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My Highland Spy (Highland Spies #1) by Victoria Roberts-Review, Interview and Giveaway

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My Highland Spy (Highland Spies #1) by Victoria Roberts-Review, Interview and Giveaway

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My Highland Spy
Highland Spies #1
by Victoria Roberts
Genre: adult, historical, Highland, romance
Release Date: September 2, 2014

My Highland Spy (Sept 14

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 2, 2014

This Highland Laird won’t bow to the Crown

Laird Ruairi Sutherland refuses to send his only son away to be educated by the English. And he most definitely will not appear in Edinburgh to pay homage to a liege who has no respect for Scotland. So he does what any laird would do—he lies to the king. The last thing Ruairi expects is a beautiful English governess to appear on his doorstep.

But this lady spy might make him…

Lady Ravenna Walsingham is a seasoned spy who is sent to the savage Highlands to uncover a nefarious plot against the Crown. Playing the part of an English governess—a job easier said than done—she infiltrates the home of Laird Sutherland, a suspected conspirator.

If she doesn’t betray him first

Ravenna soon discovers that the only real threat Sutherland poses is to her heart. But will the proud Highland laird ever forgive her when he discovers the woman he loves in an English spy?

••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: MY HIGHLAND SPY is the first instalment in Victoria Roberts new Highland Spies adult, historical romance series set in the Highlands of Scotland. This is Laird Ruairi Sutherland and Lady Ravenna Walsingham’s storyline. Lady Ravenna is a spy for the British Crown and Laird Ruairi is her next assignment.

The focus of the storyline is Ravenna’s attempts to gather information for the King. With Scotland and England in a continuous battle for supremacy, Ravenna must infiltrate the Laird’s estate and report back with any information that may be pertinent to the King. What Ravenna didn’t expect to find is the man who would steal her heart and a young boy with whom she would fall in love. Ruairi is a widower with a young son, and Ravenna is sent to the estate under the guise of a governess to teach the young lad the King’s English.

The relationship between Ruairi and Ravenna is one of immediate attraction but Ravenna is under the impression that Ruairi is newly widowed. Taking Ruairi’s son under her wing, Ravenna begins to develop feelings for the young boy, as well as for the man on whom she is supposed to spy. When the truth about Ravenna’s identity and her assignment are revealed, Ruairi pushes Ravenna away-from his life and his son’s.

The secondary characters include Ruairi ‘s best friend Fagan, as well as a quick glimpse at Ravenna’s sisters-one who may be a possible love match for Ruairi’s friend. There is the requisite evil in the form of Ruairi’s former in-laws, and in the end, everyone will get what they justly deserve.

Victoria Roberts is an amazing writer of Highland historical romance. From her ‘Bad Boys of the Highlands’ series to her latest ‘Highland Spies’, you will become immersed in a land of kilted men and women of desire. All of Victoria’s women are quite capable of handling a Highland Warrior and in this, her heroines are strong-willed, supportive and worthy of a man in a kilt.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Interview

TRC: Hi Victoria and welcome back to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the success of your Bad Boys of the Highlands series.

Victoria RobertsVictoria: Thank you so much for having me here today, Sandy. It’s great to be back at The Reading Café. *waves*

TRC: We would like to start with some background information for anyone who doesn’t know Victoria Roberts. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Follow: Facebook/ Website/ Goodreads/

Victoria: I’m an award-winning author of Scottish historical romances about kilted heroes and warriors from the past. I was named by RT Book Reviews in 2012 as “one of the most promising debut authors across the genres” and was a 2013 RT Reviewers’ Choice award winner for my second novel in the Bad Boys of the Highlands series, X Marks the Scot. I’ve been married to the same man for 21 years—no kidding—and we haven’t killed each other yet. He’s still baffled over the fact that I write about Scottish men when he’s 100% German. I also have a beautiful daughter who is 13 going on 23 and a son who’s 9.

TRC: When last we spoke you had just released the first book in your Bad Boys of the Highland Series-TEMPTATION IN A KILT and September 2013 saw the release of the third book TO WED A WICKED HIGHLANDER. Did you ever think that your ‘bad boys’ would become so popular with the readers?

Bad Boys of the Highlands

Victoria: I was surprised by the amount of love shown to the Bad Boys. I think all authors pray that readers will love the characters we’ve created, and I’m so elated for that. One reader even named her baby after one of my heroines, Sybella, calling her “Ella” like in the book. *blushes* Now that is truly flattering.

TRC: Do you plan on any more instalments in this particular series? If so who and when?

Victoria: Now that is the question. The Bad Boys will always hold a special place in my heart. And yes, I still find myself tinkering with ideas. I’d like to write Colin’s story (Sybella’s brother in To Wed a Wicked Highlander.) I also receive e-mails from readers begging for James Montgomery’s story (Rosalia’s BFF.) Let’s just say there’s a strong possibility that I’ll be returning to the series after dabbling with English spies in the Highlands.

My Highland Spy (Sept 14TRC: September 2014 you will be releasing MY HIGHLAND SPY-the first book in your new Highland Spies series. Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Victoria: Lady Ravenna Walsingham is a spy for King James and the Crown, the same as her father had been under Queen Elizabeth’s reign. Ravenna certainly lives in a man’s world, but that’s why she’s so proficient at doing what she does—a mere woman is the last thing anyone would expect. Under the guidance of her uncle, Ravenna is sent to the Scottish Highlands masquerading as a governess. She’s determined to fulfill her duty and obligations to the realm—only if a certain brawny Highland laird doesn’t continue to muddle her thoughts.

Laird Ruairi Sutherland is tired of the English. When he lies to the king and refuses to send his son to the Lowlands, a bonny enchantress shows up on his doorstep to educate his son. He intends to keep Ravenna at a distance, but the thought is easier said than done.

I think “kilts and spies” sums it up quite nicely.

TRC: If you could virtually cast the leading characters-Ravenna and Ruairi-which actors or models would best represent your ideal image?

Victoria: I always have so much trouble visualizing my heroes and heroines as real actors, especially since I don’t base my characters on anybody’s looks in particular. Mmm…that’s a tough one. Andy Whitfield would’ve made the perfect Ruairi though. Ravenna? I’d struggle with that answer for days.

Sandy: I do miss Andy…*sniff*

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the HIGHLAND SPIES series?

Victoria: There will be four books in the series. The Walsingham sisters will each have their own story.

TRC: Will the new series and characters overlap with the storylines in the Bad Boys of the Highlands Series?

Victoria: The new series will not have overlapping characters from the Bad Boys series. Although we are in the same timeframe of King James as he grows weary of the Highland lairds, that’s about it in the way of similarities.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties (research, logistics, background) did you encounter writing this particular book and series?

Victoria: Lord Francis Walsingham was an actual spy for the Crown, but Ravenna is a fictional character. I needed to find a delicate balance to make this woman tough and believable enough to be able to be a spy in the times. For instance, she travels as a single woman to the Highlands, but her uncle’s body guard and his wife accompany her.

TRC: What do you believe is the attraction and appeal of the Highlander to romance readers?

Victoria: I think it’s the same attraction and appeal for anyone who reads regency, westerns, etc. Readers, including me, want to escape. We want to go somewhere different, to be taken away to another time and place. Who can resist that Scottish brogue, those sexy kilts, and those verra large…broadswords? Not me! Oh, yes. And let’s not forget about the castles and beautiful Scottish landscape.

TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

Victoria: Both. I start by directing the characters, molding their behavior so to speak. But when they’re ready, they let me know it. They always take off and have a mind of their own. Most of the time I let them go, but sometimes I have to rein them in. For example, Declan (X Marks the Scot) I had to rein in often.

TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

Victoria: In order to make readers feel the emotions the characters are experiencing in a book, I believe writers need to draw from personal experience. If an author takes readers just through the motions, readers will notice, and they’ll be pulled out of the story. From my experience, readers want you to take them there. They want to experience the torment, love, agony and heartbreak. I believe a writer needs to understand their characters. I’m inside my character’s heads all the time. I’ve cried, been royally ticked off, and laughed, etc. while writing a chapter. That’s the kind of emotions you want to stir in readers when they read your story.

TRC: What three things would you like to accomplish in the next five years?

Victoria: Well, I’d really like to make “the” list. NYT or USA Today bestselling author sounds delightful. I’m also hoping to have something self-published in the next few years to accompany my traditional titles. And lastly? I need to travel to Scotland. The bagpipes are calling. I need to answer.

TRC: What is something that few, if any people, know about you?

Victoria: I’m a die-hard KISS fan. I even have a custom Ace Frehley Les Paul guitar. Don’t laugh. Men have been kilt, killed, for less.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Victoria: I’m working on a Valentine’s Day Scottish historical anthology with bestselling authors: Willa Blair, Eliza Knight, Vonda Sinclair and Terry Spear. Kissing the Highlander will be available February 2015.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Victoria: I’d like to thank you and your readers for spending time with me today. Those were some great questions, and I hope I gave you some great answers. Enjoy Ruairi and Ravenna!

TRC: Thank you Victoria for taking the time to answers our questions. Congratulations on all of your success and the with the new release MY HIGHLAND SPY.

 

giveaway

What’s your favorite spy movie? Sourcebooks will give away one copy of My Highland Spy to a lucky commenter (US and Canada only, please.)

Victoria and her publisher are graciously offering a paper copy of MY HIGHLAND SPY to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered, please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in such as Twitter or Facebook, please post your email address with your comment.

3. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

 4. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

5. LIKE Victoria Roberts on Facebook

6. Giveaway open to USA and Canada only.

7. Giveaway runs from September 2-7, 2014

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Hero of a Highland Wolf by Terry Spear-a review

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Hero of a Highland Wolf by Terry Spear -a review

Hero of a Highland Wolf Aug 14

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

RELEASE DATE: August 5, 2014

he’s ready for change…

Colleen Playfair has never been to Scotland, but when she discovers she must spend a year and a day overseas learning to manage her newly inherited estate, she’s ready for the challenge. She even has some ideas for improvements-if she can get past the sexy werewolf who seems convinced he’s the one in charge.

But he’s digging in his claws…

Grant MacQuarrie and his clan have been managing Farraige Castle for three centuries. The last thing he wants is a meddling American heiress trying to change the way things have always been done. He’s more than willing to fight the she-wolf every step of the way, using every tool at his disposal. And if that means taking the lass to bed, well…all the better.

Locked in a battle of wills, caught in an attraction they can’t escape, Colleen and Grant must find a way to work together…or face losing it all.

•••••••••••••••

REVIEW: HERO OF A HIGHLAND WOLF is the fourteenth instalment in Terry Spear’s Heart of the Wolf paranormal romance series focusing on the wolf shifters of the Scottish Highlands. This is Alpha Highland wolf Grant MacQuarrie and American female alpha Colleen Playfair. HERO OF A HIGHLAND WOLF can be read as a standalone; many of the previous storyline couples and characters play secondary roles but their history is not necessary to the enjoyment of this particular storyline.

Following the death of her beloved Grandmother, Colleen Playfair heads to Scotland where she learns that to claim Farraige Castle as part of her inheritance she must remain in Scotland for one year. Believing that the Castle staff is human, Colleen is feeling reluctant and ambivalent about her visit. But all too soon, she discovers that not only is the castle run by wolves, but the MacQuarrie Alpha wants nothing to do with her presence.

The relationship between Grant and Colleen begins rather comically when Grant plays one tactic after another to push Colleen away. From Highland Games style sword fights to wild boar dinners, Grant tries in vain to scare the American she-wolf away. Little does he realize that his inner wolf and most of the staff believe that Colleen, quite possibly, is his mate. I like that Terry does not play up the angst of the mating angle-Grant and Colleen know what they want and there is none of the push and pull of maybe or maybe not.

The storyline and thusly the relationship is slow to build as our leading couple dance around one another for a good portion of the book. Their attraction is immediate but their family history will reveal the animosity that goes back hundreds of years. The secondary characters drive a good portion of the story with humor, history and the potential for another mating.

HERO OF A HIGHLAND WOLF is an imaginative, seductive and fun read; who knew wolves like to play dress-up as pirates and wenches. If you are a fan of the paranormal shifter storylines, Terry Spear’s Heart of the Wolf series is must read: family, friends, werewolves and sex; add a little bit of humor and you have the perfect combination for romance and fun all capped off with a man in a Highland kilt.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Crimson Heart by Heather McCollum – Interview & Review

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Crimson Heart by Heather McCollum – Interview &  Review

 

Crimson HeartAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
Elena has spent her entire life hiding her family name while walking the thin line between lady and servant in a Protestant household. Keeping the secret of her lineage has been a success for years, but now, with a new, fiercely Catholic queen on the throne, Elena’s Protestant caretaker is being targeted. And when Bloody Mary discovers Elena’s true identity, she must not only flee to Scotland for her freedom, but also for her life.

Highland warrior, Searc Munro, has secrets of his own. In a family of healers, his own dark, killing magic must never be known. But when his father’s life is threatened, Searc unleashes his lethal power to save him. With his clan’s suspicious glances and whispers plaguing him, he sets off alone, only to find another use for his magic in saving a beautiful lass being attacked in the forest.

Teaming up as exiles, Elena and Searc head toward Edinburg to find refuge. Yet, with a series of ritual killings haunting the city and a traitor attempting to assassinate Scotland’s regent, suspicion turns to Searc. As word of another British heir reaches the country, the two must find a way to trust each other, despite their secrets, before it’s too late.

 

Review:

Crimson Heart is book three in Heather McCollum’s Highland Hearts Series. Now for anyone who knows me, they know I don’t like reading series out of order, but I made an exception for this one and I wasn’t disappointed. I really enjoyed Crimson Heart and Heather’s story telling ability. It was fun, fast paced, filled with danger, suspense, intrigue, magic, and of course a lovely romance. I do believe I’ve now found a new author and I plan to go back and read her previous books in this series when I have the time. In the meantime, I went back and read the book synopsis on the previous books and they sound just as good as Crimson Heart.

Heather does a wonderful job of spinning her tale of a lady in hiding and on the run due to her lineage, and a hero who has a dark form of magic that he fears he will be labeled a monster should anyone find out. The pretense to this story had me hooked from the get go and it just carried me away on a fun and adventurous story that had plenty of twists, turns, danger and comical situations that kept me entertained from beginning to end. From the moment I met both Elena and Searc it was an instant like of both characters. When an author can get me to like characters from my first meeting of them, I know I’m in for an enjoyable read and that the author will spin an exciting and fun story.

Elena is quite the enjoyable female lead. She’s feisty, brave, intelligent and can hold her own with a bow and arrow in a fight. She’s not your typical lady of that time who would swoon at the sight of bloodshed, instead, she jumps right in there and helps out all the while protecting our dashing hero in a kilt. Oh yes, Searc is every bit the sexy powerful Highlander and Elena is the perfect woman for this poor crushed soul. Elena doesn’t see Searc’s magic as dark, demon cursed or however Searc would label himself. Elena was able to see past his magic to the brave and powerful protector that Searc is. Thanks to Elena Searc finally sees that his magic isn’t a curse, but instead a source of magic that allows him to protect those he loves and see no harm brought to them.

