Monday, August 18, 2014

Love in the Highlands book tour

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Title:  Highland Honor
Author:   Angela Ashton
Published:  November 3rd, 2013
Publisher: Champagne Book Group
Word Count:   119,000
Genre:  Historical Romance
Recommended Age:  17+



Synopsis:
Darius MacDuff was at his zenith in the midst of a raging battle. He never expected his home would one day become his most treacherous battlefield…nor would his most lethal opponent come in the form of a shapely siren. Delicious deception, her weapon of choice.
Rival Scottish Clans. An ancient relic. One has possession. The other will stop at nothing to obtain it…
The honorable Clan MacDuff has protected the coveted relic for centuries. When rival Clan MacAlpin discovers the eldest brother of the MacDuff is to take a wife, their scheming materializes in the form of deceit as they kidnap Alick MacDuff’s betrothed and send their sister in her place.
Tegan MacAlpin has no choice but to pretend to want to be bride to her blood enemy. But once inside Castle MacDuff she fears her ability to procure the relic before Darius, Alick’s dangerously handsome and highly suspicious younger brother, discovers her treachery. When all is said and done, will she remain loyal to her clan in hopes of claiming her long-sought freedom, or bend to the bidding of a forbidden nemesis? In the end, it all comes down to a question of honor…

My Review:  This story from the very first grabbed a hold of me and refused to let go! I was completely swept up by the characters and the story itself. I felt as though I had been whisked away to Scotland and I never left my home. As each clan seeks this relic the suspense and thrill of the hunt had my attention and then humor and romance was incorporated and I became a reading fool on a frenzy to discover the truth and what fate awaited those who set out to deceive. I must admit that Darius MacDuff is one fine Scotsman and I would love to see him in his kilt! All I will tell you is that this is one story you will want to read as it has so much going on that it will keep you busy reading and needing to discover answers for yourself. I truly enjoyed the historical aspects of Highland Honor as well as the mystery, suspense, deception, and the romance. I had one wonderful story with my favorite elements all wrapped up in a neat little package that I will revel in for quite awhile!
5/5


Excerpt from Highland Honor by Angela Ashton:
Something unmistakably lethal shadowed his eyes. Something only a fool would ignore. His austere gaze could turn rock to ash. What the hell was he about? Alick's laugh lacked any signs of humor. His eyes never left Darius as he addressed her, "Forgive my brother, m'lady. Dari has been far too long painting the bonny moors of Scotland with enemy blood and forgets his manners in the presence of a lady." There was no dismissing the subtle warning underlying his tone, though the smirk that flashed across Darius' face told her he planned to do just that. Tegan dare not look directly at Alick for fear he'd read the horrid fascination in her eyes. Surely he couldn't detest it any more than she. As if she could stop gaping starry-eyed at his wayward brother. If such extraordinary power were within her grasp, it lay dormant beneath a heavy cloak of fear-laced awe. She did, however, make the mistake of looking at the human magnet and flinched at the violent collision. The knowing leer on his face spoke enough volume to stuff a library from floor to rafters with cynical tomes. He'd seen the lust in her eyes as surely as she'd felt the seed take root and fester in her treacherous bosom. He was T-R-O-U-B-L-E.

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About the Author:
As a child award-winning author Angela Ashton pulled anyone that would listen into her world of fantasy. Her love of the written language led to the desire to write her own novel. Her first labor of love, Amulet of Fate, combined her love of Scottish historical, time travel, and paranormal romances. Angela continues to write in an array of genres and has received rave reviews for her works. Happy to teeter between two worlds, she lives in the Midwest with her family and personal petting zoo by day…slipping into the enchanted land of tall, dark and handsome by night!
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Title:  Dreams in Green
Author:   K. D. Fisk
Published:  March 2012
Publisher:  Champagne Book Group
Word Count:   54,000
Genre:  Historical Romance
Content Warning:  PG-13



Synopsis:
With the death of her father, Lenna Keith is trapped between a king’s command and a land hungry guardian. Her luck improves none as she flees and winds up at the mercy of the Gunns, the very clan seeking to destroy her family, but, looking into the eyes of their Laird, her heart rebels at the thought that this man is her adversary.
Alax Gunn is intrigued by this spirited woman but mostly by the fact that she mirrors someone who has haunted him since youth. Curiosity and mistrust turn to attraction and desire, but swiftly she becomes so much more to him. What all will he sacrifice to keep Lenna safe and in his arms? Will a love between two destined enemies bring an end to a feud or to two ancient clans of Scotland?

My Review: Holy spirits! I am in love! Dreams in Green stole my heart and attention in the first paragraph. I am hooked and I don't want to be cast away. This story has so many elements to it that there is no possibility of becoming bored. The historical  aspects alone fascinated me but then K. D. Fisk threw in ghosts and mystery with a few elements of surprise and made this story a complete home run for me.The characters were so well written they came to life for me with each turn of the page they stole my heart. I began to feel Lenna's frustration as well as her hopes and dreams. Alax is a beautiful, strong character whose heart and head are so focused on his haunting dream that he completely captured my soul leaving me hoping that he finds the answers he needs and can capture the heart and soul of Lenna before it's too late. I became so enthralled with this book that I lost all sense of time. I truly hope that K. D. Fisk will write more about Lenna and Alax as I would love to know more about them! 
5/5


Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads

Excerpt from Dreams in Green by K. D. Fisk:
She let out what may have been meant to be a harsh laugh. “I should have taken you up on your offer of whiskey.” A tense, tight pain lodged in his chest. “It’s an open offer, lass. Take some now.” She shook her head. “After. Please. The water.” He secured the basin in her unsteady hands. She poured slowly over the wound. Old blood washed away and new came in its place. She set the water aside then bent her knee. A sharp cry escaped. He pressed the fresh bandages into her hand, and with eyes tightly shut, she began to wrap. Around and around she wrapped until no new blood showed through. Finally, she tied it off and collapsed back down on the bed. Eventually, a relieved smile blessed her pale, tense features. Streaks from tears ran down her cheeks. When had they fallen? Alax hadn’t seen her shed a one. She looked like an exhausted angel, one who’d taken a long tumble. He picked up the basin and knife, setting them aside. He reached to get a spare scrap she’d not used. Her soft hand stopped atop his. “Thank you.” He froze, not daring to move. “For what?” She slowly scooted down more until her head touched the pillow. “For helping me.” He covered her hand with his other. “Lass, an errand boy could have done what I did. " She carefully shook her head. “No, only you.” He watched her eyes begin to close. Her breathing slowed. A worry suddenly shivered through him. He caressed her knuckles then laid that hand on her chest. “Lenna?” Her name rolled off his tongue like song. Her eyes fluttered open. “Aye?” Her silky voice was just above a whisper. Alax cleared his throat. “No matter what you’re running from, you’re safe with me.” That soft smile started then she gave a slight nod, her eyelids lowering again. Her mouth began moving and he leaned closer to hear her whispered words. “…live to see the day, a Gunn could be so kind.” He felt the corners of his mouth turn up. Cheeky lass, even bone weary and half asleep, she sassed. His lips flattened and he sat back straight. Could that saucy tongue be why she’d been beaten? He knew women could be killed for less. The thought of how she’d gotten her bruises, the marks on her arm ran his blood cold. He was drawn to wipe loose strands of hair from her face. “You’re safe here, Hellenna inghean William, but who are you hiding from?”
 
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About the Author:
Dreams in Green is my first published novel. I’ve always loved the written word, stories and history. I live in Missouri with my soulmate, two overgrown puppies, two insane cats, and a small herd of guinea pigs. My writing has only just begun; the adventure of stories is my never ending addiction.
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Title:  Highland Promise
Series:  Sisters by Choice #2
Author:  Mary McCall
Published:  January 2012
Publisher:   Champagne Book Group
Word Count: 107,000
Genre:  Historical Romance
Recommended Age:  16+ 




Synopsis:
Ordered by King Alexander to wed an Englishwoman, Laird Brendan Sutherland heads to England to find and wed the sister of his best friend’s wife to settle a debt. He intends to beget a few heirs and forget the lass. He has no use for love, and among his clanswomen, he is known as Stoneheart.
After being falsely accused of the Sin of Eve when she was twelve, Lady Faith of Hawkhurst hides her beauty beneath a hideous disguise. Due to a despicable penance given by a zealot priest, she believes she must enter a convent and live a life of penance or suffer perpetual damnation.
Learning her brother intends to ambush an approaching Highland party, Faith intercepts Brendan and his men and asks their aid in reaching the convent at Saint Bride. Brendan quickly sees through her disguise. Realizing she’s the woman he promised to wed, he agrees to take her with him when he goes home. After a court scandal, King Henry orders them to wed. Faith fears Brendan will never trust her when he learns of her deception. As they return to the Highlands with a killer on their trail, Brendan discovers he can’t remain aloof from the woman destined to restore his faith in love.

My Review: I must admit that I was a little put off by elements of this book. Lady Faith was almost on the side of irritating and the disguise element lasted a little to long for me however, I was able to put these thoughts aside and found myself almost spell bound by the rest of the book. I needed to know if Brenden could ever find himself wrapped up in love or if he would walk away from it. The romance in Highland Promise took my breath away there was something almost magical about it. I truly did enjoy the story for the most part and I am glad that I read it. I would like to read more from Mary McCall and become more acquainted with her style of writing. 
4/5


Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads


Excerpt from Highland Promise by Mary McCall:
Falsely accused of the Sin of Eve at age twelve, Lady Faith of Hawkhurst hides her beauty beneath a hideous disguise and seeks help from a Highlander passing through her brother’s land. Laird Brendan Sutherland realizes she’s disguised but wants a good look at her, realizing Faith is the woman he promised his best friend’s wife he would marry if he could find her. After a court scandal, King Henry orders them wed, and Faith fears Brendan will never trust her when he learns of her deception; but they have bigger problems with a killer following them home to the Highlands.
 
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About the Author:
Best-selling Historical Romance author Mary McCall has been telling stories all her life. Now she writes humorous and adventurous historical romances set mainly in the medieval Highlands and England. She is a member of Romance Writers of America; Founding President of Hearts Through History Romance Writers; member of Celtic Hearts Romance Writers; member of The Golden Network; member of River City Romance Writer; member of Faith, Hope & Love, Inc.; and member of Savvy Authors and member of Fiction Christian Writers Association. She loves history, has a particular fondness for the Greek through Medieval periods, and is glad research for her books has finally utilized her ability to speak Latin. Weaving Celtic lore with Arthurian legend, Greco-Roman myths and fun characters makes her current project fun and exciting. She resides in Memphis, Tennessee with her Maltese, Regina Catriona, who runs the apartment.
Giveaway Details:
There is a tour wide giveaway. Prizes include the following:
  • Three lucky winners will each receive one eBook from Champagne Book Group, publisher’s choice.
Giveaway is International.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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1 comment:

  1. These three books sound very entertaining. I would love to read them. Thank you

    ReplyDelete