Monday, November 24, 2014

Scrolls of Cridhe: Lord Grayson's Bride by Tarah Scott!

Lord Grayson’s Bride
A Scrolls of Cridhe novella

 
She can’t allow his love for her to destroy him...When Nicholas Spencer, Earl of Grayson, returns to claim the woman he loves, Lady Josephine Knightly isn’t willing to forgive him for abandoning her six years ago. But neither can she resist the man he’s become.
Two days after Josephine signs the marriage contract she discovers a nasty secret that will destroy her family. The only way to protect them—to protect the only man she’s ever loved—is to disappear...or die.
Nicholas won’t make the same mistake twice and let Josephine Knightly go. She loves him. He felt it in their one kiss before he left, and in the single kiss she allowed since his return. But she’s doing everything in her power to sabotage the marriage even before it’s begun. Nicholas doesn’t care. If Hell is where he must live to have her, then she must stand by his side in the fire. 

AMAZON | B&N | KOBO | ARe  


TARAH SCOTT



Award winning author Tarah Scott cut her teeth on authors such as Georgette Heyer, Zane Grey, and Amanda Quick. Her favorite book is a Tale of Two Cities, with Gone With the Wind as a close second. She writes modern classical romance, and paranormal and romantic suspense. Tarah grew up in Texas and currently resides in Westchester County, New York with her daughter.


Tell my fans a little bit about yourself and your books. 

I’m Tarah Scott and I write Scottish romances. Sometimes I moonlight and write a little suspense. I live in New York, about an hour north of the city that never sleeps. I have a sixteen year old daughter, so I stay on my toes. 


How would you introduce your books to someone that has yet to read them? 

I like lots of adventure in my books. Swashbuckling, windswept adventure. I write a bit on the edgy side and very sexy. 


What inspired you to start writing? What age did you start? 

A friend once told me that I didn't choose writing. Writing chose me. I suppose that’s true. I didn't start writing until I was nearly forty. Stories started rolling around in my head so much that I couldn't sleep at night. I finally gave in and wrote a scene, then shared it with someone. I got such great encouragement that I just kept going. 


What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing? 

Schoolwork with my daughter! Who knew I would be going back to high school? 


What advice would you give to an aspiring author? 

Write—a lot. Read a lot. Write more. Get some solid feedback, then write more. If you can imagine yourself doing anything but writing, do it. If not, then write. 


What’s your favorite scene/line from your works? 

My favorite scene is always from the book I’m currently writing. The book I’m currently working on is a Scottish medieval entitled Claimed. In Claimed, Sir Talbot St. Claire has been forced to abduct his betrothed because she is trying to marry someone else to avoid marriage to him. Upon bringing her back home he says to her “What man knows peace when he takes a wife?” Talbot has only just begun to get a taste of what it is to fall in love. 


What's the hardest thing about writing? The easiest? 

The hardest thing about writing is character development. It’s easy to make things happen. Hard to make them matter. 


What are you currently reading? 

I’m currently reading George RR Martin’s A Clash of Kings. 


What are you currently working on? 

Claimed, a Scottish medieval. 


What books did you read as a child? 

Oh boy, I read everything from Nancy Drew to Edgar Rice Burroughs. 


How has your life changed since you began writing? 

I don’t have much of a life. When I’m not writing, working, or spending time with my daughter, I’m writing. It’s a bit of an obsession. 


Do you listen to music while you write? 

Seldom. I get distracted with the stories I hear in the music. 


What do you want readers to take away from your books? 

A little joy. A little pleasure. Maybe a few tears. Lots of laughs. 


You’re stranded on a desert island. What books do you take with you? 

My full Kindle. That counts as a book, right? 


What book(s) do you wish you would have written? 

Oh, so many. The Green Mile by Stephen King. A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens, Interview with a Vampire by Anne Rice, Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. The list goes on. However, I am satisfied to have read these masterpieces. They give me something to strive for. 


Favorite book character? 

Sydney Carton from A Tale of Two Cities. No man ever loved a woman more than he loved Lucy, and no man ever achieved greater redemption. 


What is your dream vacation destination? 

The Scottish Highlands—of course! 


Do you have any interesting dreams or goals? 

My dream is to write more and more. 


Where do you see yourself in five years? 

Writing more. 


If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be? 

Truth is Stranger than Fiction


Where can fans find you? 




