Friday, March 30, 2018
Thursday, March 22, 2018
THE HIGHLANDERS GIFT ~ Eliza Knight ~ Giveaway
Have you Pre-ordered The Highlander’s Gift?
USA Today Bestselling Author Eliza Knight’s The Stolen Bride series continues in this spin-off of our favorite hero and heroine's children.
“Ms. Knight has a gift for writing wonderful characters that pull the reader into the story. For fans of Highlander romance, this series is a must read. I highly recommend it.”
—Night Owls Reviewer, The Stolen Bride Series
Add THE HIGHLANDER’S GIFT to your TBR pile on Goodreads! Then keep reading to get an EXCLUSIVE sneak peek and enter the giveaway for a $50 Amazon Gift Card or an eBook from Eliza!
Title: The Highlander’s Gift
Author: Eliza Knight
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: March 27, 2018
Publisher: Knight Media, LLC
Series: The Stolen Bride
Format: Digital & Paperback
ISBN-13: 978-0997377705
Synopsis:
An injured warrior… a lady who won’t let him fail…
Betrothed to a princess until she declares his battle wound has incapacitated him as a man, Sir Niall Oliphant is glad to step aside and let the spoiled royal marry his brother. He’s more than content to fade into the background with his injuries and remain a bachelor forever, until he meets the Earl of Sutherland’s daughter, a lass more beautiful than any other, a lass who makes him want to stand up and fight again.
As daughter of one of the most powerful earls and Highland chieftains in Scotland, Bella Sutherland can marry anyone she wants—but she doesn’t want a husband. When she spies an injured warrior at the Yule festival who has been shunned by the Bruce’s own daughter, she decides a husband in name only might be her best solution.
They both think they’re agreeing to a marriage of convenience, but love and fate has other plans…
Available at:
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An excerpt from THE HIGHLANDER’S GIFT
Copyright © Eliza Knight 2018
Dunrobin Castle, Scottish Highlands
Fall, 1306
“I want to be knight for the day.” A petulant lass with golden locks crossed her arms over her chest and glowered at the line of grubby lads with their wooden swords tucked into the corded belts of their plaids. For the first time in her short life, she had the chance to prove something.
“Ye canna. Ye’re a lass. Go back to the keep and help the maids with their chores.” Several of them snickered and rubbed elbows at that.
Snorting, another added, “Aye, go and milk a cow.”
“Or knead the bread.”
The list of chores typically delegated to females continued on for several minutes. All the while, the young lass’s face grew redder and redder, her fists tighter and tighter, until one particular lad stepped forward.
He opened his mouth to say something, but she didn’t let him get further than that. She tugged her arm back as she’d seen her brothers do, and let her tiny fist fly, landing hard on his chin.
Zounds, that hurt.
Her knuckles were instantly red and stinging. She thought the whole point of hitting a lad would be to hurt him, not herself.
Surprised, the lad stumbled back a few paces, eyes wide. “What the hell did ye go and do that for? I was going to tell these raven-gut idiots to give ye a shot.”
She was immediately contrite, but being as stubborn as she was, and feeling more than mildly embarrassed, she pursed her lips in a frown and refused to say anything at all.
The other lads were laughing, doubled over as they slapped their knees and rolled around on the ground, clearly not taking her seriously.
“Ye’re on your own then, wee chicken,” the lad said, backing away and rubbing his reddened jaw.
“Wait,” she whispered, stepping forward and looking at him nervously. “Ye’ll really let me try?”
He smirked, green eyes flashing with some emotion she couldn’t understand. “I’m not so sure anymore after the way ye just walloped me.”
The lass stiffened her spine, knowing exactly what mocking was when directed at her. “Why’s that? Ye think I fight like a lass?”
“Nay, just the opposite.”
Most of the lads had stopped laughing long enough to listen, surprised perhaps that the older lad had just admitted her blow had hurt.
“What do ye say, lads, are we scared to have her join in our tournament?”
“Scared?” They laughed. “Not on her life.”
“All right then,” the one she’d given a good smack to said. “We’ll let ye join us.”
She’d not planned for them to actually allow her. Och, she had all sorts of plans involving revenge and sneaking in dressed as a lad, but not once had she thought they’d welcome her. “And if I win?”
His smirk widened. “We’ll let ye be knight for the day.”
Thrusting her chin forward, she gave him a righteous smile. The other lads balked, because it wouldn’t be right for a lass to be the knight for the day, given that she was…well, a lass.
The lad, a little taller than his friends, raised his hand for their silence. “But laddies, ye recall what happens to the knight for a day?”
They narrowed their eyes, unsure what to say, for there was an ominous tone to his voice.
