as she should be. I had such fun writing the dialogue because of that!
I have to say I love them both as well. But it usually more fun when the heroine is doing the chasing. Because men do not expect that, so they loose their cool and just don’t know what to do.
There’s a lot of fun opportunity in his surprise and loss-of-cool, isn’t there? It’s a great plot development.
I love them both as well1
It’s good to have some variety, isn’t it?
I like a scene where both the hero and heroine share a smart and witty conversation. The conversation shows that neither one has the upper hand, yet.
I LOVE the witty conversation. That’s crucial.
I love them both. Karen writes such amazing strong women
Thank you, Jennifer! I try to write women I’d like to go shoe shopping with.
Shoe shopping is a lot a of fun and very relaxing. Though I can’t say going with Natasha Nikolaevna would be. Lll
Lol! Oh, I don’t know. You might ‘accidentally’ run into a handsome man while you were with her. That seems to happen a lot.
True, hopefully she doesn’t threaten to turn him into a frog or something lol
Depending on the story, I like both. Both scenarios have the potential for great dialogue. I don’t particularly like stories where the hero is an irredeemable arse, though.
I don’t, either, BUT I do like it when the main guy character is a bit of an arse, and he grows enough to become a hero by the end of the book. The character growth is so fascinating.
I agree. As long as he grows as a character, it’s a good story. Unfortunately, I read a book recently that featured really unlikeable characters, because he was an irredeemable arse who didn’t change, and she was a mouse who let him steam roll her into submission. Every time he would get angry or yell, or punish her, it was her fault, and I, as a reader, was expected to accept this. It was sad, especially coming from a favorite author.
That would sadden me, too. :-/
I like both, but I think I lean towards the hero chasing the heroine because I would prefer to be chased! 😉
And oh, that can be so fun. 😉
I love them both but when the heroine chases the hero it is usually more interesting because the hero usually has a deer in the headlights look.
Lol! I love that look!
I like them both. I like variety.
It keeps reading from being too predictable, doesn’t it?
I like both. However I like it when the heroine knows what she wants and gets the hero to chase her ?
I LOVE a heroine who knows what she wants. We should all be more like that.
Both. Although I prefer it when the hero chases the heroine 🙂
It’s good to see a little change up now and then, but I think that’s my favorite, too.
I like the hero chasing the heroine.
It’s a classic!
I love a woman who goes after who she wants but I prefer when they chase each other equally. I like when they each make moves toward each other but they make it seem to the outside world they’re just flirting and not trying to actually get together except to those who know them best. Sometimes it starts out as a mild dislike but respect for the other so they are trying to “one up” each other. There’s a couple in a series I just read who I’m waiting to finally get together because they claim to hate each other yet they have great conversations when around their family and close friends. The family and friends see what’s happening even if they don’t…or at least refuse to admit it but it’s coming and it’s going to be a great read, lol.
Lol! I love watching those couples over the course of a few books. You get a lot of set-up for what is usually an outstanding story.
I like both 🙂
Can’t wait to read Mad for the Plaid! 🙂
This was fantastic and fun interview 🙂
I hope you enjoy the book, Bube!
I’m sure I will Karen 🙂
Thank you very much for all amazing stories 🙂
Like the sassy banter between a H/H as they wend their way towards a happy ever after. I like the push and pull between a strong pair with neither one overshadowing the other.
Exactly. There have to be moments when they look at each other, surprised they’re matched. That makes them try all the harder to ‘best’ the other.
I think that when the man chases the woman is a classic!!!
It is! So many of the old rom-com movies are like that, and they are fun, fun movies.
I like both. However, I do find it amusing when the more rakish gentlemen find a sense of honor while being chased by the right woman. 🙂
I like when the woman goes after the man just enough to catch his eye.
The boldness at the beginning but then shyness comes in and that hooks the guy.
It depends on the story! I do enjoy both! I do like the “chase” and then the realization once they are “caught”. But, there can’t be too many instances of wishwashyness or I get annoyed 🙂 thanks for sharing!
Oh my! I can’t wait!
For me it depends on the story–so I guess I like both!
I love when hero and heroine chased after each other! More power to them! 😉 But of course, it’d depend on the story as a whole.
I like both. Can’t wait to read your new book.
Honestly, I like either way. But I LOVE banters between hero and heroines, so if they are chasing each other but throw witty banters (along with sexy tension along the way), that will be AWESOME.
I like them both too! Thanks for the giveaway!
Both are great, but there is something humorous about a hero running from a heroine!
I enjoy the fun banter of a hero trying to avoid getting caught. But mostly just enjoy reading a well written book. Thanks.
Both are amazing! But I prefer is when the heroine does the chasing.
I love it when the heroine stands up for herself and brings the hero to task! Keep writing my friend I just love going on adventures with you!
I like it when the hero chases the heroine best, but I enjoy the heroine chasing the hero as well. Will be looking for this book today. I’m needing something to occupy me today.
I like it when the hero is always chasing the elusive heroine. Scottish heroes and heroines are my fave keep them coming.
I enjoy the man finally realizing how handsomely stupid he is, and runs after the woman….
I’m with Kat Bowen on this point. I prefer the hero chasing the heroine, but the heroine standing up for herself and confronting the hero about his issues is always appreciated.
Ive been waiting entirely too long for Nikolai’s story!!!! Cant wait to pick this up!
Lol its fun either way, but the heroine chasing the man makes it seem even more taboo.
I definitely prefer the hero to do the chasing although it is quite fun when a heroine turns a man into a bumbling, tongue twisted idiot by chasing after him in a way that is far different than he has been chased by the green, empty headed, marraige minded bimbos at a ball and their mothers.
I’m for the one where the hero chases the heroine and she makes him work for it 😉 Sometimes it’s nice to see the hero “grovel” a littlle and value what he wins.
I love both. Men and women have different ways of chasing after each other and they are always hilarious or, if its not the right person, very annoying. I also like the hero or heroine chasing their object of their chase while being chased by the person who wants them!
I can’t decide they are both SO awesome! I like best I think when the hero doesn’t know why he is drawn to her.. just thinks he regards her as a friend or someone he’s known for a long while.. then all of a sudden it changes and often she is after someone else.. so he must change her mind!