Josephine took a step backwards before catching herself. Facing Nicholas alone was far more frightening than being caught half naked with his rival. He seized her free wrist, his fingers like manacles, and she gave a startled cry. He stared for a long moment, the dark rage now mingled with a sadness she too often saw in his brown eyes these days. Pain twisted her heart, but she kept her gaze emotionless.
He released her. “Do you hate me so much, Jo?”
His question shocked her—then she realized this reaction was exactly what she’d wanted. She still clutched her bodice in an effort at modesty and started to turn aside to slip her arms back into the sleeves, then stopped. What better way to remind him of her infidelity than to remain half naked?
Josephine gave a careless laugh. “A man can take as many lovers as he likes, and we women are to accept it, but when a woman wants the same privilege, you men take it personally. Once we are married, what’s to stop you from taking a mistress?”
“Shouldn’t I commit the crime before you make me pay for it?” he said.
“I saw you dance with Rebecca Evans the other night at Lady Graham’s soiree. For all I know, you’re already guilty.”
The hurt in his eyes deepened. “You know better than that.”
She lifted her chin. “Do I?”
“Would you really sabotage our marriage before it’s even begun?”
She gave a careless laugh. “Lord, you are dramatic.”
“This isn’t a childish jibe like dancing too many times with another man,” he said. “Or flirting shamelessly in front of me. You let Beaumond touch you.”
Josephine repressed a shudder of revulsion. Allowing the marquess to touch her had taken all her powers of determination. She hadn’t even been able to conjure the desire for Nicholas that plagued her in order to arouse herself when Lord Beaumond opened his trousers. But Lord Beaumond it had to be, for Nick would never forgive her for fraternizing with the man who seduced his sister.
“Let the past go, Nicholas. Your sister recovered from her affair with Beaumond. She married well and has two children she dotes on.”
“You didn’t console her in those terrible months after he tossed her aside as if she were an old rag,” he said more to himself than her, and she knew he was remembering eight years ago, when Deanna had fallen prey to Lord Beaumond’s charm at the age of eighteen. The affair carried on for two months before Nicholas discovered a letter from his sister that gave away their liaison. “We feared for her life,” he said in a bitter voice.
But Josephine remembered all too well. When Beaumond appeared at the house party yesterday, Josephine knew God—in His perverse amusement—had answered her prayers. She had accepted guilt as her ever-constant companion, and bowed even now to the reminder that allowing Lord Beaumond to seduce her was a sin not only against God, but her family and the only man she had ever loved.
Josephine waved her hand dismissively. “Young lovers are dramatic. God knows, we were.” The words were out of her mouth before she realized it, and she hurriedly added, “But never mind that. Forget the duel. Lord Beaumond is right, if you got lucky enough to kill him, you would hang.”
Nicholas’ gaze bore into her. “Would you shed a single tear if I was hanged?”
“Of course,” she snapped. “I have known you since I was a girl. I care about you.”
“But you don’t want to marry me.”
Josephine turned, afraid he would see in her eyes how very much she did want to marry him. She sauntered to a table where bronze figurines of a poet and his muse sat on a marble table. “Why should I want to marry anyone?” Jo traced a finger along the poet’s toga-clad body. “Marriage means I go from being owned by my father to being owned by my husband.” Her fingers tightened around the fabric she still pressed against her breasts. Being owned by Nicholas would be heavenly. Something inside her shattered and she found herself forcing back tears.
“Your father never treated you like chattel,” he said. She heard the clink of glass and realized he had gone to the sideboard and was pouring a drink. “He adores you and your sister.”
“You call being bartered off to a rich earl adoring?” she retorted.
A moment of deadly silence drew out between them. “A rich earl who loves you,” he finally said. “Me.”
Josephine’s heart constricted. He did love her...and she loved him. But love was the very thing that could destroy them.
“Papa accepted your offer because it came from the great Earl of Grayson,” she said. “Along with more money than anyone else was willing to offer, of course.”
“Did it occur to you that I made sure he couldn’t refuse my offer?”
She swung to face where he leaned a hip against the sideboard. “Oh, indeed, it did. When I refused your offer, you bought me. I am not at all surprised that you defend my father. You two are much alike.”
Yes,” he said, his voice hard. “We both know how to get what we want. I am not sorry, Jo. I won’t live life without you.”
“And you had the resources to buy me.”
“Don’t you think your father accepted my offer because he knows I love you?” Nicholas said. “That I will care for you…protect you?”
“From myself, you mean,” she retorted.
“Don’t act as if it hasn’t been necessary. Today is a perfect example.”
In a flash, she closed the distance between them. He slammed the glass down onto the sideboard and straightened as she went up on tiptoes in an attempt to get nose-to-nose with him.
She was still forced to tilt her head up, but narrowed her eyes, and said, “I had the situation with Lord Beaumond perfectly well in hand.”
A muscle in his jaw jumped. “So I saw.”
“I lived without you for six years, Nick—and quite well, if you must know. Yet you act as if I cannot take care of myself, or worse, as if no other man has ever loved me.”
“No doubt you left a string of broken hearts from Inverness to Edinburgh. But none of those poor devils knew you. God knows, if they did, they would have put as much distance as possible between themselves and you.”
“How dare you?” she breathed. “I suppose you know me, but still manage to love me?”
“Aye,” he replied. “I love you more than life itself.”