The lass wasn’t certain of what he spoke, either. She only wanted to prove she was good enough, show her da she could beat the lads at their own game, that sewing and wearing dresses wasn’t all she was good at. To prove that her brothers weren’t the only ones who could help defend their castle. But…what else happened?
“The knight has to choose his lady. Who will be your lady?” the lad asked her, his grin growing wider.
Well, she wasn’t going to be sucked into whatever trick he was trying to lay on her. Crossing her arms over her chest, she looked at him confidently. “Why ye of course.”
About Eliza Knight
Eliza Knight is an award-winning and USA Today bestselling author of over fifty sizzling historical, time-travel and contemporary romance novels. Under the name E. Knight, she pens rip-your- heart-out historical fiction. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain with her own knight in shining armor, three princesses and two very naughty puppies.
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
SAVAGE OF THE SEA ~ Eliza Knight ~ Excerpt/Giveaway/Review
USA Today bestselling author Eliza Knight is back with the first in an all new swashbucklingseries, Pirates of Britannia: Lords of the Sea. SAVAGE OF THE SEA features a daring piratebrotherhood, high-seas adventures, and unforgettable romance...
Title: Savage of the Sea
Author: Eliza Knight
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: October 26, 2017
Publisher: Knight Media, LLC
Series: Pirates of Britannia: Lords of the Sea
Format: Print & Digital
When Highland pirate prince, Shaw “Savage” MacDougall was invited to a deadly feast, he didn’t know that saving a wee lass would forever change his future.
Lady Jane Lindsey, widowed at a young age, seeks refuge from her departed husband’s vengeful enemies. For five years, she’s held a secret that could cost her everything, including her life. When her safety is compromised, she reaches out to the only man who’s protected her in the past, and offers him a bounty he cannot refuse.
Shaw’s life is perfect. Whisky, women and mayhem. He wants for nothing—until Lady Jane presents a treasure he’d never considered possessing. Is he willing to risk his lethal reputation in order to save a lass he barely knows, again? Will she trust a pirate to see their arrangement through to the end? And what happens when perilous battles turn to sinful kisses? Who will save them from each other?
An excerpt from SAVAGE OF THE SEA
Copyright © Eliza Knight 2017
No more of a coherent thought other than she’d never been kissed like this before went through Jane’s mind. She should slap him, push him away, at the very least demand to be put back on her own feet and a good measure of space put between them.
But she did none of those things. Instead, she found herself winding her arms around his neck, parting her lips and sighing against his demanding lips. The spicy-salty scent of him surrounded her, doing something wild to her senses. Suddenly every part of her felt alive with a tingling fire that only seemed ready to burn hotter.
Parting her lips seemed to be a wicked invitation, for as soon as she had done it, his devious tongue swept along the open seam causing her to gasp.
Oh, sweet heavens, but that felt even more divine. Just that little lick sent a jolt rushing through her. And before she could catch her wits from it, he’d done it again, and again, and then her own tongue was reaching forward to test it out. She touched the tip of her tongue to his and could have been struck by lightning, so massive was the force of current that went rushing through her.
This was wicked, oh, so very wicked. And yet, she couldn’t make herself stop.
And did she have to? She’d given herself to this man. Had agreed to share his bed in exchange for him vowing she was his, a marriage that may end up being a total sham for all she knew. But that didn’t change the fact that she’d agreed to it, that in order to be saved from Livingstone, to keep the rightful king safe, she had invited this pirate to lay claim to her.
Lay claim to her, he was. There could be no doubt about it, the way he owned her body at that moment. She couldn’t move. He had her completely enthralled. Completely captivated. Intoxicated.
It was he who pulled away first. He who stared into her bemused eyes with a satisfied expression that she would have found overly irritating if she wasn’t so busy trying to find her bearings.
Shaw set her down on her feet and grinned at her as though he’d plucked a tart straight from her fingers and devoured it.
“I hope that satisfies your need,” she murmured, “for sealing deals.”
He chuckled then, a sound that caressed her nerves, but did very little in the way of calming her. In fact, it did quite the opposite. She licked her lips, trying to avoid looking at his mouth as she wanted him to very much kiss her once more. He might have set her down on her feet, but she was barely standing on her own. Every line in her body reached for him, wanting more of what he’d just given her.
“That was just a taste, love, of what satisfies, but not nearly enough.”
“Shall we do it again then?” she asked in challenge, then felt the heat rush to her face for having spoken so boldly.
Shaw’s darkened gaze swept over her, bold and devilish, and right along with it her body quivered. He wanted her. And she… wanted him.
I recently started throwing pirate books into my reading mix so when I saw that one of my favorite authors, Eliza Knight, was releasing a pirate story how could I possibly resist? Not a chance! And as usual she pens an adventurous, gripping and fast-paced tale with amazing, well-written characters. My only complaint is that it wasn’t longer!
