I’m thrilled today to be participating in the Launch Day Blitz for New York Times bestselling author Paula Quinn’s release, THE TAMING OF MALCOLM GRANT.
As part of the blitz, Paula is sharing excerpt from her book and hosting a giveaway for five (5) copies of THE TAMING OF MALCOLM GRANT. Please see the end of the post for giveaway details.
Here’s a brief synopsis of the tantalizing book:
AN ALLURING LASS
Emmaline Grey spends her days with her beloved dog, dreaming of the sea-until a brawling Highlander shatters her quiet life to pieces. Though her blindness prevents her from seeing his face, his voice is a warm blend of velvet and silk, and his rakehell ways unmistakable. Risking the wrath of a rival clan as she nurses him back to health, Emma soon realizes the real danger is the magnetic pull she feels to this half-naked Scot recovering in her bed.
A RECKLESS ROGUE
With his rugged handsomeness and wicked charm, Malcolm Grant wants nothing more out of life than whisky, women, and the occasional war. The only lass he's ever trusted left him with more scars than a battlefield. Yet now at the mercy of this sweet stranger, Malcolm can barely resist the gentle hands that make him feverish with desire-until Emma, the one he will never have, is the only woman he wants.
THE TAMING OF MALCOLM GRANT is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iTunes, and Kobo.
Now for the excerpt:
“You’re nothing like your reputation,” she told him.
He laughed softly and then groaned. “I know what ye’ve heard . . .” He paused, rethinking his defense, and then apparently thinking better of it. “I earned m’ reputation. Besides, I canna’ go back and change m’ past.”
She hadn’t asked him to. The idea of him going back and changing his past had never even crossed her mind. Had it crossed his? And why? Why would he care about what she thought of him? Malcolm Grant didn’t trouble himself with those things.
“Would you?” she asked him now that he brought it to her attention. “Would you go back?”
She waited on bated breath for his answer, letting only one thing distract her from his reply.
His kiss. His passionate mouth taking hers over and over. Oh, if he would only do it again she would welcome his tongue.
Or should she have slapped him?
“I dinna’ know if I would go back.”
His answer came but it offered her no comfort. She tried not to look disappointed.
“Mayhap who I was in the past,” he continued, “has shaped me into who I’m supposed to be.”
“You’re supposed to be a heartless rake?” she asked.
It angered her that he believed it and she didn’t bother to hide her fierce scowl.
“Something more than that, mayhap.”
The stillness of his voice shook her to her bones. He wasn’t smiling or being glib now.
The sudden touch of his fingertips on her face startled her. When he traced the pad of his thumb along the seam of her frown, she battled herself to keep from going soft all over him. What was he doing? Why had he said what he did? Why was he touching her so intimately—the way she would touch him to know how he looked?
“Ye’re a bonny lass, Emmaline Grey.”
Was this what it was like to be enchanted? She felt mesmerized, paralyzed, giddy with delight. This was Malcolm slaying her heart, being the charming rake he was rumored to be. He’d said Harry was correct about him, but she didn’t care. Not in this moment. Whatever spell he was weaving on her, she allowed it. Helpless to do anything else.
But she did do something else. She lifted her hands to his face.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
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| Author Paula Quinn |
New York Times bestselling author Paula Quinn lives in New York with her three beautiful children, three over-protective Chihuahuas, and a loud umbrella cockatoo.
She loves to read romance and science fiction and has been writing since she was eleven. She loves all things medieval, but it is her love for Scotland that pulls at her heartstrings.
For more information on Paula and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
This giveaway is for five (5) copies of THE TAMING OF MALCOLM GRANT.
To enter, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instructions. The widget may take a few seconds to load so please be patient.
Thanks so much for dropping by today. Do you enjoy stories that take you to distant lands? Do you enjoy stories that feature Highlanders and Scotland?
a Rafflecopter giveaway
It’s my pleasure to be participating in The Great Scots Blog Tour featuring two delightful authors, Paula Quinn and Sue-Ellen Welfonder, as they talk about their latest releases. In addition, the ladies have some awesome prizes their giving away during their tour.
Paula’s THE SEDUCTION OF MISS AMELIA BELL (March 25, 2014; 9781455519514; $8) is Book 1 in her brand new sinfully sexy, Scottish romance series “The MacGregors Highland Heirs”! Edmund MacGregor makes his return from CONQUERED BY A HIGHLANDER.
Sue-Ellen’s TO LOVE A HIGHLANDER (April 29, 2014; 9781455526222; $8) is Book 1 in her brand new Scandalous Scots series.
Here’s a brief synopsis of THE SEDUCTION OF MISS AMELIA BELL:
Edmund MacGregor will do anything to save Scotland from English rule-even kidnap Lady Amelia Bell for ransom. As the daughter of a duke and the chancellor's betrothed, she's the perfect pawn in this game. But from the moment he first lays eyes on his spirited captive, he can't resist stealing a kiss.
