When skilled weaver, Gwen Hywel, is commissioned to create a tapestry for the MacFhearguis clan, she embraces the assignment. While seeking out ideas, she finds herself clutching the one thread that can alter the tapestry of her life and heart.
A man conflicted by past deeds. A woman with no family of her own. Is it possible for love to unravel an ancient past, in order to claim two badly scarred hearts? Or will the light of hope be doused forever?
Often times, a character grows over the course of several stories. I felt it was time to give the hero, Patrick MacFhearguis his own “happy ever after.” He’s been a secondary character since my first book and series, Dragon Knight’s Sword, Order of the Dragon Knights Series. I sensed he was brooding at his home in Scotland. What he needed was a wife and a purpose. In truth, he has been a favorite of mine since he stepped into the first story. I wove his castle, Leòmhann, as the center of this love story, along with an ancient yew tree.
What began as a Highland holiday novel, morphed into a much broader story—one that connected the past and present-day Clan MacFhearguis. And incorporating the Dragon Knights (Clan MacKay) into the story meant I was in for an even larger scenic tale. If you’ve read my stories, nothing is straightforward with these two clans. They dominate every scene they enter, each fighting for control. While they started out as bitter enemies, they are now allies and good friends. With this friendship, there also came loss. I realized both clans still mourned the absence of family members.
This story was one of friendships—new and old— trust, and letting go of previous sorrows. I said farewell to the Dragon Knights of Urquhart. Yet I welcomed a new beginning for the MacFhearguis clan of Leòmhann, and the MacKays of Aonach Castle.
What began as a Highland holiday novel, morphed into a much broader story—one that connected the past and present-day Clan MacFhearguis. And incorporating the Dragon Knights (Clan MacKay) into the story meant I was in for an even larger scenic tale. If you’ve read my stories, nothing is straightforward with these two clans. They dominate every scene they enter, each fighting for control. While they started out as bitter enemies, they are now allies and good friends. With this friendship, there also came loss. I realized both clans still mourned the absence of family members.
This story was one of friendships—new and old— trust, and letting go of previous sorrows. I said farewell to the Dragon Knights of Urquhart. Yet I welcomed a new beginning for the MacFhearguis clan of Leòmhann, and the MacKays of Aonach Castle.
His eyes smoldered like fire. “Will ye heal me with a kiss?”
Her breathing became labored. “We’ve only just met. I don’t kiss strangers.”
Slowly, he brought her fingers to his lips, kissing each one. “I have told ye my name. What more do ye wish to ken?”
Gwen chuckled low. “I don’t even know your surname.”
Bringing her wrist to his mouth, he nipped along the vein, sending shards of pleasure up her arm and down her back. “MacFhearguis. Patrick MacFhearguis.”
Gwen swore her heart stopped beating. Lights danced in a tempest around her. “No,” she whispered.
He arched a dark brow. “Aye. ’Tis my name, lass.”
This time, Gwen yanked with all her might and was rewarded when he released his hold on her. All the pieces of her jumbled puzzle of insanity slipped into place with clarity. Her mind screamed at the impossibility. She refused to submit to the conclusion. He must be a different Patrick MacFhearguis. However, the further she fought the realization, the more everything became crystal clear.
Gwen required proof.
She fought to steady her nerves and clutched her hands to her chest. “What is the year?”
Patrick’s brow creased. “Are ye troubled, Gwen?”
“The year!” she demanded, pounding her fist into the palm of her hand.
A flicker of uncertainty reflected in his eyes. “Twelve hundred and nine.”
Hysterical laughter bubbled up inside her, and she squashed its release immediately. “How in the hell did I end up here?”
Her breathing became labored. “We’ve only just met. I don’t kiss strangers.”
Slowly, he brought her fingers to his lips, kissing each one. “I have told ye my name. What more do ye wish to ken?”
Gwen chuckled low. “I don’t even know your surname.”
Bringing her wrist to his mouth, he nipped along the vein, sending shards of pleasure up her arm and down her back. “MacFhearguis. Patrick MacFhearguis.”