The characters are brilliantly written and have fantastic chemistry. I felt it from the start. Lady Jane Lindsay is not your ordinary heroine. She knows what she wants from the get-go, although going into hiding delays that just a bit. She’s intelligent, sophisticated and bold without being arrogant. I really liked her!
Shaw “Savage” MacDougall is more gentlemanly than any pirate should be, although he’d never admit it. He has a reputation to uphold! I totally fell in love with him.
The secondary characters are just as fascinating and have definitely piqued my interest. I’m anxiously awaiting Constantine’s story, Leader of Titans by Kathryn Le Veque followed by Thor’s story, The Sea Devil by Eliza Knight.
Eliza Knight is an award-winning and USA Today bestselling author of over fifty sizzling historical, time-travel and contemporary romance novels. Under the name E. Knight, she pens rip-your- heart-out historical fiction. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain with her own knight in shining armor, three princesses and two very naughty puppies.
Connect with Eliza at:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Instagram
One (1) lucky winner will receive a Celtic jewelry box plus a signed print copy of SAVAGE OF THE SEA!
To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below:
Friday, June 16, 2017
Spotlight/Excerpt/Review ~ THE HIGHLANDERS TRIUMPH ~ Eliza Knight
He was a warrior fighting for Scottish freedom.
She was his enemy’s mistress.
Laird Brandon Sinclair has given his life to the Scottish cause. Swearing fealty to Robert the Bruce, he will stop at nothing to see oppression end.
Lady Mariana wants nothing more than to break free of the tyrannical hold the English king has on her. When he sends her to Scotland with a message for the rebels, instead of obeying his orders, she finds herself submitting to her desires. After one sizzling, life-altering night, Brandon and Mariana must part ways. But Mariana has no intention of betraying her heart again.
And Brandon is determined to get her back. Stealing Longshank’s secrets felt like victory, but taking his woman will be this Highlander’s ultimate triumph.
Nearing spring, 1298
Highlands, Scotland
Highlands, Scotland
SMOKE filled Laird Brandon Sinclair’s lungs as he rode on horseback with his men toward the north of Kinterloch Village.
High above the wooden wall, flames burst in hungry orange licks. A vengeful fire that would turn everything in its path to ash. The late afternoon sky was already overcast, but the smoke of the blaze made it nearly black.
No villagers ran from the fire. No animals screamed. The chaos that should be erupting with the flames was non-existent—as if deserted. But he knew it couldn’t be. The people, the animals, were either trapped or had managed to get out from a different gate.
The Scottish troops’ fearless leader, William Wallace, had already charged through the front gates into the inferno as if he were a man with a death wish. He’d ordered Brandon and his men to check the north side for survivors. Brandon’s cousin, Ronan Sutherland, had taken his warriors to the west side near the loch.
Far from his castle and lands in the north of the Highlands, Brandon had traveled to Eilean Donan the month prior to help his cousins Daniel Murray and Ronan along with William Wallace and Robert the Bruce in the war against the English. But it seemed now it wasn’t only the English they were fighting—but traitor Scots too.
A loud crash reverberated through the air as another building collapsed behind the wall. A rush of heat surged his way, and a cloud of dark smoke billowed into the sky, in stark contrast to the world around them, a peaceful, beautiful place with lush pine trees and gorse bushes, even in winter. Hell set in the middle of heaven.
Doubt darkened his mood. There would be no survivors. Not in a raging inferno like this—one that rivaled Hades. He shook his head and spurred his horse forward. His chestnut colored warhorse, Checkmate, pounded the earth with his massive hooves.
If only they’d been able to get to the village before Laird Ross—traitor to all Scots and their ancestors. The damned bastard had defected to the English, and since doing so, had laid a path of destruction across the Highlands. There wasn’t a man Brandon knew that hadn’t been affected by Ross’ treachery. Hell, it seemed like the man was on a mission to make enemies with everyone of true Scottish heart.
Brandon’s thoughts were cut midway when they rounded the burning wall on the north side.
“Halt!” he shouted to his men, reining in Checkmate.
A woman burst through the wooden gate, exposing the interior angry flaming village. Hair black as a midnight sky, skin covered in soot. Her dark green gown was covered by a singed, once high-quality, wool cloak. She tripped, falling onto her hands and knees, coughing, yet she did not stop. The lass crawled forward, every move beleaguered in her attempt to escape the flaming village.
Without a thought, Brandon jumped from Checkmate, and ran toward her.Book 5 in the series, THE HIGHLANDER'S TRIUMPH is Brandon and Mariana’s story.
