Giveaway: The Great Scots and Highland Heat Blog Tour

Title: The Sinner

Series: Return of the Highlanders #2

Author: Margaret Mallory | Website

Available: Now

Genre: Historical Romance

Reading Level: Adult

Alex MacDonald is known for his skill as a warrior, his prowess with women, and his vow to never take a wife. But now his chieftain has asked him to make the ultimate sacrifice: wed Glynis MacNeil, a lass famed throughout the Highlands for her exquisite beauty—and defiant ways. Familiar with heartbreak, Glynis refuses to fall for another handsome scoundrel. Yet when Alex’s past sins force an unlikely union, Glynis gives in to temptation and becomes his wife. Will their newfound passion be strong enough to fight the enemy that threatens their home, their clan, and their very lives?

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Title: Highland Hero

Series: Scottish Knights Trilogy #2

Author: Amanda Scott | Website

Available: Now

Genre: Historical Romance

Reading Level: Adult

When Scotland’s Queen Annabella dies, her devastated niece, Lady Marsaili Cargill, takes charge of the seven-year-old prince James, who is second in line to the throne. But rumors abound that the King’s brother—the Duke of Albany—will stop at nothing to fulfill his ambition to govern Scotland. But before Marsi can help the young prince escape to the safety of St. Andrews Academy, she will need to confront the men seeking to use her—and accept the help of the King’s devoted master archer, Sir Ivor Mackintosh. With traitors and assassins all around, Marsi and Ivor must risk all for the little prince James, while hoping for a future that will allow their love to flourish.

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I have 3 sets of The Sinner & Highland Hero up for grabs courtesy of Hachette Book Group.

Please use the RaffleCopter form below to enter.

Reviews & Giveaway x 3 - Forever Historical Romance Blog Tour

Title: Tamed by a Highlander

Series: Children of the Mist #3

Author: Paula Quinn

Available: Now

Reading Level: Adult

My thoughts: 

This is a series I absolutely adore. After literally devouring the first two books in the matter of days, the long wait for Connor and Mairi’s story was torture, but oh so worth it. Paula Quinn’s writing stayed true to the swoon worthy romances I’d enjoyed so much in the first two books of this series, Ravished by a Highlander and Seduced by a Highlander. I adored the main characters, and also enjoyed the secondary characters immensely. The plot also featured a nice mix of mystery and political intrigue. I don’t usually enjoy political elements, but it works well in this series without being overwhelming. The ending was stellar and has left me pining for Colin’s story. This is an author and series you don’t want to miss!

Books in this series:

Title: Lady of Seduction

Series: The Daughter’s of Erin #3

Author: Laurel McKee

Available: Now

Reading Level: Adult

My thoughts:

I had difficulties getting into Lady of Seduction initially simply because I hadn’t read the two earlier books in this series. It was apparent main characters, Grant and Caroline, had a tempestuous history I was not privy to. The author did try to highlight events from earlier books, but unfortunately I found I did myself a serious disservice by diving into this series with the final book. This was in no way the fault of the author. Thankfully the amazingly developed characters and beautifully creepy setting caught my interest and kept me reading. This was another historical romance with a healthy dose of political intrigue and seriously troublesome villains. It also featured a very passionate romance with some very erotic scenes. Not what I usually expect from this genre, but it worked perfectly to highlight the intensity of Grant and Caroline’s connection. I’d wholeheartedly recommend this series, but please read in order. You’ll thank me later ;)

Books in this series:

Title: Temptation of a Highland Scoundrel

Series: Highland Warriors #2

Author: Sue-Ellen Welfonder

Available: 8/1/11

Reading Level: Adult

My thoughts:

Temptation of a Highland Scoundrel takes us back to the beautiful Glen of Many Legends. I fell in love with the world Sue-Ellen Welfonder created when this series debuted earlier this year. In the first book of this trilogy the sisters of the chieftains of three rival clans vow to woo and marry a man from the rival clan to help keep peace in their lands. This installment explores the unconventional romance of Kendrew Mackintosh and Isobel Cameron. Both are unlike any character I’ve encountered in the historical romance genre. Kendrew portrays himself as quite the mad man until the lovely Isobel gets under his skin. I truly admired Isobel’s moxie and go get ‘em attitude. This is a romance for anyone who enjoys watching two stubborn and strong-willed individuals losing themselves to love.