Gwen swore her heart stopped beating. Lights danced in a tempest around her. “No,” she whispered.
He arched a dark brow. “Aye. ’Tis my name, lass.”
This time, Gwen yanked with all her might and was rewarded when he released his hold on her. All the pieces of her jumbled puzzle of insanity slipped into place with clarity. Her mind screamed at the impossibility. She refused to submit to the conclusion. He must be a different Patrick MacFhearguis. However, the further she fought the realization, the more everything became crystal clear.
Gwen required proof.
She fought to steady her nerves and clutched her hands to her chest. “What is the year?”
Patrick’s brow creased. “Are ye troubled, Gwen?”
“The year!” she demanded, pounding her fist into the palm of her hand.
A flicker of uncertainty reflected in his eyes. “Twelve hundred and nine.”
Hysterical laughter bubbled up inside her, and she squashed its release immediately. “How in the hell did I end up here?”
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Laird Cormac Murray has witnessed how love destroyed his own father after the death of his mother, and he vows to never take a wife. Yet, when he comes upon a bewildered lass traveling alone, he finds his heart will no longer listen to his mind. In the end, Cormac risks everything to claim the love of a woman not of his time.
Eve Brannigan loves helping others and baking. After winning a contest, she is stunned to learn that the Clan Murray has requested her assistance to cater to their guests during the holiday season. When a lost path in Scotland leads her to a handsome but gruff Highlander, Eve fights the temptation to allow love to enter her heart for the first time. Can the Fae and the magic of the Yule season bring together two souls who have forsaken love? Or will tragedies from the past separate the lovers forever?
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Irish warrior, Desmond O’Quinlan has never surrendered his heart to any woman. He has no wish to have his soul tortured by love. Yet, the moment he locks gazes with Ailsa, his fate is destined for an adventure he never fathomed. He may have battled alongside a Dragon Knight, but his greatest challenge will come from within his own heart.
Ailsa MacDuff, a warrior among her clan, has no desire to have a man chain her to a life of obedience. However, that is before she meets Desmond. The temptation to allow this warrior inside her heart is a risk she dares to take, but one that could lead to a future of emptiness and sorrow. When betrayal looms from within, the battleground of love is no match for these two warriors. Can the power of a Highland full moon be strong enough to unite or destroy them? Rating: Spicy Type: Novella
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Mary's passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic mythology, her tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. It wasn't until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling by writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.
If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of magic, then time-travel within the pages of her books.
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Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your book with us and for the giveaway as well. I appreciate them both.
ReplyDeleteDo you plan on continuing to write over the holidays?
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for hosting me on my blog tour and for giving a shout-out to my other two Highland holiday romances! Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear, James! Thanks for stopping by!
ReplyDeleteBernie, I'm always writing, even during the holidays. Yet I'm not fixated on a schedule during this time. For the past six years I've always had a deadline and/or a new release in December, which made the writing and celebrating a struggle. This year I'm doing something a "wee" bit different and enjoying the holidays, family, and resting more. Usually I'm a task-master and write six days a week with edits on the seventh day. Good question! Thanks for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteGreat excerpt, I enjoyed reading it!
ReplyDeleteHappy to hear, Victoria! :) I hope you get a chance to read Patrick and Gwen's love story.
DeleteGood afternoon. My question for you today is what type of character do you find the most enjoyable to read or write about? The hero, the villain or someone who is a bit of both?
ReplyDeleteGreat question, Bea! I enjoy reading and writing about tortured heroes, especially those on a quest for redemption--something which haunts them and they must make amends. Life and love are messy, so to get to that "happy ever after" it has to be a struggle.
DeleteI absolutely agree! Thanks so much for responding.
DeleteThis looks interesting.
ReplyDeleteThe covers are gorgeous! Can't wait to read these books!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cover and the book looks really good.
ReplyDeleteI love the covers. The colors are amazing.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good read
ReplyDeletesounds like a fun one
ReplyDelete