Searc, what can I say, he’s your dream come true sexy Highlander, and he’s got a very powerful form of magic. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do to protect those he loves and cares for, including Elena now, who’s somehow managed to get under his skin and worm her way into Searc’s heart. He’s so sweet with Elena, and had me melting as I read the scenes with Elena and Searc. Yes, she caused our poor highlander plenty of headaches as she’s quite the headstrong lass and very rarely stayed put when Searc told her too. Those scenes had me laughing out loud, but at the same time falling more and more in love with Searc over his growing feelings for Elena. Just as Elena helps Searc too see his magic isn’t a death sentence, he helps Elena come to terms with who she is, and that she doesn’t need to be afraid of her lineage anymore because he will always be there to love and protect her.

The romance between Elena is slow to build and nicely weaved around all the danger, intrigue and suspense that Ms. McCollum creates in her story. Elena and Searc both fear their lives are doomed due to who and what they are, but in finding one another they come to realize that they can have the one thing they never thought they would, love, and someone to love them unconditionally. Watching them slowly come to this realization, and learning to trust each other is sweet, and romantic and will have you shedding a tear by the end of the book with Elena’s unselfish actions to help Searc. That scene was expertly written and had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what the outcome would be.

I know I’ve found a new author in Heather McCullom, and I think anyone who loves sexy powerful Highlanders, magic, a damsel on the run, danger, and intrigue with a good healthy dose of romance on the side, then I feel you too will have found a new author to put on your TBR list.

Until next time, happy reading everyone.

Reviewed by Marcie

Copy provided by Publisher

Interview beige 2

Heather-Sophie

 

Hi Heather. Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions today.We are always looking forward to reading about the author behind the book.

 

Heather:  Thanks so much for having me on The Reading Café!

TRC:  Would you please tell us something about yourself? 

Heather:  Let’s see – I’m a mom of three loud and spirited kids, ages 15, 13 and 7. I’m a dog mom of a crazy, rescued golden retriever and wife to my very own Highland hero, Braden. I’m also an author of historical, paranormal romance, an ovarian cancer ass-kicker, and a lover of baked goods fresh from the oven.

TRC:  Have you always been interested in writing? 

Heather:  I’ve written stories and poems since I was little. By high school I was writing romance for all of my creative writing assignments. Everyone thought I’d be an English major. I surprised them all by majoring in Cellular Immunology, a branch of Biology. I said that I didn’t like people telling me how to write. Ha! And now I have editors doing just that and it’s not so bad. It’s funny how I’ve come back around full circle to my first love, writing.

TRC: Is there anything (in general) you find particularly challenging about writing? 

Heather:  Oh gosh! There are so many things, but challenges keep us on our toes, right? Characters who refuse to follow my plot (Highlanders are stubborn) and just finding time to write while balancing a family are the two hardest parts of writing for me.  

TRC: Crimson Heart is the third book in your Highland Hearts series. For those who may not have read the first two books, can Crimson Heart be read as a standalone? 

Heather:  Yes, each book in the Highland Hearts series can be read alone, but past characters come into play in later books. Knowing something about those characters can make the reading more fun. So I recommend reading them in the following order:

HIGHLAND HEART – short prequel to Bk 1
CAPTURED HEART – Book 1
TANGLED HEARTS – Book 2
UNTAMED HEARTS – long novella, I call it Book 2.5
CRIMSON HEART – Book 3

TRC: Can you tell us the premise of Highland Hearts, and how many books do you have planned?

Heather:   Highland Hearts takes place in 16th century Britain and follows the Macbain and Munro clans. The characters journey from the rugged Highlands to King Henry VIII’s court in London and then back up to Edinburgh Castle, which was the seat of Scottish rule.  The series is a cross between The Tudors, Braveheart, and The Pirates of the Caribbean. And what makes it even more fun is the spark of magic within the series. All the women, descended from a magical healer from the 10th century, inherit the ability to move small particles such as blood and tissue to heal a body or air and water to affect the weather. Only women possess the magic, that is until Searc Munro reveals his secret in Crimson Heart.  I only had three books in mind but ended up publishing the prequel and then writing a long novella (Untamed Hearts) to give the reader more fun after Tangled Hearts. So Crimson Heart is supposed to be the last book in the series, although one of the characters at the end of Crimson Heart is begging me to write her story. So I’ll have to see : ) 

TRC: Would you please give us a brief description of Crimson Heart?  

Heather:  Sure! Here is the blurb.

Elena has spent her entire life hiding her family name while walking the thin line between lady and servant in a Protestant household. Keeping the secret of her lineage has been a success for years, but now, with a new, fiercely Catholic queen on the throne, Elena’s Protestant caretaker is being targeted. And when Bloody Mary discovers Elena’s true identity, she must not only flee to Scotland for her freedom, but also for her life.

Highland warrior, Searc Munro, has secrets of his own. In a family of healers, his own dark, killing magic must never be known. But when his father’s life is threatened, Searc unleashes his lethal power to save him. With his clan’s suspicious glances and whispers plaguing him, he sets off alone, only to find another use for his magic in saving a beautiful lass being attacked in the forest.

Teaming up as exiles, Elena and Searc head toward Edinburg to find refuge. Yet, with a series of ritual killings haunting the city and a traitor attempting to assassinate Scotland’s regent, suspicion turns to Searc. As word of another British heir reaches the country, the two must find a way to trust each other, despite their secrets, before it’s too late 

TRC:  You write both Historical Romance and YA Paranormal Romance. Do you have a preference? Have you ever thought about writing in another genre?

Heather:   I always love the book I am currently writing and the genre follows. I wrote the YA so my teen could read my books as my others are rated “R”. And I fell in love with the fun, snarky voices of my teen characters. But after a few months of slang, I start to yearn for my Highlanders again and usually find myself dreaming of Scottish brogues and brawny heroes in kilts.  I have all sorts of books in my head, waiting to be born. I have a contemporary romance ghost story series, a sci-fi dystopian trilogy, and a memoire based on my Russian grandmother’s life surviving a concentration camp in WWII. Although there is also another Scottish paranormal romance series whispering at me too.  

TRC:  You recently released Siren’s Song, a YA Paranormal romance. Is this a standalone or a series? Can you please give us a brief description of Siren’s Song? 

Heather:  Siren’s Song is definitely a standalone, but I am currently writing a sequel which follows one of the other characters in the book.  Jule Welsh can sing. She enthralls people with her bel canto voice. But it takes more than practice to reach her level of exquisite song; it takes siren’s blood running through her veins. Jule is starting her senior year at Cougar Creek High when her relatively normal world begins to resemble a roller coaster flying through a carnival scare house. Her mother is diagnosed as insane and committed, a psycho-stalker is snapping pictures of her to put into his homemade Jule-shrine, her voice is suddenly putting people into comatose trances, oh and the gorgeous new guy in town, Luke Whitmore, is interested in her . . . but also wants to kill her.  If you’d like to see the book trailer, it can be found here: SS Book Trailer (Psst, the house in the first shot was mine in high school and it was haunted). 

TRC:  You also have a series, Dragonfly Chronicles, which you note on your website that you are thinking about book #5. What is the status on this, and can you please give us a brief description of this series? 

Heather:  Yes, there is a 5th and final book coming in The Dragonfly Chronicles. I have just started writing Sacrifice and hope to release it early next year.  The Dragonfly ChroniclesA powerful Wiccan mother is hunted by a pack of thirteen bound demons. To save her four daughters before she’s killed, she hides each of them in a different time period with one of her magical powers. So each book takes place in a different era with the heroine possessing a different magical ability. In the fifth book, they will come together with their soul mates and the overall story protagonist, Drakkina (a spirit woman), to save the world from the demons.  

TRC:  What are you currently working on?

Heather:   Right now I’m writing the first draft of Sacrifice: Book Five in The Dragonfly Chronicles and also working on edits to the sequel to Siren’s Song, my YA.