My absolute favorite thing about this trilogy is it features not only knee weakening romances, but also an intriguing mix of legends and ghost stories.  I can’t resist the pull to a book set in a beautiful historical setting when it is paired with a healthy dose of fantasy. Sue-Ellen Welfonder’s fascinating trilogy is just that!

Books in this series:

Giveaway Details:

I also have 3 sets of Tamed by a Highlander, Lady of Seduction, and Temptation of a Highland Scoundrel up for grabs courtesy of Hachette Book Group.

Open to residents of the U.S & Canada

No P.O boxes please

Leave a comment with a way to contact you (Email, Twitter, etc) to enter

Ends August 1st

Review & Giveaway: The Guardian by Margaret Mallory

Title: The Guardian
Series: Return of the Highlanders #1
Author: Margaret Mallory
Available: Now
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Historical Fiction










Description via Goodreads:


Four young Highlanders - Connor, Ian, Alex and Duncan - hurry home from France after hearing news of the disastrous Battle of Flodden against Henry VIII's forces. With his father among the dead, Connor must take his place as chieftain. Before he can lead his clan through the perilous times ahead, however, he must first dislodge the usurper who has taken his family's castle and claimed leadership of the clan.

Connor's cousins and best friend, Ian, Alex and Duncan, will stand shoulder to shoulder with him in every fight. They are willing to give their lives for their clan and their new chieftain. But taking wives to serve the clan's interests is a different matter altogether...

My thoughts:

The Guardian begins a fascinating new series from the very talented Margaret Mallory. The story primarily focuses on the story of Ian and Sileas. They were forced to marry before he left Scotland for five long years. He planned to return and encourage Sileas to find a new husband, but when he discovers what a beauty she has become he begins to change his mind. Sileas finds it difficult to trust Ian after the hurt and humiliation he caused her, but after loving him her entire life she hopes the man she once knew is still inside him. She doesn’t want to spend her life in a loveless marriage and has concocted a plan to end their union if Ian can’t love her the way she deserves, even if it will break her heart to see it end. 

I was completely drawn in by the story of Ian and Sileas. Sileas is a character with so much heart. After being dealt so much pain in her life I wanted to see her find her HEA. Ian is a character who managed to be both frustrating and endearing. As the circumstances that set their forced union into motion came to light, it was so much easier to understand Ian’s frustrations and Sileas’s fears. Sileas was just a child when the marriage took place, and Ian was a young Highlander ready for a life on the battlefield. I was wholeheartedly rooting for them even when Ian’s actions were less than noble. 


I also fell in love with Ian’s family. There was so much development of not only the key players, but also the secondary ones. This story left me longing for more time with the fascinating characters the author created. If you like strong and sassy heroines you’ll love this book. There is a scene involving an angry Sileas and a frying pan that is not to be missed ;) The Guardian is a stellar series debut, and I can’t wait to get to know the other Highlanders as it progresses. The romantic elements paired with a bit of political intrigue and laugh out loud moments, created a thoroughly engaging look into the Highlander life.

Margaret Mallory takes a mix of fact and fiction, and weaves a magnificently romantic tale. Her love of Scotland and history is apparent when reading her stories.   She was one of my first experiences with historical romance, and one of the reasons I’m hooked today. If you are a fan of historical romance this is an author you do not want to miss! 

My Rating:

Margaret Mallory on the web:

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Fun Extras:

Excerpt from The Guardian

Bonus Content:

We Love Scotland

Giveaway:

I have 3 copies of The Guardian up for grabs courtesy of Hachette Book Group!

Rules:

Open to residents of the U.S & Canada

No P.O Boxes please

Books will ship directly from publisher

All winners are subject to the 1 copy per household rule

Ends 5/28

Please fill out the form to enter

Comments are appreciated, but will not count as an entry :)

Blog Tour, Review x 2, & A Giveaway: From Scotland, With Love

Title: Seduced by Destiny

Author: Kira Morgan

Available: Now

Genre: Historical Romance

Reading Level: Adult

Description via Goodreads:

SWORN TO REVENGE

All her life, Josselin Ancrum has been trained for combat, hoping to exact vengeance for her heroic mother, who was killed fighting the English. When asked to spy for the Scottish Queen, Jossy joyfully accepts. But when a handsome stranger rescues her from sudden danger, his charm distracts her from her mission.