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Sunday, November 23, 2014

Scrolls of Cridhe: A Jewel in the Vaults by Lily Baldwin!

She has never met a man like him before. Then again, he has never met a lad like her.
In 1802, Edinburgh’s poverty-ridden Old Town is rife with danger, but it is the only home Robbie MacKenzie has ever known. To safeguard herself against the worst villains of the street, Robbie conceals her femininity behind her shorn hair, dirt-smeared face, and tattered breeches. To all the world she is a lad, but beneath the ruse is a woman aching to break free.
Leaving his beloved Highlands behind in pursuit of his prodigal brother, Conall MacKay journeys to Edinburgh. There, he solicits the aid of a young street lad named Robbie. But Conall soon realizes that there is more to both Robbie and Edinburgh’s Old Town than meets the eye.
In a world where wickedness governs and darkness reigns, a savage struggle for dignity, survival, and love begins.



LILY BALDWIN


 Historical Romance author Lily Baldwin loves writing, Scotland, her wonderful husband and beautiful young daughter--though not necessarily in that order. She has a BA in anthropology from the University of New Hampshire, and an MA in International Studies from Birmingham University in the UK. She daydreams constantly, and gets her best story ideas while running; she is even training for a half-marathon. She also finds inspiration in Nature, a quality revealed through the powerful description and drama in her books. Currently To Bewitch a Highlander and Highland Thunder (Books 1 & 2 of the Isle of Mull series) are available, and Lily is at work on the third book in the series—as yet untitled—which will be out in late summer or early fall. She is also writing a novella in collaboration with six other well-known historical romance authors for a bundle that will go live in November. She lives in New England with her cherished husband and daughter.



Tell my fans a little bit about yourself and your books.

Lily: I am 35 years old. I live in New England. I am the author of the bestselling Isle of Mull Series (Book One: To Bewitch a Highlander, Book Two: Highland Thunder). Book Three in the series, To Love a Warrior, is coming soon!

How would you introduce your books to someone that has yet to read them?

Lily: I write Scottish historical romance with spirited heroines and sexy alpha men.

What inspired you to start writing? What age did you start?


Lily: I attempted my first book when I was twelve. I have always loved writing, but To Bewitch a Highlander was my first big undertaking as an adult.


What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?


Lily: Spending time with my family. My husband is the love of my life, and my daughter is my first priority and my joy. She is near five and fills my days with energetic play and cuddles. I write in short bursts when I am not chasing after her. 


What advice would you give to an aspiring author?


Lily: Write something every day--even if it is just a few lines. Also, if you think what you are writing is rubbish--keep at it, and then re-read it in a few days. It is probably better than you think.


What's the hardest thing about writing? The easiest?


Lily: The hardest part for me is getting the story out. My first draft is VERY rough. Smoothing the seams, fleshing out the scenes, and capturing the emotions--that's the stuff I love.


What are you currently reading?

Lily: Stealing Moirra's Heart by the fabulous Suzan Tisdale

What are you currently working on?


Lily: I am currently working on To Love a Warrior, the third book in the Isle of Mull Series

What books did you read as a child?


Lily: I was always reading something, on car rides, during math class, by flashlight past my bedtime. I read A LOT of historical romance, especially Johanna Lindsay, Kathleen Woodiwiss, and Kathryn Seton. I also loved young adult mysteries and coming of age books.

Lily: Do you listen to music while you write?

I do listen to music when I need to drown out background noises :)

What's been your favorite moment as an author? 


Lily: Being asked by Tarah Scott and Ceci Giltenan to join the Guardians of Cridhe--and then every moment spent with my sister Guardians. 


Out of all of your characters, who is your favorite?


Lily: I really love my heroines. I love writing strong, spirited women. If I had to pick a favorite, I would choose Robbie--the heroine in A Jewel in the Vaults. 


What is your dream vacation destination?

Lily: I traveled quite a lot when I was in college. Nowadays, I quite fancy the idea of a spa vacation with seaweed and mud baths and cucumbers on my eyes. I also love the idea of doing one of those horse trek vacations (although I have never really ridden a horse--it just sounds awesome.)

Do you have any interesting dreams or goals?

Lily: I have so many books inside of me. I just want to write, write, write. I would also love to take up rowing. I love the idea of rising early in the morning and setting off through the mist in my row boat.

Where can fans find you?