TRC:  What is your writing process? Do you like to write at specific times, in a special place? 

Heather:  I’m a very visual writer. I like to see my characters (basic features & strong emotions) and settings (authentic historical details). So I create collages for my books. I take a day toward the beginning of each new project to cut out pictures of landscapes, people and objects that mean something to my story. I paste them on an open folder, poster board or even in a blank book to give me something to glance at while writing.

I’ve also started using a process that Blake Snyder describes in his screenwriting book, Save the Cat. It helps with plotting and pacing. I use a big white board, divided into four acts, and lots of index cards.

I have a lovely little writing desk with curvaceous, slender legs which I’ve named Eleri. I light my stained glass lamp (named Jule) and lose myself in my stories. But on cool days (I live in the south so below 90 degrees is a must) I sit with my lap top on my screened back porch to write. Out there I can listen to the birds and breezes and smell my herb garden. I write best before 3PM, partly because my energy level drops then but also my children are about to come home from school.  Last but not least, I must have a hot chai latte to sip to wake up my muse. She seems to require the taste of cinnamon to produce beautiful narrative and snappy, authentic dialogue.  

TRC:  Many authors have friends or family, that they bounce ideas and information back and forth. Do you have anyone you like to discuss your stories with? 

Heather:  I brainstorm with my 15yo daughter about my YA books. She helps me (while rolling her eyes) with teen slang and attitude.  I bounce ideas off my mom, husband, and girlfriends for my adult books. One of my friends, who is a technical editor in her day job, has become my beta reader and offers fantastic insight and catches my inconsistencies (especially eye color, don’t know why I can’t remember that!).

TRC:  What books, authors or people in your life have influenced your writing? 

Heather:  Every book I read influences my writing, from my first romance The Flame and the Flower by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss to the screenwriting book I read a few weeks ago called Save the Cat by Blake Snyder. Karen Marie Moning opened up the world of paranormal Scottish romance with her time traveling Highlander series. Even Twilight has influenced my YA stories with its dangerous hero.  Gosh – everything has influenced my writing. I lived in a haunted house for five years. That certainly opened up my eyes and my mind to the unusual in the world. And I’ve recently fought and hopefully won the war against ovarian cancer with fifteen months of chemo and a year of recovery. Meeting cancer warriors, watching them quietly battle to save their lives and the worlds of their families, has influenced the themes of my books and ideas of what love looks like. In my upcoming YA sequel, the heroine must learn to handle her fear of dying, something I struggle with myself (not that I plan to die anytime soon : ).  

TRC:  When you are not writing, what other interests or hobbies do you have?

Heather:  Well I’m a full-time mom of three, so my kids keep my interest with boyfriends, learner’s driving permit, hockey practice, soccer practice, horseback riding, gymnastics, parties, school projects, etc. I’m also a dog mom to a crazy rescued golden retriever who requires daily runs to keep her from exploding with energy.  Since I’ve been sick and recovered, my amazing Highland husband and I have started the SHOUT Against the Whisper campaign to educate women about the sneaky, nearly-silent symptoms of ovarian cancer. I knit hats for chemo patients and the two of us run a booth at a popular women’s event in the area each year. We hand out symptom cards everywhere.  What are the symptoms? I’m so glad you asked because knowing them may save your life or the life of a woman you love. I list them in the backs of my books too in hopes that the information will reach more and more women.  

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms every day for more than three weeks, please go see your doctor. My tumor grew to grapefruit size in 5 short months and was spreading.
Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:
Bloating that is persistent
Eating less and feeling fuller
Abdominal pain
Trouble with your bladder
Ovarian Cancer cannot be detected by a PAP Smear. Additional symptoms may include fatigue, indigestion, back pain, pain with intercourse, constipation, and/or menstrual irregularities.

Other hobbies? I also like watching birds, mild gardening, and baking things I shouldn’t eat on my diet. Let’s see, I also like decoupage, knitting, and all things related to drinking a proper tea.  

TRC:  Would you like to add anything else? 

Heather:  Thank you so much for having me here today! Your questions were so much fun! For more information about me, my books and ovarian cancer, please check out my web site at www.HeatherMcCollum.com. I can also be found here:
Twitter https://twitter.com/HMcCollumAuthor
FB https://www.facebook.com/HeatherMcCollumAuthor
Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/hmccollumauthor/
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4185696.Heather_McCollum

LIGHTNING ROUND

Heather:  Yay! This is like being a contestant on Family Feud except all my answers are right : ) 

Favorite Food: Haddock burger with cheese and tartar from the pier on Beals Island, Maine. After that, nearly any breakfast food that exists.  

Favorite Dessert: Pie, blueberry, pumpkin, shoo fly, chocolate chess, coconut custard, and so on. 

Favorite Movie: Pitch Perfect 

Favorite TV Show: Big Bang Theory 

Favorite Movie or TV Celebrity: Ellen DeGeneres  

Dark or Milk Chocolate: Dark, especially with cranberries and nuts in it 

Favorite literary character (not your own): Charley Davidson in Darynda Jones’ Grim Reaper series. She’s hilarious! 

Dog or Cat: Dog, I’ve grown up with them and love them despite their shedding. And unfortunately I’m allergic to cats.   

TRC: Thank you Heather, for answering our questions. The Reading Café wishes you the best of luck with Crimson Heart.  

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Warrior Untamed/Take a Chance by Melissa Mayhue – reviews

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Warrior Untamed/Take a Chance by Melissa Mayhue – reviews

Melissa Mayhue has two releases within weeks apart.  Warrior Untamed is part of her Warrior series, and Take a Chance is Melissa’s first book in a new romance series. Below are the reviews of each book.

 

Warrior Untamed
Warrior series – Book 3
by Melissa Mayhue
Release Date: November 26, 2013
Warrior Untamed Novem 2013Links to order Warrior Untamed:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
If only Bridget MacCulloch, descendant of the mighty Picts, could control her temper and overcome her lack of patience, she’d likely be the most formidable warrior of her day. But how’s she supposed to master that temper when all the men she encounters seem determined to thwart her every move, suggesting that she find a good husband and settle down? Her only interest in life is avenging her father’s death—a goal which in no way includes spending time with the arrogant, domineering Norseman who saved her life.

As a descendant of the Norse god Thor, Halldor O’Donar carries his ancestor’s title as the Protector of Man. Though he’s plagued by interfering Faeries, he’s determined to save Mankind from a monster that escaped from his ancestors’ world. The last thing he wants is a wild-tempered woman to distract him from his quest.

But the Fates have other ideas. Brie and Hall find that the only way to meet their individual goals is to work together. To succeed, she must learn to harness her negative emotions to free the power of the warrior within, and he must let down his protective walls to allow one very special woman inside…


 Review:

Warrior Untamed is the 3rd book in Melissa Mayhue’s Warrior series.  When we left off in Warrior Reborn, I suspected that our heroes would be Bridget and Hall, and I was right. Warrior Untamed picks up with Hall rescuing and bringing Brie back to Castle MacGahan.  Brie and Hall have very strong feelings for each other.  Hall though tries desperately to hold back his feelings, as he is a descendant of Thor, and knows he cannot take Bridget with him, when he returns.  Brie is a one of a kind heroine, tough, confident, temperamental, independent and stubborn, not to mention a perfect female warrior.  She truly is a perfect match for Hall.  But despite her feelings for Hall, Brie senses his distance, even though she can see the desire in his eyes, and just takes it as meaning he isn’t interested in a woman like her.

It is Brie’s stubbornness and intense desire to enact revenge against our villain, Torquil for killing her father.  She will not let anyone stand in her way, which is difficult as both Hall and her brother, Jamesy want to protect her by forcing her to stay back in the Castle.  Brie sneaks out more then once along the way, always a step of ahead of them, though Hall does catch up with her a few times. 