Lady Amelia's duty is to marry well, but that hasn't stopped her from fantasizing about true love. So when a sexy Scot appears in her home, she's beguiled. When he kidnaps her, she's furious. Yet as Edmund introduces her to a world of passion beyond her wildest dreams, can she leave her family behind for this handsome Highlander? And will Edmund risk the only true home he's ever known to capture the heart of this lovely lass?
This book can be found at the following sites: Amazon, B&N, iTunes, and Goodreads.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
New York Times bestselling author Paula Quinn lives in New York with her three beautiful children, three over-protective Chihuahuas, and a loud umbrella cockatoo.
She loves to read romance and science fiction and has been writing since she was eleven. She loves all things medieval, but it is her love for Scotland that pulls at her heartstrings.
For more on Paula and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.
Now here’s a brief synopsis of TO LOVE A HIGHLANDER:
As one of the bastards born to the Stirling court, Sorley the Hawk has never known his mother or father. It's a burning quest he has devoted himself to uncovering at any cost. But as a roguish warrior who serves at the pleasure of the King, his prowess-both on the battlefield and in his bedchamber-is legendary. So when a flame-haired Highland lass sneaks into his quarters with a tantalizing proposition, he can't resist taking her up on her offer.
Lady Mirabelle MacLaren will do anything to keep from marrying her odious suitor, even sully her own good name. And who better to despoil her than his sworn enemy, the one they call "Hawk?" As they set about the enjoyable task of ruining her reputation, Hawk and Mirabelle soon learn that rebellion never tasted so sweet.
This book can be found at the following sites: Amazon, B&N, iTunes, and Goodreads.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Sue-Ellen Welfonder is a Scotophile whose burning wish to make frequent trips to the land of her dreams led her to a twenty-year career with the airlines. Now a full-time writer, she's quick to admit that she much prefers wielding a pen to pushing tea and coffee. She makes annual visits to Scotland, insisting they are a necessity, as each trip gives her inspiration for new books.
Proud of her own Hebridean ancestry, she belongs to two clan societies: the MacFie Clan Society and the Clan MacAlpine Society. In addition to Scotland, her greatest passions are medieval history, the paranormal, and dogs. She never watches television, loves haggis, and writes at a 450-year-old desk that once stood in a Bavarian castle.
Sue-Ellen is married and currently resides with her husband and Jack Russell terrier in Florida.
For more on Sue-Ellen and her writing, visit her website and connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
This giveaway is tour-wide and the grand prize is for a $50 American Express Gift Card. In addition, 10 winners will each receive a copy of both ladies books: THE SEDUCTION OF MISS AMELIA BELL and TO LOVE A HIGHLANDER. To enter the giveaway, just click on the Rafflecopter widget below and follow the instruction. It may take the widget a few seconds to appear, so please be patience.
Thanks so much for stopping by today. What do you like most about the first book in a new series? Is it discovering a new character that you want to read more and more about? Is it a new setting that draws you in?
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Paula’s recent release is SEDUCED BY A HIGHLANDER. Thanks to Paula, Anna and the folks at the Hachette Book Group I have 5 copies of SEDUCED BY A HIGHLANDER to giveaway. Please see the giveaway guidelines at the end of this post.
Here’s a brief synopsis of her book: “SINS THAT CAN'T BE FORGIVEN - Tristan MacGregor is famed throughout the Highlands as a silver-tonged seducer and an unrepentant rogue. Bold and charming, he's dallied with many women, yet none as mysterious as the lass he steals a kiss from at king's court. Little does he know this beauty is one of his clan's greatest enemies.
PASSION THAT CAN'T BE DENIED - Isobel Fergusson has despised the bloodthirsty MacGregors ever since they murdered her father. She's horrified to learn that the handsome stranger she kissed is of this clan. But Tristan means to possess her at any cost and Isobel's body turns traitor at his touch. Can a man she's sworn to hate be the only one she can ever love?”
I ask Paula if she had any works in progress or thoughts of writing stories set in other eras or countries other than her beloved Scotland.
Everyone asks me why I chose Scotland as the setting for my books. Originally, I didn’t. My first three books are set in 11th century England, before and after the Norman invasion.
I actually prefer the English setting, mostly because my heroes can wear something other than a belted plaid. Don’t get me wrong, I love Highlanders as much as the next girl, but there are times when I want to see them in snug fitting breeches and a pair of nice boots.
It’s also a little more difficult for me to write in a Scottish setting because my heart yearns to go there. It always has, for as long as I can remember. Every word I type sometimes feels like a tiny pinprick and fills me with a longing I don’t fully understand.
Whatever books I write about in the future, they will all be medieval-early, middle, or late, but medieval. I love the past, especially Celtic history. I tend to think of eras in terms of a
They don’t necessarily have to be rulers of England or ancient Briton. I have a paranormal trilogy in their first drafts set in 12th century Wales under the leadership of Prince Llywelyn ab Iorwerth. I‘ve also toyed with a few ideas about Tongan warriors and sailing the South Seas. I don’t know about you, but I like the image of a man in a loincloth.