“What is it ye wish of me?” she said as she held his gaze.
“Ye dunnae speak like someone born in Cowgate,” he said as those crisp blue eyes scrutinized the length of her from head to toe. The setting sun was slanting though the window, alighting upon his face, making the blue of his eyes glow like the jewels adorning the dresses in the shops lining Prince’s Street. He smiled at her now, and she involuntarily drew in a sharp breath. Even, white teeth gleamed at her. She had to look away. Gazing upon his bright, clean face was like staring at the sun for too long. She pretended to adjust the frayed ends of her breeches over her knees as she stammered out an answer to his comment.
“I’ve lived my whole miserable life in Cowgate.”
“Nay, lad. Dunnae lie to me. I may, indeed, be from the Highlands, but I am not as daft as ye might like to believe,” he replied as he moved closer to Robbie and took a seat on the bed across from her.
Robbie met his gaze once more, expecting to see anger or at least frustration, but instead the blue eyes looked at her with curiosity and, if she were not mistaken, kindness. Kindness was in low supply in Cowgate. Robbie was not quick to believe what she saw, but she did give the strange man sitting before her an honest answer. “My mother was French. She was not a reputable woman, but she was fine and educated. She taught me to read as well.”
The large man nodded his approval and then slouched back on the bed, resting his weight on his elbows. “Me name is Conall Mackay. As you’ve guessed, I’m from the north, although ye may find yourself surprised by just how far north I’m from. Cape Wrath is me home, and me croft sits on the tip of that. ‘Tis’ as north as one can travel without a boat. I watch the green earth slope into the sea and the rest of Scotland lies behind me.” He closed his eyes, and pleasure softened the masculine ridges of his face. His words made her think of her mother who had often told stories of the French countryside. Just as Robbie had not been able to picture the thick French forests or shimmering lakes, she also could not imagine what Conall saw in his mind’s eye, but she recognized the peace it brought him. How she longed for peace. She waited for him to continue, wishing to hear more of the sea and sloping earth, but instead he remained quiet, his eyes never leaving hers. She gripped the seat to keep from squirming beneath his steady gaze
“Do ye sleep on the streets or in a lodgin’ house?”
“Nay,” she snapped as her eyes narrowed. “I have my own room in the tenements. ‘Tis not fine like this, but ‘tis mine alone.”
“Ye have no other family then?” he asked.
She shook her head, “Nay, I have no one.” She sat up straighter as she spoke, trying to make herself look bigger and braver than she really was. Normally, she would have lied and made up a pack of bloodthirsty brothers who would certainly miss the runt of the litter were she to go missing, but this strange man brought only truth to her lips. She blamed his fine eyes. How could she lie to eyes as clean and honest as a cloudless sky?
She looked down at her hands black with dirt and clenched them in frustration. How she wished they were white and fair like the lasses’ hands on Queen’s Street. The woman that she was, hidden by soot and breeches, longed to burst free from the confines of her bindings, to leave the ruse behind, and the man before her with his strange allure fueled that desire. Despite her outer display of indifference, Conall Mackay made her heart race.


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Saturday, November 22, 2014

Scrolls of Cridhe: A Tear For Memory by Kathryn Lynn Davis!

A Tear For Memory
A Scrolls of Cridhe novella


How can a seer paint ‘Truth’ when she’s lived a life of lies? Will she allow a man who has twice deceived her to open her heart to the truth?
In the Highlands of Glen Affric, years after The Forty-Five—the Jacobite rising led by Bonnie Prince Charlie—Celia Rose lives happily in Faeries’ Haven, where the lies that protect her from the past keep the magic and the faeries away. She finds her only magic when she paints, and “sees” things she cannot possibly know: she has been blessed with the Sight.
When a stranger comes on a mysterious errand, he threatens those who want to keep her safe at home. Little by little, he shows her new colors, new worlds and, most compelling—new passions. But he also brings danger, for he, too, lives a lie and is not what he seems. Still, danger comes in many forms, and the truth he offers leaves Celia with a difficult choice: to believe in those who loved and raised her; or trust this man, and learn the dark secret that could both destroy her innocence and forge in her a woman’s heart.


KATHRYN LYNN DAVIS


Kathryn often speaks and teaches creativity workshops in public schools in an effort to encourage students to read, write and dream. Recently she was invited to read at the James Joyce Cultural Centre in Dublin as their guest, and to speak to the high school level students at Sullivan Upper School in Belfast for their Bicentenary celebration. She has re-released four of her traditional bestsellers as e-books, including the Too Deep for Tears Trilogy, and will add to those her novel SING TO ME OF DREAMS this summer. She has recently joined with six other Scottish historical romance novelist; The Guardians of Chride (‘heart’ in Gaelic) and is currently at work on a new novella set in late 18th century Scotland-A Tear for Memory-to be included in The Scrolls of Cridhe, Volume I: Highland Winds.