The villain, Torquil, is actually a beast that has taken over his body. Fenrir lives inside Torquil, and will stop at nothing to kill anyone who tries to lock him up again.  Hall knows that Brie’s stubbornness will get her killed, or worse yet, the beast will overtake her body.  She keeps escaping Hall, and each time he comes to her rescue, but Brie will not be stopped, as it is her right to kill Torquil.  This is an exciting adventure, and Hall and Brie made a fabulous couple.  The sexual chemistry between them is hot, and despite their misgivings, they are both very much in love with each other.  Will Hall be able to find a way to have Brie as his mate?  Will Hall be able to save a reckless Brie?  Will both Torquil and Fenrir meet their deserved end? 

Melissa Mayhue once again creates a fabulous story, and brings everything to a conclusion.  I loved the epilogue when we get to see all of the fabulous heroes of the three books, and see how they are doing in their lives.  I am a huge of fan of Melissa, and am dying to know what is next (besides her contemporary romance Take a Chance)?  Warrior spinoff?  Daughters of the Glen?  If you have not read this series, you need to start with Warrior Redemption and then continue on to Warrior Reborn and Warrior Untamed.  Great series for the always fantastic Melissa Mayhue.

 

Take a Chance
Chance Colorado series – Book 1
by Melissa Mayhue
Release Date: December 16,2013

TAKEACHANCE-FrontCover(forAmazonandSmashwords)Links to order Take a Chance: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / ITunes / Kobo

Description:
Allison Flynn has spent the last eight years struggling to build the life of her dreams.  But a cheating boyfriend, the loss of her beloved job, and her mother’s illness have all conspired to bring her back home again, shutting the door on those dreams.

Logan O’Connor is a man driven by guilt and haunted by the what-ifs of his choices in life.  Betrayed by the woman he’d thought he loved, he’s given up any dream of the Happy Ever After he’d once assumed his life would have and devoted himself to his work.

When Allie and Logan cross paths, they’ll need to risk their hearts once more to have any chance at finding what they really want.

Sometimes you have to take a chance to make your dreams come true

Review:

Take a Chance by Melissa Mayhue is her first book in her Chance Colorado series.  Take a Chance is a contemporary romance, which is a new genre for Melissa. The story takes place in  Chance, a small town in Colorado.

Allison (Allie) is our heroine, whom we meet as a teenager, 8 years before present time.  Allie has always had a secret crush on her brother’s friend, Logan.  But Logan doesn’t even know Allie exists, especially since he only sees her as his friend’s little sister.  At her prom, she is with Ryan, Logan’s brother, and he finds out that she has been using him to be able to meet Logan.  With her best friend betraying her, and her embarrassment for doing that to her friend, Ryan, Allie leaves town soonafter graduation.

The story picks up 8 years later, as Allie’s brother Matt, has been injured while stationed oversees, and with her mother ill, Allie decides to go home with Matt and help take care of both of them.  Having caught her current boyfriend having an affair, made it easier for Allie to go home again, something she swore she would never do.

No matter how much she tries to avoid some people, she does come face to face with Logan, the boy she crushed over 8 years earlier.  This time Logan notices the beautiful young woman, whom he does not really know.

This is a sweet romance that has such a nice hometown feel.  I loved Allie and Logan together, as they took their time to build this romance.  At first, Allie shied away from Logan, thinking he knew the story of why she left town.  But no one cares what happened years earlier, especially when she was just a teenager.  Melissa Mayhue has created some wonderful characters that make this story so good.  I loved the cousins, Desi and Dulcie, and their coffee shop. I want to go there and taste their fabulous cakes and great coffee.  It is the cousins who help Allie settle in Chance, to build her own life.  I also loved Logan’s brash sister, Katy, and Logan’s friend Tanner, a hot hot fireman.  I can foresee a budding romance with Katy and Tanne. Melissa also gives us a glimpse at some new characters that we can be sure will have their own story.

If you enjoy a pure romance; a small town atmosphere; a wonderful couple; great secondary characters; then this book is perfect for you.  Take a Chance is a new genre for Melissa Mayhue, but no matter what she does, she is a fabulous writer.  Being a big fan of Melissa, it is no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed Take a Chance.   I wholly recommend that you also Take a Chance.  🙂

Reviews by Barb

Copies provided by Author/Publisher

 

 

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Mary Wine – How To Handle a Highlander – Guest Post & Review

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Mary Wine – How To Handle a Highlander – Guest Post & Review

How To Handle a HighlanderLinks to order How to Handle a Highlander:
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / The Book Depository

Description:
Moira Frazer is betrothed to a man who is old enough to be her father, but it’s her duty to her clan to marry him, and she’s determined to see this through…until she meets Gahan Sutherland.

Gahan knows this match is designed to start a feud between the clans, which is why he decides to stop the wedding. But when Moira awakens a passion within him that he never knew existed, he realizes that the outcome of this perilous situation will determine the future of his own happiness.

As trust and honor clash with forbidden attraction, manipulations, rivalries, and schemes will threaten to blow the Highlands sky high



Review:

How to Handle a Highlander is the 6th book in Mary Wine‘s Highlander series.  This is my first book by Wine, but I thought this worked well enough to read as a standalone.  How to Handle a Highlander is a historical romance, as well as a Highlander story.  Moira Fraser is our heroine, being considered a commoner by her family; she is forced by her evil half brother Bari,  to marry an old laird, in a deal for help to destroy the Sutherland family.   Moira is a sweet, likeable and pretty heroine, and despite her being treated beneath the rest of the family, she feels it is her responsibility to do what is necessary to help her clan.

Gahan Sutherland is our hero, and a hot hunky Highlander he is.  Gahan, who represents his clan, heads for the home of the Laird Achaius Matheson, to try and stop a clan war.  The Laird, who will marry Moira, also has his own agenda.  When Gahan sets his eyes on Moira, he is immediately attracted to her, and knows she is being forced to marry Achaius, who is a mean and scheming old man. Gahan at first feels sympathy for Moira, but over a short period, he becomes obsessive and protective of her, and even though she is now married to the Laird, they both respond to their sexual chemistry.  What they do not know is that the Laird anticipates this, and secretly plans to destroy the Frasers, with the exception of Moira, enabling him to take over the Fraser land, 

Within that plot, Moira’s half brother is out for revenge against the Sutherlands for killing his sister, who had tried to poison Gahan’s father. This story is filled with plots, betrayals, scheming relatives, and a romance between two people who find true love. 

I liked both Moira and Gahan, as they made a nice couple.  I did think that it was a bit unrealistic that the serious and dutiful Moira, who was promised to another man, would fall into bed with Gahan almost the first night she met him.   The story moved back and forth, as Gahan was stopped just about at every move to free Moira from her half brother’s shenanigans, as well as from the clutches of her husband.  A surprise twist happens half way through that creates more havoc, and the last third of the story is exciting and action packed.  It was a nice historical romance, with a quite a few steamy scenes. Will Gahan be able to save Moira?  Will they both have a life together?  Will the Sutherlands survive the plotting of the other clans?  You need to read this book to find out. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

About the Author Black and Orange
marypic1-200x300Mary Wine has written over twenty novels that take her readers from the pages of history to the far reaches of space. Recent winner of a 2008 EPPIE Award for erotic western romance, her book LET ME LOVE YOU was quoted “Not to be missed…” by Lora Leigh, New York Times best-selling author.

When she’s not abusing a laptop, she spends time with her sewing machines…all of them! Making historical garments is her second passion. From corsets and knickers to court dresses of Elizabeth I, the most expensive clothes she owns are hundreds of years out of date. She’s also an active student of martial arts, having earned the rank of second degree black belt.

