Julia Frant, in a case of mistaken identity, gets taken by the one man that she has loved for over four years, Alec MacLean. Alec MacLean in order for him to get his inheritance and keep it from his cousin, must marry by a appointed day and live free of scandal for one year. Julia Frant see's this as a opportunity as her dream of being with Alec, whom she has loved for four years, finally coming true when she thought it would be impossible. She also after coming into a agreement with Alec will have access to funds inorder to help with her efforts to help those that are less fortunate than herself and in need of help to better their lives. For this is one of Julia's greatest passions in life. After marrying Alec, Julia goes through a wonderous transformation that stuns Alec, from a plan jane to a beautiful woman that stirs up every desire. Alec finds himself hesitant to be too far from Julia's side, and he cant help but want her, only her. Even though at time her do-gooder ways frustrate him to no end, her passion for everything in her life draws him like nothing else could.The Abduction of Julia is the first installment in the Abduction/Seduction Trilogy written by Karen Hawkins. As far as authors goes, this is one of the best in the romance industry, and you would definitely be missing out if you haven't read any of her books. The Abduction of Julia is about two people that are so much alike in temperment that they definitely clash heads, but the desire they feel for each other is just as strong, and over-rules any rational thought. Throughout the story we see two people, even though at odds for most of the book, they come together in the end, trusting in the love they have built, and definitely proves in this wonderfully written love story, how love does conquer any obstacle. The plot is filled with intrigue, danger, passion and a emotional cap to finish it with a wonderous story from beginning to end. Definitely kept me on my toes, and I could hardly read this book fast enough, it drew me in like a child to candy. One thing that I didn't like was the contention between this couple so much throughout the story, I kinda felt that there were times that it was petty, but this story was definitely filled with human aspects, that made it feel more real for this reader. So overall a good love story and looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the trilogy and by this author that I have yet to get my hands on!!! ( )

Nice stock spinster romance. Insecure wallflower and rake. She has secretly been in love with him for years and believes he will never love her. Still one of my favorite tropes. (3.5 stars)

Re-read seven years later, and I still love the bits of angst and insecurity, but I can't help being a bit annoyed as well. The heroine is kind of an idiot. She is warned about Nicholas by both her husband and her friends, yet she still falls into his trap, even knowing it to be one! I appreciate her commitment to her cause, but she is profoundly naive about it. And unreasonably stubborn and short-sighted. The obvious thing to do is spend a year as a model society matron, secure the money, and then continue her work with the Society. She stubbornly insists that there will not be a scandal when she clearly has no idea what she is talking about! I wish the angst had been centered around her insecurity about her appearance and her unrequited love for the hero, rather than have her naivete and Nicholas' machinations be the central conflict. ( )

I've just re-read one of my favorite books, The Abduction Of Julia, by Karen Hawkins. It gets a rare 5 stars from me. First published in 2000 I found it on a shelf in a used bookstore. It's been on my shelf since then and been read several times. Alec and Julia are 2 wonderfully written characters, they were a delight to follow on their journey. The accompanying cast were all interesting as well. A few will show up in later books and they all become entwined in a series of stories that move from one character and family to another. The books are all stand-alone but the people weave in and out of each others lives as folks do in real life. I won't give away the plot, any more than the blurb already does, you should enjoy it yourself. I have found it an enjoyable read time and again. I only have one burning question...what happened to Edmond Valmont? He's a hapless creature but surely he deserved an HEA too.

#KarenHawkins #TheAbductionOf Julia #Rogues #AvonBooks #HarperCollinsPublishers ( )

Nice stock spinster romance. Insecure wallflower and rake. She has secretly been in love with him for years and believes he will never love her. Still one of my favorite tropes. (3.5 stars) ( )

Worst book. Couldn't even finish it ( )