Tell my fans a little bit about yourself and your books.


My name is Kathryn Lynn Davis and I have always been a writer in one way or another. I’ve had 8 historical novels traditionally published, and four –e-published, including the New York Times bestselling Too Deep for Tears Trilogy. After the stress of traditionally publishing, I went on hiatus until asked to join the Guardians of Cridhe. These women supported, encouraged, befriended and inspired me, and because of them, I have just finished my novella for SCROLLS OF CRIDHE: Volume 1, Highland Winds—the first book I’ve written in 15 years. I’d forgotten how incredible it feels to finish a book I’m proud of: A Tear for Memory is the title of that book.


How would you introduce your books to someone that has yet to read them?

My books are quite emotional. I just open my heart and soul and let them flow onto the page. I have a deep love of Scotland: the mist and the magic and the power of history and the compelling landscape to shape lives and characters. Almost every book is partially or wholly set in Scotland; I’m also fascinated by China and India and the natives of British Columbia. My stories are of the bonds between lovers, mothers and daughters, the unique bonds among sisters, the bonds of friendship and family and passion and growth. If you love Scotland, if you love hunger from the soul, if you love the lure of history…you might want to read my books.


What inspired you to start writing? What age did you start?



My grandfather was a writer and my mother yearned to be one; it was in my blood. I began when I was about 10, making up TV shows (The Mod Squad, Star Trek) and telling them to my younger sister at night. She became very good at pretending to listen while sleeping soundly. I wrote two novel (85 pages each) when I was 12.


What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?



I love reading, which feeds my love of writing; listening to music, which inspires me; going to the theater, where I’ve plotted whole novels and heard every word and every song; watching dance—another inspirational activity; going to art shows; visiting with like-minded people; traveling.


What advice would you give to an aspiring author?



You have to believe in yourself, no matter what others say. Learn to listen judiciously, and most important, keep working and never give up on reaching your dream. Persevere.


What’s your favorite scene/line from your works?



The Beltane scene in TOO DEEP FOR TEARS, where Ailsa and Ian jump over the fire.


What's the hardest thing about writing? The easiest?



The most difficult thing about writing for me is starting a book. I take that back; the most
difficult thing by far is marketing. I’ll do almost anything to avoid it. The easiest thing is revising. Many writers don’t like it, but I love editing, honing, making the manuscript as good as it can be (I hope).


What are you currently reading?

Madame Picasso by Anne Girard.


What are you currently working on?



I’m preparing my 8th historical, SING TO ME OF DREAMS for e-book publication in December, and writing another novella for SCROLLS OF CRIDHE: Volume 2, Highland Beasties, featuring animals.


What books did you read as a child?


Betsy-Tacy books, The Bobbsey Twins, Patricia Beatty’s books, and many others that I can’t remember. 



How has your life changed since you began writing?

I used to be considered weird; now that I’m a successful author, I’m considered ‘eccentric’ instead. I’ve learned what it means to have a large audience read my books, and to hear their responses—both good and otherwise—to what they’ve read. It’s the most amazing feeling in the world to realize I’ve touched the lives of people I’ve never seen and will never know. But now, with Facebook and e-books, it’s so much easier to be in touch with readers, to hear their thoughts and responses in real time. It’s a new kind of inspiration and a new kind of friendship. I’ve gained a beach house, lost a beach house, made a lot of money and used that money up. But most of all, I’ve made friends who will last a lifetime, and I’ve learned so much about myself that I never knew before. It’s been an exciting journey so far. I can’t wait to see what happens next.


Do you listen to music while you write?


Yes, Celtic music in particular, because it lifts me out of this world and into another time and place.


What's been your favorite moment as an author?

When a reader wrote to me after TOO DEEP FOR TEARS (which is all about mothers and daughters, the bond between sisters, fathers separated from daughters) and told me that she and her sisters had not spoken to their 80-year-old mother in over 20 years. She said that because they read my book, they were going to re-unite with her before she died. I always said I wanted to move readers with my words, but I never imagined a response like that.


Out of all of your characters, who is your favorite?



Ailsa Rose from TOO DEEP FOR TEARS. She is the woman I would be if I could choose.


What do you want readers to take away from your books?

A strong sense of life in another time and place, a sense of the emotional bonds between people, a feeling that they know my characters as if they are real people. I hope they will be sad to turn the last page.


You’re stranded on a desert island. What books do you take with you?

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Green Darkness by Anya Seton, anything by Nora Lofts, anything by Nancy Pickard, Beach Music by Pat Conroy, The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearseley, Elizabeth George’s Lynley mysteries, before she made what I consider an unforgivable choice.