While you are here, don’t forget to take a peek at all her intoxicating novels and also say hello at her blog!



Guest Post-White and Purple

Good afternoon, thanks for having me over today. I’m really excited about my newest book, How to Handle a Highlander. This is book three in my Sutherlands but you can read it stand alone. I’ll let everyone in on a little secret, I just finished up book four in this book. It will release next summer.

How Do You Create a Hero?

Wow, that’s a question and a half. Now inside all of us, is a little girl who played princess. Even though some of those inner princesses were more Xena than Cinderella. I think the best part about the Romance gene is that there are so many different types of stories. You can find something that suits your idea of a perfect world.

When it comes to the hero, let’s face it girls, we want him yummy. There is no getting around that…hard….fact. But I don’t feel too guilty when I pass through my living room and there is my husband playing a video game and all the female characters are these incredibly scrumptious creatures.

But what makes a man a hero? That’s the part where the writer has to craft her character and sell him to the reader. There are certain traits that go with hero and defiantly ones that don’t. When I’m working on the first part of a story, that beginning, creation stage, I get a feel on that hero and where his is in his life. Why is he there and what is it about him that keep him from crossing the line into that ‘non-hero’ zone.

I always need my books to be part of the time they are in. In How to Handle a Highlander, I’m dealing with harsh realities. My heroine is set to marry an old man, she’ll be wife number four. For the time, it wasn’t unheard of. Marriage was for children, so older men often took bride young enough to provide those children.

No my hero knows that the union is going to unite two clans against his own. He wants to stop it but what makes him a hero is the fact that he’s got to find a way to intervene without just resorting to violence. He also notices that my heroine is not the problem, she’s stuck in the problem. That’s where I think he shines the most. When he notices that she needs his help.

No matter what sort of hero you desire, they’ve got to have integrity, be men of their word and willing to face the challenges of fate.

Cheers Everyone!

You can find me on Facebook, Website, Goodreads

 

How to Handle a Highlander Excerpt-

“Inspecting yer new possession?”

She recognized Gahan’s voice instantly. It was slightly unnerving how swiftly she identified him.

“Yer sister would have found it beneath her,” he added.

Gahan parted from the shadow of a doorway. The hall was farther behind her than she’d realized; the setting of the supper table was now only a dim buzz. A strange twist of excitement went through her belly, startling her. But it also left a bitter taste in her mouth, because she realized she preferred Gahan to her groom.

It was knowledge she could have done well without.

“Nae that I’d expect any less of any woman wedding such an old man,” Gahan informed her.

His tone was condescending at best, and it irritated her. He was her better. The fine weave of his kilt and the silver buttons running up the sides of his knee-high boots showed off just how much his father gave him. She should have kept her mouth shut, but her pride flared up and she propped her hand onto her hip.

“And will yer father give ye any choice when he contracts a bride for ye?” She questioned boldly “Or will ye turn yer nose up no matter who is depending upon ye to do yer duty? Like a spoiled child who knows naught of the way alliances keep a clan safe?”

His eyes narrowed. For a moment, it looked like he was considering what she said, almost as if she’d surprised him somehow.

“Nae if me duty includes making sure me kin can start a feud.”

“I have no such desire.” She shouldn’t snap at him but just couldn’t squelch the urge. “A contented man”—she had to stop to swallow the lump lodged in her throat—“is happy to stay at home.”

He studied her for a long moment, one that felt far longer than it really could have been. She felt like he was looking at her thoughts, his gaze cutting past her realistic reasons, to see her true feelings.

“So what is it that draws ye to a man old enough to be yer grandfather? The title? I suppose I can believe that. Yer sister was certainly enchanted by titles.”

“Half sister.” She paused, realizing that what Bari had so often used to insult her was something she prided herself on.

“And I’m bastard-born,” he replied softly. “Which changes nothing when it comes to me loyalties. Or, I doubt, yers.”

He was trying to intimidate her, but instead, his words somehow impressed her. There was something in his dark eyes that intrigued her, and she stared into the dark orbs, trying to decipher it.

He snorted at her. “Do nae try it.”

“Try what?”

He crossed his arms over his chest, and she suddenly realized just how close he was. There was no more than a pace between them now, and she jumped back, colliding with the hard stone of the wall. His lips twitched.

“I admit, ye play the innocent better then Sandra ever did, but ye’ll nae find it simple to seduce me.”

She straightened up, stepping away from the wall as her temper simmered. “Ye have no right to accuse me of nae being innocent. Or of trying to act like a harlot. Ye were the one waiting in the shadows.”

His lips parted to flash his teeth at her. “I knew ye had claws. Ye are a Fraser after all.”

There was a ring of triumph in his tone, which irritated her beyond every bit of self-discipline she had.

“What I have is the sense to know when I’m hearing naught but dribble. Son of an earl or nae, ye do nae have the right to insult me for obeying me laird. I do nae need the Matheson thinking I turned up me nose at their laird. Marriage is for forming alliances. I’m nae so selfish as to think an insult to a laird, like refusing his offer, will nae become a festering point of contention.”

But her voice lowered as she finished, and she had to push the last sentence past her lips because she just didn’t want to believe she was one day away from having to wed Achaius Matheson.

“And I was nae trying to seduce ye,” she added.

His grin remained arrogant and large, but he opened his arms, offering her a view of just how wide his chest was. “Ye were looking into me eyes.”

“And ye were looking into mine,” she countered. He was suddenly too large and the hallway far too compact to suit her. “Enough arrogance. Perhaps ye are accustomed to only the sort of women who like to seduce, but I am nae of that sort. I’m set to wed, and I do nae think it wise to be standing here acting like—”

“Like lovers flirting in the night shadows?”

His voice dipped low and sent a tingle along her limbs. There was a gleam of mischief in his dark eyes.

She shook her head, her tongue feeling frozen with shock.

“Nay, we are nae acting like lovers, or are ye arguing that we are nae lovers—yet?” He pressed forward another few inches.

Something snapped inside her. She gasped and went to shove him away from her.

“Ye obnoxious urchin!”

She flattened her hands against his chest, but he didn’t budge. She’d used a fair amount of strength, but Gahan Sutherland only chuckled at her attempt to move him.

“Ye have no right to accuse me of such indecent things. Maybe there are plenty who would remind me that ye’re me better and can say what ye will, but I will do me duty.”

He closed his hands around hers, but he didn’t remove them from his chest. Instead, he trapped her there with her hands upon him.

“What if I told ye I would nae be opposed to becoming yer lover? I promise ye will find me bed more to yer liking.”

Her mouth dropped open, and her temper exploded. She never really thought about what she was doing; her body simply refused to remain still. With a snarl, she sent her knee toward his unprotected groin. One moment he was chuckling at her, and the next, she felt her blow connecting.

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Plaid Tidings (Spirits of the Highlands #1) by Mia Marlowe-a review

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PLAID TIDINGS (Spirits of the Highlands #1) by Mia Marlowe

Plaid tidings

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date October 1, 2013

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Christmas in the Highlands…

Not any dashing English lord’s idea of a good time. But now that Lord Alexander Mallory has won a Scottish estate in a hand of cards, he is the unlikely laird of the wild, snowy Bonniebroch. Worse yet, the ancient pile of stones comes with a betrothal. To a fiery red-headed virgin. And a curse.

Alex will have his hands full honoring the first, seducing the second and breaking the third…all by Twelfth Night.

REVIEW: PLAID TIDINGS is the second instalment in Mia Marlowe’s new historical paranormal romance Spirit of the Highlands series. There is a prequel novella storyline- Plaid to the Bone (released August 2013)- that introduces the premise behind the series. There is a curse that has been placed on the Scottish castle of Bonniebroch and all of its’ inhabitants and the story continues in Plaid Tidings. This is Lucinda and Alexander Mallory’s (the new Laird of Bonniebroch) story and one that will find Alexander caught between his duties to England and his new Scottish wife.