For now though, I’m sticking with Scotland and my beloved MacGregors. It might ache a little, but it’s worth it. :)
Paula, thanks for guest blogging here again. Sounds like you’ve got some interesting plots in mind. Celtic history is intriguing.
Now for a little background on Paula. She is a disgustingly sappy romantic moved by music, beautiful words, and the sight of a really nice pen. She lives in Manhattan with her knight in shining armor and they have three beautiful children, two dogs and too many reptiles to count. Paula loves to read romance and science fiction and have been writing since she was eleven. She’s a faithful believer in God and thanks Him daily for all the blessings in her life. And in case you haven’t guessed, she loves all things medieval, but it’s her love for Scotland that pulls at her heartstrings.
For an added bonus, click on this link to see the MacGregor and Grant Family Tree.
Paula’s latest release is RAVISHED BY A HIGHLANDER. Thanks to Paula, Anna and the Hachette Book Group I’m able to offer five copies of the book. Please see the giveaway guidelines at the end of the post.
Paula is here to talk about her writing and why she writes historicals.
I’ve always loved the past. Even as a kid, history was my favorite subject in school. Maybe it has to do with my astrological sign (Cancer). They say us crabs live and learn our lessons from yesterday and while I hate being lumped into such a generic mold, I am, in fact, inspired by past events and by the lessons those events have taught us. Whenever possible I try to incorporate real historical facts and people into my books. England’s kings, for some reason, really get my muse up and about. I don’t love them all, but I love reading and writing about them—and I love the heroes of their garrisons even more. These guys are tough, alpha males who have looked down the length of a bloody sword, saw death and grinned in its ugly face.
They’re not mad, as laughing down the barrel of a gun might be considered in a contemporary. They’re warriors who are use to fighting a foot apart. Romantic? It certainly is when these same men lose their valiant hearts to lady. Sure, there are heroic modern men who are just as courageous, just as drool-worthy when they fall in love—or are heedlessly trying not to. But I prefer a castle setting, where the sound of a destrier’s hooves signals a knight’s return and sets his beloved’s heart to thrashing with anticipation.
And who says ‘beloved’ anymore anyway? If ever a more romantic word was uttered, I haven’t heard it. Which brings me to another reason I write historicals. My heroes get bloody but they’re honorable and chivalrous, with knightly values—even the rogues. Well, most of them. I like sappy, old-fashioned tales of love. The kind that makes you wait for that touch, that 
kiss, until you sigh right along with the heroine and dream about yourself being kissed the same way. I’m all for good, hot sex between the H&H, but if it’s the desert at the end of the satisfying meal, then let’s delight in the toppings. Passion, emotion, devotion, commitment. It’s the whipped cream, the cherry, and the nuts. In today’s market, unless you’re writing inspirational romance, the first sex scene on page 275 isn’t going to cut it. In today’s world, it’s less believable than in an historical.
One thing I do love about the present is that publishers are no longer looking for the typical damsel in distress waiting to be rescued. Historical women were strong and brave enough to face armies. Remember Queen Elizabeth and Joan of Arc? Don’t get me wrong, I’m a full-blooded, crybaby romantic. I like a guy who is strong and brave enough to rescue his woman, and a woman who is skilled and courageous enough to rescue her man.
So what’s your favorite characteristic in a hero or heroine? Are there any other time periods you would like to see in a romance that aren't out there?
Paula, thanks so much for stopping by and giving us a glimpse at why you write historicals. Here’s a brief blurb about RAVISHED BY A HIGHLANDER: “Davina Montgomery is no ordinary English lady. For her own protection, she's been locked away from society, her true identity the Crown's most closely guarded secret. Until a shocking betrayal--and a bold rescue--land her in the arms of a fierce Highlander, a powerful warrior whose searing gaze and tantalizing touch awaken her body and soul.
As the firstborn son of a powerful Scottish laird, Robert MacGregor has no loyalty to the English throne, but he's not the kind of man to leave a woman in distress, even if she is English. He vows to deliver Davina to safety, unharmed and untouched. Yet one stolen kiss leaves them both smoldering with desire...and desperate for more. With Davina's secret threatening to destroy his clan, Rob must choose between everything he holds dear and the one woman he can't live without.”
Now for the giveaway, I have five copies of RAVISHED BY A HIGHLANDER to giveaway. The giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only and no post office box addresses can be accepted. The deadline for entering the giveaway is Tuesday, May 11. To enter, send me an e-mail (mcbookshelf@gmail.com) with “WIN Ravished” in the subject line and include your name and address in the body of the e-mail.
For more information on Paula check out her website.
I’m thrilled today to be participating in the Launch Day Blitz for New York Times bestselling author Paula Quinn’s release, THE TAMING OF MALCOLM GRANT.