What book(s) do you wish you would have written?

Playing for the Ashes by Elizabeth George, Beach Music by Pat Conroy, Penmarric by Susan Howatch, some of Anne Rivers Siddons’ books.


Favorite book character?

Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice.


What is your dream vacation destination?

The Isle of Skye in Scotland.


Do you have any interesting dreams or goals?

I would love to become successful enough to create a getaway for writers, where they would be allowed to work in peace and occasional communion with other writers, at no cost to them. I would also like to set up a grant to help artists and writers get started on their journeys of discovery—which will eventually lead others to discover themselves through the inspiration these artists provide.


Where do you see yourself in five years?

Still writing. I will always be writing. I will have written at least five novellas for the Guardians of Cridhe, in addition to several books of my own, including a long-promised sequel to SING TO ME OF DREAMS.


If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

Once Around: Twice Discovered


“There was a man,” Caelia sputtered.
“What do ye mean, a man?” Her aunt Clare’s apron and gown were dusted with flour, and some raisins had stuck where she’d splashed water.
Caelia suddenly realized how ridiculous she sounded, how ridiculous her aunt sounded—and looked. What do ye mean, a man? What was happening to her? A moment ago she’d been angry and afraid, and now laughter was bubbling up inside and she could not push it down again. “Ye know, of the usual sort. A head, two arms, two legs, silken stockin’s for his fancy buckled shoes. I’m no’ sure what the russet breeches were made of, but they looked aye lovely to the touch. And then there was the silk embroidered waistcoat—very fine work, it seemed to me. Frock coat of superior wool. A strong man, muscular arms and legs, and rather handsome as well. Hazel eyes and curly dark brown hair.” She said this last longingly, then blushed when she realized what she had done. She giggled again with tears in her eyes, feeling she might fragment with the weight of her conflicting emotions.
Clare attempted to take a deep breath, but the air wouldn’t go down. “Exactly how long were ye with this man?”
“Five minutes at most. I barely had time to notice him.”
“Really?” Clare was skeptical.
“And I was no’ with him. He simply stopped to say ‘hello’. Although he said he’d been askin’ about me in the village, and he had, too.” She met her aunt’s eyes, then quickly looked away. “He asked the most impertinent questions.”
Clare was still considering the implications of Caelia’s too thorough description of the gentleman’s garments. “Did he touch ye?”
“Do ye think I’d allow it and no’ call for help, or stick a brush in his eye, or a charcoal? Ye taught me what to do wi’ men like that.”
Of course she had. Ye know the goodness in our Caelia, Clare chided herself. “Caelia, my lass, twas just…I was frightened for ye and I lost my head. But tis back again where it belongs.” She turned it from side to side to demonstrate. Some flour sifted from her hair to her shoulders, and from her hands to her simple dark gown.
A hint of a smile banished the concern from Celia’s eyes and replaced it with tears. “I know.” All at once, she threw her arms around her aunt, holding on as if her life depended on it. “He asked about my mother. Whether she was dead, or if I even knew who she was. Why did a stranger ask me those things? Why did he talk about me in the village?”
Clare tried to suppress the emotions that filled her. She had managed to do that for what seemed like forever, because her niece had believed in her, always. She had been more or less happy these 19 years, hidden away at Fairies’ Haven—ridiculous name that it was. Anyway, Clare didn’t believe in fairies. She wished she did; she could use their help now. To protect the girl she and her brother-in-law kept strangers away. And this one sounded dangerous, with his disrespectful questions. There were countless perilous questions in the dusty corners of the manor house, in the cobwebs, and the light filled with dust motes filtering through the windows. In Clare and Malcolm Rose’s hearts. And Celia must never hear the answers to those questions. That Clare could not allow.



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Friday, November 21, 2014

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Touch of Desire by Lia Davis!

Touch of Desire (Ashwood Falls, #4.5)
By Lia Davis
Releases November 18th

As the wolf senior enforcer, Torin Fisher’s job is to protect the pack and each of its members. That includes the beautiful submissive wolf, Cora Rivers. He’s known for a while she belongs to him, but he decided to wait for her to come to him willingly. Since her brother’s death, he’s watched her withdraw from the Pack little by little. Tired of sitting by watching her suffocate her wolf, he decides the time has come to claim her.
Cora Rivers is no stranger to pain. Just as she comes out of her mourning over her parents’ brutal murder, her brother—and best friend—suffers the same horrifying death. Grief cripples her and in attempt to learn to be independent, she inadvertently stifles her wolf by not letting her out to play on a regular basis. When Torin Fisher, begins the mating dance, her only choice is to run.
Together they have a chance to not only release her wolf, but find the connection and future they both deserve.
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Lia Davis is a mother to two young adults and three equally special kitties, a wife to her soul mate, and a lover of romance. She and her family live in Northeast Florida battling hurricanes and very humid summers. But it's her home and she loves it!
An accounting major, Lia has always been a dreamer with a very active imagination. The wheels in her head never stop. She ventured into the world of writing and publishing in 2008 and loves it more than she imagined. Writing is stress reliever that allows her to go off in her corner of the house and enter into another world that she created, leaving real life where it belongs.
Her favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, reading, writing, chocolate, coffee, nature and hanging out with her kitties.