The story follows Alexander Mallory who ‘won’ Bonniebroch Estate in a game of chance. Along with his new found title of Lord, Alexander will discover that the title comes with a promise of a Christmas marriage to Lucinda MacOwen and a heavily guarded secret that surrounds the history and lore of his new land.

The reader is pulled into a relationship brought about under dubious circumstances. Alexander wants nothing to do with an arranged marriage and Lucinda must place her trust in a man who wishes he were anywhere but with her. Alexander is on a mission-on the hunt for the mysterious Radicals-who aim to take down the British Monarch-and a marriage of inconvenience will place him in the direct path of a three hundred year old curse that will affect everyone including his family and friends.

The relationship between Alexander and Lucinda is sensual and loving. Lucinda knows that Alexander was never her intended husband, but she is willing to accept her fate for her family. Alexander is immediately attracted to Lucinda but knows his life on the road is dangerous and distracting.

Mia Marlowe combines the regency era of the Scottish Highlands with a little bit of the paranormal. There are ghostly apparitions and hauntingly sorrowful spirits whose only sin is to be caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. But our hero will discover that perhaps his luck at winning the games of chance, was not luck at all but part of a bigger plan for Bonniebroch Estates.

Plaid Tidings captures the spirit of the Christmas Holidays-tied up with a tartan bow -that can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Mia Marlowe weaves a romantic and engaging story about the struggle to escape a centuries old curse brought about by misplaced magic and revenge.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Sandy

__________________________

Plaid to the BonePLAID TO THE BONE (Spirit of the Highlands .5) by Mia Marlowe

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 27, 2013

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

Adam Cameron, laird of Bonniebroch, didn’t expect his bride to turn up at his castle so soon after their arranged marriage was settled. But the daughter of his former enemy is comely beyond the common, so he’s counting his blessings. Unfortunately, Adam doesn’t know the lovely Cait Grant has sworn to kill her new husband with a blood oath that will set a terrible curse in motion if she fails.

But Cait never counted on falling in love with the man her father had taught her to hate

REVIEW: PLAID TO THE BONE is the introductory prequel novella in Mia Marlowe’s paranormal Highlander historical series. As with many introductory storylines Mia reveals the source of a three hundred year old curse that will follow each laird of Bonniebroch until one is capable of breaking the spell.

Plaid to the Bone follows Cait Grant as she is betrothed and promised in marriage to the current laird of Bonniebroch Adam Cameron but with it comes a price. Adam is her father’s sworn enemy and Cait has been commanded to take Adam’s life within the first few weeks of her marriage. But Cait never expected to fall in love with the laird and when the truth is finally revealed about the her father’s hatred, no one in the castle will be free from the aftermath except Adam and Cait.

The reader is pulled into the background story that sets up the series and about what happens when magic goes awry. We are introduced to several colorful secondary characters who will all have a role in the upcoming sequel.

If you like your Highlander romance stories with a little bit of supernatural magic, Plaid to the Bone and the Spirit of the Highlands series by Mia Marlowe is the perfect read-a little humor, a little romance, a little sex and a little mystery all rolled into a tale of the Scottish Highlands.

Reviewed by Sandy

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To Wed A Wicked Highlander (Bad Boys of the Highlands #3) by Victoria Roberts-Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

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To Wed a Wicked Highlander (Bad Boys of the Highlands #3) by Victoria Roberts-Review, Guest Post and Giveaway

To Wed A Wicked Highlander Banner

To Wed A Wicked Highlander
Series: Bad Boys of the Highlands #3
by Victoria Roberts
Release Date: September 3, 2013

To Wed a Wicked Highlander

Order Links: Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Review blue and black

ABOUT THE BOOK: September 3, 2013

Laird Alexander MacDonnell must choose between his duty or
losing his heart forever to the woman who betrayed him—his own wife.

Lady Sybella MacKenzie is forced to search for her clan’s ancient seeing stone under the roof of her father’s enemy. When she finds the precious artifact, will she choose the family who raised her, or will she stand with the man who has captured her soul?

•••••••••••••••••••••

REVIEW: TO WED A WICKED HIGHLANDER is the third storyline in Victoria Roberts’ Bad Boys of the Highland historical romance series. I was first introduced to this particular series through a giveaway of Temptation in a Kilt and I have loved every storyline in the series. Victoria pulls the reader into a world of Highland warriors, lovers and family betrayal. You will laugh and cry and, your heart will break for the men and women from the Highlands of Scotland.

To Wed a Wicked Highlander focuses on Sybella MacKenzie and her arranged marriage to Laird Alexander MacDonnell. The MacDonell and the MacKenzie clans have been at war for years and with this marriage, it is hoped that the bad blood between the two families can be forgotten. But much to Sybella’s surprise she is a pawn in a much larger game that will find she and her new husband the target of an assassin’s arrow. And to complicate matters, Sybella will discover that someone close is hoping to kill the Laird and his new wife.

The relationship between Sybella and Alexander is one that started years earlier when both were but teenagers. Fast forward five years and Sybella finds herself betrothed to Laird Alexander in exchange for what she believes is a peaceful resolution to war between the clans. Alexander is a man of experience when it comes to the bedroom and he must take his time with his new wife. But it is only a matter of days before betrayal and heartbreak will find Sybella on the run and into the bosom of a not so welcoming family.

Several of the previous storyline characters are welcomed back to give the storyline a cohesive feeling to the series. Our hero and heroine are both likeable and relatable; Alexander is an alpha male who quickly grows to love his young bride; and Sybella is a woman who is not afraid to speak up when the circumstances arise. As a couple Sybella and Alexander are sensual together in the bedroom even though it will take some time for Sybella to warm up to her new husband’s actions. There is no angst or hatred between the couple; they have accepted their position as husband and wife, but betrayal will come from both outside and within.

To Wed a Wicked Highlander is a wonderful story of romance and love; betrayal and heartbreak; friend and foe. If you have not had a chance to read the Bad Boys of the Highlands I would suggest you move the series to the top of your TBR pile. The Highland warriors are sensual and romantic alpha males, who by way of a little trouble and heartbreaking realization, will eventually grow to love the bonnie lasses who have stolen their hearts from the very first meeting.

Reading Order
1. Temptation in a Kilt
2. X Marks the Scot
3. To Wed A Wicked Highlander

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

Guest Post blue

Historical romance. What is it about being swept away by a handsome English lord, a mischievous pirate or a brawny Highland laird that make women swoon? As with any fictional book, I think the main reason is simply escape. In today’s hustling and bustling world, everyone looks to breakout of the mundane. And I’m certainly no exception to that rule. Fortunately, Scottish historical romance provides me with the perfect distraction from everyday life.

Victoria RobertsI didn’t read my first romance until my thirties basically because I was daft. I thought the genre as a whole was nothing but a bunch of bodice rippers and truthfully, porn. One day my phenomenal CP (critique partner) slapped down a Scottish historical romance on my desk and demanded that I read it. I did, and boy was I ever wrong.

Between the rolling hills of the Scottish countryside, the bonny lochs, castles and fierce Highland lairds, I was hooked. I was never so happy to know that I was completely mistaken about the genre. There were actually plots, characterization and development, and darn it if the tales didn’t have me staying up way beyond my bedtime to finish.

As I became more familiar with the genre, I understood there were some historical inaccuracies in the books I read. Most of the time, those historical differences didn’t matter to me. After all, I was reading historical fiction. As a reader, I’m not normally bothered by this as long as I’m not pulled out of the story i.e. woman is wearing jeans in a regency novel. As a writer, I try to be as true to my genre as possible. I want to ensure the MacGregors, bloody Campbells (I couldn’t resist) and MacDonells donned the appropriate tartans. Their battle cries needed to be their own. Gaelic was a must. And although my characters were fictional, the setting was not.