SHROUDED BY SECRECY

On the surface, Drew MacAdam may appear to be nothing more than a carefree champion, but his heart harbors a dark secret: This Highland hero is actually a skilled English soldier with a hatred for war and for the Scottish. Yet from the moment he meets the feisty Jossy, he's captured by her fiercely loyal heart. He's determined the honey-haired lass will be his ultimate prize - until the tragedy of their entwined legacies is revealed. Are these star-crossed lovers to be divided by their pasts? Or will they be...


My thoughts:


Drew is an Englishman golfing his way around Scotland under the guise of a Highlander. Josselin is one tough cookie who is determined to avenge the brutal slaying of her mother. When Josselin and Drew meet they have no clue how their pasts intertwine.


Josselin and Drew just might be one of my favorite couples. The banter that took place between these two had me grinning even when I shouldn’t have. Saucy characters, undeniable chemistry, a beautiful setting, and a dash of intrigue. Seduced by Destiny encompassed everything I look for in a historical romance novel.

Kira Morgan on the web:

Website | Facebook

Title: Highland Master

Author: Amanda Scott

Available: Now

Genre: Historical Romance

Reading Level: Adult

Description via Goodreads:


When eighteen-year-old Lady Catriona Mackintosh discovers a wounded man in the forest near her Highland home, little does she know that he has sworn a sacred oath to kill her father and other members of the powerful Highland confederation known as Clan Chattan. Nor does she realize that she has met her soul mate. Independent, competent, intelligent, fiercely proud of her heritage, determined always to live near her own family, and known to her family as the "wee wildcat" because of her quick temper, Catriona is the daughter of a Highland chieftain and granddaughter of the even more powerful Chief (or Captain) of Clan Chattan. But her life changes forever when she persuades Sir Finlagh Cameron to return with her to her home to recover from his wounds.

Sir Finlagh "Fin" Cameron is on a mission for the heir to Scotland's throne, who has sent him to the Highlands to persuade the Chief of Clan Chattan to arrange a secret meeting for him with two other great lords (the Lord of the Isles and the Lord of the North). Until Fin meets Catriona, however, he has no idea that her father was the Clan Chattan war leader who led them in the battle that wiped out many of Clan Cameron's best warriors, including Fin's own father. The sole survivor of that battle, Fin accepted a bequest of vengeance from his dying father, providing him with a dilemma to face as he begins to fall in love with Catriona. He is not the only one enticed by her charms, either. There are two other contenders, one of whom is his own master, the heir to Scotland's throne. With royal mischief afoot, if Catriona and Fin are ever to find happiness, they must first avoid disaster that could change Scotland's history, and find ways to be open and honest with each other.

My thoughts:

Sir Finlagh Cameron finds himself swearing an oath of revenge after a bloody battle that left him the sole survivor of his clan’s side. When he unexpectedly comes in contact with the daughter of the man he promised to kill, he finds that carrying out that oath might be difficult considering he is falling in love with the daughter of his enemy.

I was absolutely taken with the setting and characters in Highland Master. Catriona aptly nicknamed “wildcat” was a pleasure to get to know. I loved her sass, curious nature, and independence. Not an easy task in a predominantly male household. Love interest Fin is delicious. I’m crushing hard on the Highland hottie. I love a man that can maintain a strong and powerful front, but with a kind heart inside. The love match between him and Catriona was perfection. I’ll admit the political aspects of the plot were confusing. It took me a good 150 pages to really grasp all the players and their goals. Even with my confusion I found this novel completely engaging and difficult to put down. I hope I’ll get the chance to know some of the secondary characters better in future novels.

Amanda Scott on the web:

Website | Author Bio

Check out the We Love Scotland bonus content!

I have 3 sets of both Highland Master & Seduced by Destiny up for grabs thanks to Hachette Book Group!