Website: www.authorliadavis.com
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Twitter: @novelbylia


The familiar scent of spring lilies invaded Torin’s senses, enticing and alluring. His wolf began to pace and whimper when the man made no move toward the door their female stood behind. Why would she seek him out here of all places?
The door to the new temporary computer central opened, and the scent intensified. Turning toward the entrance, he met the stare of his mate and instantly grew hard. Whether Cora knew she belonged to him or not, he remained uncertain. He’d known since she’d come of age at eighteen. Though he had every intension of claiming her, he and his wolf had to wait until she came out of her grieving period over the loss of her family.
He ground his molars together and inhaled deeply through his nose. Felix and his band of fucked up minions were going to pay. Someday, somehow. Torin was going to be there to witness the fall.
Straightening fully, he studied her. Strawberry blonde curls fell in unruly waves around her shoulders as if she rolled out of bed. Maybe she had. He roamed his gaze over the rest of her. She wore a faded pair of gray sweatpants and a pink tee with a coffee stain above the hem. His cock hardened even more, pressing painfully into the zipper of his jeans.
She held onto their eye contact for only a brief moment, but long enough for him to see the distress and sadness she fought to hide from the world.
He stalked toward her, and, when he got within a foot from her, she retreated a step. Then Keegan flattened a hand on his chest. Torin glanced down at the leopard’s hand, then met his stare. “What’s up?”
Keegan chose to answer him telepathically—a skill the former Alpha shared with all the enforcers and sentries. I know she’s your mate, but she needs time.
I’ll give it to her, but she needs….
She needs to heal and become independent. If you push her, she’ll run.
Torin let out a low growl, then focused on Cora. She watched them as if expecting an attack. Sighing, he dropped his shoulders and held out his hand. “Good morning. What has you so upset?”
“Just a dream. What are you doing?” She indicated Alec and the five-screen computer system.
After a quick glance over his shoulder, he studied her closer. Her attention focused on Alec and the monitors. “He’s trying to figure out the new security layout, but he’s not having much luck.”
“Fuck you, Tor. If it was easy, they wouldn’t need me and Dane to work on it,” Alec growled.
Torin laughed. “He’s having so much fun. You should stay and join us.”
“I think I will.” Cora pushed past him to stand next to Alec at the computer.
Torin stared, shocked her sudden change in mood and interest in what Alec was doing. A low growl rumbled from his chest. He meant it as a joke, not expecting her to give her attention to another male. His wolf paced and snarled, demanding Torin grab her and leave the building.


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Scrolls of Cridhe: Spirit Stones by Kate Robbins!

Sheona MacLeod has a gift.Connected to the spirit world, Sheona engages with souls long departed. Caught in the middle of the most vicious battle she has ever witnessed, she is captured by her bitter enemy. Armed with only her gift, can she escape his clutches and return to the safety of her clan?Malcolm MacDonald seeks change.Exhausted from the centuries old feud between his clan, the MacDonalds, and the MacLeods, Malcolm sees no future for any of them. His enemy’s intoxicating daughter stirs a need for peace within him that drives him to risk everything—except her.Together, they can change destiny—if they dare.At the climax of one of the bloodiest feuds in clan history, Malcolm and Sheona forge a powerful bond strong enough to break the shackles of prejudice and hatred.



KATE ROBBINS


Kate Robbins writes historical romance novels out of pure escapism and a love for all things Scottish, not to mention a life-long enjoyment of reading romance. Kate loves the research process and delving into secondary sources in order to blend authentic historical fact into her stories. She has travelled to Scotland twice and visited the sites described in her Highland Chiefs series. Her Highland Chiefs series is set in the early fifteenth century during the reign of
James Stewart, first of his name. Kate is the pen name of Debbie Robbins who lives in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada with her man-beast and two man-cubs.



Tell my fans a little bit about yourself and your books.

I write Scottish historical romance novels set primarily in the 15th century, though the novella I wrote for the Scrolls of Cridhe bundle, Spirit Stones, is set during the early 17th century. I find the research fascinating and love stumbling across a piece of history that sparks a fresh story.