The MacGregors and Campbells were always at odds. We know history tells us the MacGregors were the outlawed clan. While I wrote Temptation in a Kilt, I basically asked myself what would’ve happened if the Campbells were the clan at odds with King James and the MacGregors were seen in a favorable light? Well, this twist of history resulted in Laird Ciaran MacGregor and Lady Rosalia MacGregor finding true love. And in the end, isn’t that what we all secretly desire?

Most writers I know try to be as true to historical accuracy as possible, but remember that historical romance is ultimately fictional. Being engulfed in writing these tales on a daily basis, I’m humbly reminded that most of the swoon-worthy men in my life are fictional characters—well, other than my husband and my father of course.

How important is historical accuracy to you in the books you read? Sourcebooks will give away one copy of To Wed a Wicked Highlander to a lucky commenter.

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Victoria and Sourcebooks is offering a paper copy of TO WED A WICKED HIGHLANDER to one lucky reader at The Reading Cafe.

1. Log-in or please register using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please answer this question: How important is historical accuracy to you in the books you read? Sourcebooks will give away one copy of To Wed a Wicked Highlander to a lucky commenter.

4. Giveaway runs from September 4 to September 7, 2013

5. Giveaway open to USA and CANADA only.

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The Bridegroom Wore Plaid and Once Upon a Tartan by Grace Burrowes-a review

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The Bridegroom Wore Plaid and Once Upon a Tartan by Grace Burrowes -a review

5 out of 5 for this reader folks! I have to say, I REALLY REALLY love Grace Burrowes writing. She is quickly becoming on of my ABSOLUTE FAVE authors. I am currently on summer vacay and it is killing me that I have to put my book down as often as I am, because she writes page turning stories. These two books are the first two books of her MacGregor Trilogy (note .. there is a novella in between book 1 and 2 but I have yet to read it). Our genre is regency/historical/Victorian romance with a serious dash of yummy “trying to be proper, but serious are so much yummier when they aren’t” highlanders.

The stories revolve around the MacGregor family and the English folk that they seem to hate in one second and take a fancy to the next. These families all seem to link into one another and create hilarious, action packed, angsty, HEA stories full of lust, bad guys, traditions and LOTS OF WIT!

Let’s meet them shall we??

BOOK 1 – THE BRIDEGROOM WORE PLAID
The MacGregor Trilogy #1
by Grace Burrowes
Release Date: December 2012

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository
The Bridegroom Wore PlaidJPG

DESCRIPTION

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes keeps winning reader awards for her gorgeously imagined books. If you’re already a fan, you’ll devour her new characters and if you haven’t yet discovered the richly drawn worlds of Grace Burrowes, you’re in for a treat….

“Memorable heroes. Intelligent, sensual love stories. This author knows what romance readers adore.”-RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

His Family or His Heart – One of Them Will Be Betrayed…

Ian MacGregor is wooing a woman who’s wrong for him in every way. As the new Earl of Balfour, though, he must marry an English heiress to repair the family fortunes.

But in his intends penniless chaperone, Augusta, Ian is finding everything he’s ever wanted in a wife.

“Historical details enrich Burrowes’s intimate and erotic story, but the real stars are her vibrant characters and her masterful ear for dialogue. Burrowes is superb at creating connections that feel honest and real.”-Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

REVIEW

I swear this book should of been called “The Highland Hookup”! LOL While we do have a main love story, there are quite a few other love stories that are going on that keep it exciting. This is definitely a case of two families made for each other!

Our main character is Ian MacGregor. He is an assumed Earl as his oldest brother has gone MIA and thus declared deceased. With this comes the responsibility of being the head and provider of his family. He is also assuming responsibility of removing the MacGragor family from ruin by agreeing to marry an English heiress.

Enter the Daniels family. Eager to marry his daughter Genie to a titled man, Baron Atstax (AKA CREEPOID) moves his entire family in for a long visit with the MacGregor family. Part of this family is Augusta who is the Baron’s niece and chaperon to Genie. It is Augusta who Ian takes a shine too though. Don’t feel bad for Genie though, she has her eyes set on Ian’s brother Gill. Ian’s other brother is hooking up with another Daniels member as well, and Ian’s sister is falling in love with the Baron’s son. Have you processed all that?? LOL

A slow simmering relationship (which comes to a serious hot, steamy boil), between Augusta and Ian begins. These two are clearly made for each other. They embark in a physical and emotional relationship believing that they only have this short time to treasure before saying goodbye. In the midst of this budding relationship, the ugly Baron Alstax is plotting Augusta’s murder as he is a devious, selfish and harbouring a secret that could land him in some serious hot water. Ian begins to slowly put the pieces together and between his family members, some of the Daniels family and his smart, beautiful Augusta, weave together a terrific climax of this story.

The bad guys NEVER win in a Grace Burrowes novel, but she can seriously make you sweat! LOL

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BOOK 2 – ONCE UPON A TARTAN
The MacGregor Trilogy #2
by Grace Burrowes
Release Date: August 6, 2013

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository
Once Upon A TartanJPG

DESCRIPTION

Hester MacDaniel is recovering from an engagement gone awry by summering at her brother’s holding in the Highlands, and looking after her brother’s young step-daughter, Fiona. Tiberius Flynn, heir to the English Marquis of Quinworth, appears on Hester’s doorstep claiming he’s Fee’s paternal uncle, and he’s been sent by her English relations to make the girl’s acquaintance. Tye believes his brother’s dying wishes compel him to take Fee south with him, but he doesn’t plan on Hester capturing his heart, even as she fights him tooth and nail for custody of Fiona

 

REVIEW

This was a fantastic continuation of this trilogy. In the first book we met our heroine of this book. Hester Daniels in book one was a easy going, full of life young lady coming into her own. Between these books, Hester is involved in a scandalous affair that she has taken to heart and has come back to Scotland to take care of her niece and properly hide from society. My heart really broke for Hester in this book.

One day, in trots this English, arrogant, aristocratic, pompous man named Tiberius Flynn (Tye), Earl of Srathroy and future Marquis of Quinworth who is claiming to be a paternal uncle to Hester niece Fiona. Fiona just adores this man from the beginning while Tye is a little taken back by the little girl who one minute has impeccable manners and the next minute can be found singing in tree branches and mucking around horses. However, little Fiona is known to take her Uncles hearts and wrap them around her finger, and soon Uncle Tye is in this position.

Hester and Tye really dislike each other at first and go at it with their words, bantering back and forth. Soon enough though they begin a friendship which develops into a fierce lusty and loving affair. They are stuck between a rock and a hard place though as they stand across from each other on opposite sides of a dilemma. Tye is very much a mutli-layered character and I loved seeing some of these layers peeled back. He is put into a horrible position by his family, to claim custody of a niece the family took no interest in. He is also finding a much needed peace in this country and in Hester’s arms. Hester has issues she is working out and it’s wonderful to see her come back into the strong beautiful woman she is. She is extremely loyal to her niece and she was just overall an easy leading lady to adore.

Like all of Grace Burrowes stories, she develops situations that you know will work out, but shock you with the amount of thought and creativity it takes to get there. I was so happy with this book and while there are some similarities to the first book, there was so much more to be had here! Sorry .. no spoilers .. WINK! LOL

You can read these as stand alones but you would enjoy the second book so much more with the first book read. We see many of the characters return and get a continuation of their story. If you love the highland settings and a good regency romance, I highly recommend this series. Grace Burrowes always delivers a thorough well thought out stories with some depth to her characters. She writes the steamy classy but hot too! LOL

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Reviewed by Rachel

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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