Open to residents of the U.S & Canada

No P.O Boxes please
Winners are subject to the one copy per household rule
Please fill out the form to enter
Comments are always appreciated, but will not count as an entry

Ends 3/20

Review & Giveaway: Sins of a Highland Devil by Sue-Ellen Welfonder

Title: Sins of a Highland Devil
Series: Highland Devils #1
Author: Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Available: Now
Genre: Historical Romance
Reading Level: Adult


4 out of 5 Stars












Description from Goodreads:


The first book in the Highland Warriors trilogy, in which three heroes make a pact to insure that a rival clan does not take over their Glen of Many Legends. At the same time, three women plot to marry these heroes to ensure peace.

In SINS OF A HIGHLAND DEVIL, James Cameron is concerned when the King's decree states all three neighboring clans must have a battle to the death in order to lay official claim to the scared Glen of Many Legends. James attempts to make a pact with the heads of the other clans to fight this decree. But he ends up fighting his own fierce desire when coming head-to-head with Lady Catriona of the opposing MacDonald clan, who has her own plan for peace.

My thoughts:


Sins of a Highland Devil begins the story of three clans, The Camerons, The MacDonalds, and the Mackintoshes, forced by the King to battle for rights to the Glen of Many Legends after the heiress to the land passed leaving no testament of who will inherit. Until this point things have been mostly amicable among the clans. James Cameron, chief of the Cameron clan, finds himself falling for Lady Catriona MacDonald, sister of the chief of the MacDonald clan. The feelings they have intensify, but both know a marriage between them can’t work because they come from rival clans, and the battle for the land they both call home is looming. 


This is a fantastic start to a new series. A delightful mix of romance and fantasy. Both the main and secondary characters are well developed, and truly a pleasure to spend time with. The author has an amazingly descriptive style of writing. I was impressed that she wrote the romantic rendezvous and blood drenched battles with equal passion and narrative. I felt as if I was standing among the Highlanders on the Glen of Many Legends. The ghost story that played out over the course of the plot was a nice addition. 


As far as main characters are concerned, James and Catriona are top notch. Catriona’s embodies such a large amount of sass and fire. I loved her passion for life. The sexual tension between the two love birds was intense. James was kind without sacrificing the strength and power that goes along with being a Highlander. Such amazing characters! I’ve also developed a little crush on James’s cousin Colin. As if I needed another book boyfriend ;) I hope we see more of him as this series continues. This is a series I can’t wait for more of. I’d recommend this to fans of historical romance and ill-fated love.

Sue-Ellen Welfonder on the web:

Website | Author Bio | Five Fun Facts

I also have 3 copies of Sins of a Highland Devil up for grabs courtesy of Hachette Book Group!

Rules:

Open to residents of the US & Canada

No P.O Boxes please

Winners are subject to the one copy per household rule

Please fill out the form to enter

Comments will not count as an entry, but are always appreciated :)

Ends 2/5

Review: Ravished by a Highlander by Paula Quinn

Title: Ravished by a Highlander 
Series: Children of the Mist #1
Author: Paula Quinn
Available: Now
Number of Pages: 337
Reading Level: Adult


4 out of 5 Stars












Description from Goodreads:

FORBIDDEN LOVE

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.

UNDENIABLE DESIRE

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.

RAVISHED BY A HIGHLANDER 

My thoughts:

Davina Montgomery has spent her life hidden. When her enemies attack she is saved by a handsome Highlander named Robert. He alters his plans to meet his family in England, and vows to keep Davina safe. The attraction between them can’t be denied, but Davina is worried her true identity will bring harm to him and his entire clan.

I really enjoyed the first book in Paula Quinn’s Children of the Mist series. Packed full of sweet romance, beautiful backdrops, and men in kilts. I ate it up. I did have trouble keeping up with who was who and what was what at first. There are quite a few supporting characters along with possible villains. The large cast was a little daunting, but eventually I was able to keep them all straight.

Davina and Rob’s romance was a pleasure to watch progress. Davina’s playful nature paired with the stern and serious Highlander was a perfect combination. An excellent example of opposites attracting. I look forward to spending more time with the MacGregor men as this series continues.

Paula Quinn on the web:

Website | Twitter | Myspace | Facebook

*Received from Hachette Book Group in exchange for my review.