I have three books written in my Highland Chiefs series, Bound to the Highlander, Promised to the Highlander, and about to be released, Enemy of the Highlander.

How would you introduce your books to someone that has yet to read them?

My books are politically driven, but with the love story as the central focus. I enjoy creating stories that show the tangly political web of Scotland at various points throughout history.



What do you enjoy doing when you’re not writing?

I’m an avid reader and I enjoy walking. Both help clear my head.

What advice would you give to an aspiring author?

I would tell them to think about their author brand and start building an online presence on social media and connecting with other authors and potential readers as early as possible.

What’s your favorite scene/line from your works?

I really like the prologue, The Boy and the Boarhound, in my second book, Promised to the Highlander. I happened across an old legend about a young MacKay warrior who had to prove his worth and rewrote it to suit the story and the hero in my book.

What are you currently working on?

I am currently working on a novella about secondary characters from my first book, Bound to the Highlander. Calum and Gwen have a fun, but romantic, story to tell.

Do you listen to music while you write?

I have a ‘relaxation’ playlist I listen to when I write. The track I play the most is 90 minutes of heavy rain. Puts me in the zone every time.



What's been your favorite moment as an author? 

The first time I had a reader I had never met, contact me, praising my book. I think that was when it really hit me that my story really was out there for the world to enjoy. 



Out of all of your characters, who is your favorite?

Oh that’s easy. Fergus MacKay from Promised to the Highlander. He is the ultimate alpha male hero and I have been smitten with him since the first time I typed his name. He’s flawed in all the right ways, but as loyal and true and the day is long. It also helps that he’s totally hot!



What do you want readers to take away from your books?

I want them to just come along for the ride, laugh a little, smile a little, and enjoy the time they spend in my fictional world.

You’re stranded on a desert island. What books do you take with you?

The Count of Monte Cristo, Pride and Prejudice, Life of Pi, and A Gentle Feuding

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Queen of the world

If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title should be?

Has Anyone Seen My Keys? Or How to Trip in One’s Own Feet

Where can fans find you?

They can’t whilst I’m wearing my invisibility cape. ;-) Ahem, linky poos below.

@KateRobWriter


Chapter One
Bracadale, Isle of Skye, 1604

She tugged at her hair, her fingers moving furiously to hide her braid. Tucking it beneath her cloak, she left the cottage where the brush had grown over the old doorway in back. Her eyes burned from the smoke. Screams filled the air. Sheona pushed gnarled branches away with trembling hands until she found the stone wall, stopping to catch her breath and quell the fire in her chest.
They had attacked hard and fast this time, leaving no chance for the poor souls imprisoned in the fiery tombs they once called homes. Swords clanged and men shouted. No one appeared to notice her creeping along behind the wall. The old midwife she’d come to heal had died before her arrival. Sheona had been in the village and away from the protection of the castle only moments before the fighting began.
The MacDonalds had been warring with the MacLeods for years. But recently, the attacks on both sides had become more frequent and more ferocious.
Sheona scanned the area. A root cellar was several dozen yards away, its door open. She dashed toward it, stumbling only once. Climbing inside, she closed the door and bolted it, praying no one had seen her.
She listened for sounds outside the cellar, some sign of retreat. A noise somewhere behind her drew the hairs on the back of her neck to rapt attention.
A single puff of breath.
A second.
Feet shuffled in the dirt, spreading a sick burn into her belly.
She was not alone.
Powerful arms engulfed her, squeezing tight and forcing the air from her lungs. The body behind her was huge!
“Do not scream,” a male voice whispered in her ear.
She couldn’t if she wanted to. Terror churned inside her, twisting until she was sure it would strangle her.
He turned their bodies and pressed her against the cold stone wall, securing her hands above her head. His free hand explored her back, her waist, her hip. Somewhere between exploring her hip and the inside of her thigh she stopped breathing.
“What do we have here?”
Her mind searched for an appropriate answer, but her tongue was firmly lodged in her mouth.
“Are you mute then, lass? Well then, no one will hear you scream.” His breath was hot as he whispered the words, fanning her hair.
Now that his arms did not pin her, her head felt light as air rushed back into her body. She needed to say something, try to reason with him, plead even. Above all, she could not tell him who she really was, or else she would surely find his blade across her throat.
“My name is Maggie. I’m the blacksmith’s daughter. Please, my father will give you everything we own if you do not harm me.”
He chuckled. “Maggie, is it? Well, Maggie, my name is Malcolm MacDonald, son of the chief and Lord of the Isles. As long as you do not have a dagger tucked under those skirts, you will come to no harm in my presence.”
“And how long will I be in your presence?”


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