Brandon is so mmhmm. He's one of those characters that has you wishing you could step into the heroine's shoes for a day…. or a month.
Mariana is one of my favorite heroines. She has guts, gusto and steel for a backbone.
Another not to miss story in the Stolen Brides series. The action, adventure and romance had me glued to the pages from the first chapter. Eliza Knight will continue to be one of my favorite authors.
Connect with her at http://www.elizaknight.com or http://www.historyundressed.com.
You can sign up for her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/CSFFD. Follow her on social media at:
Monday, June 12
Book featured at Books, Dreams, Life
Book featured at I'm Shelf-ish
Tuesday, June 13
Book reviewed at The Book Junkie Reads
Book featured at A Book Lover
Wednesday, June 14
Book featured at Nicole's Book Musings
Book featured at The Dark Phantom
Thursday, June 15
Book featured at Write and Take Flight
Book featured at As the Page Turns
Friday, June 16
Book featured at Warrior Woman Winmill
Book featured at Mello and June
Book reviewed at My Book Addiction and More
Book reviewed at Celtic Dragon Book Reviews
Friday, June 9, 2017
Spotlight ~ THE HIGHLANDERS WARRIOR BRIDE ~ Eliza Knight
Their greatest opponent won’t be battled with a sword…
But with their hearts…
Ronan Sutherland is a fierce warrior. Swearing off all else, he thrives on his powerful position within William Wallace’s army. Freedom for the Scots is his mission—until he meets fair Julianna. She captivates him, intoxicates him…makes him want more out of life than what harsh dangers he’s accustomed to.
Lady Julianna is no meek maiden. She’s trained in the art of war, sister to one of Scotland’s most powerful men, and tasked with keeping the future king safe. Until she’s kidnapped by a rivaling clan. Now her only hope is for the one man she trusts—and desires—to save her.
Together, they’ll have to face down one of Scotland’s most treacherous foes… And keep from falling victim to the one thing they’ve both eluded thus far—love.
The tent was dark. Cold. If Lady Julianna had a candle, she’d surely see her breath upon the night air. Puffs of white spilling from her mouth in angry bursts.
Damn the Ross and his ill-fated decisions. Damn the English and their desire to crush the Scots. If she could go back a few days prior, she would do everything the same way—save maybe tucking more weapons on her person.
At least she wasn’t shackled. Although having free reign of a prison cell made of fabric and surrounded by guards wasn’t really any better. Her numerous attempts at escape had been quickly thwarted. She rubbed her arms furiously against the winter chill. Her cloak was thick and well made, but after a while, layers did not keep a body warm. Oh, what she wouldn’t do for a nice, blazing fire and a dram of Cook’s spiced whisky.
Three days ago, she’d been intent on speaking with Lady Myra at Eilean Donan Castle—an act that landed her here within the camp of her enemy.
Even still, she wouldn’t change a thing. It wasn't Myra's fault they were kidnapped. She and Myra had gotten off on the wrong foot, and Julianna wanted to make up for it by helping her escape. Although she wasn’t sure why Myra would want to leave when she obviously loved Laird Murray, but who was Julianna to judge?
She shrugged in the darkness. Truly, she had no right to pass judgment on anyone. Hadn’t she eschewed her own feelings of desire, of passion—of dare she say it—something emotionally deeper? Not that it mattered. Julianna couldn’t marry until her brother deemed it so, and for the foreseeable future, that didn’t seem to be the case. She was glad. Marriage would only bind her. Wrap her up in a neat little package and put her on the shelf. That was not the life Julianna wanted. She was a warrior.
Trained in the arts of war. Trained to protect the King of Scotland. Little good that did her now, seeing as how she sat prisoner in this Godforsaken tent, by the devil Laird Ross.
“Humph.” She crossed her arms over her chest. Still, she’d not change a thing.
When she slipped into the passageway leading to Myra’s room and saw her being carried away—gagged and trussed up—she had to save her. That’s what she was trained to do. She had no other choice. Myra had traveled a long way, risked death, all to give Robert the Bruce a message. A message that saved his life.
Following the brutes who dared harm a lady, Julianna thought little of her own safety, only of saving Myra. No one else witnessed her being abducted. As a warrior, Julianna felt it was her duty to see to everyone’s safety.
She’d jumped in front of the men, stopping them in their path and demanded they unhand Myra. They’d laughed at her. Right in her face, their breath foul, spittle flying. Julianna ignored their laughter and offered to take Myra’s place. That made them laugh harder. And harder. They knew who she was, and she recognized them too. Colin and Alisdair. Two relatively new retainers in Robert the Bruce’s army. They knew Julianna was important. But she was sure they didn’t know how significant. She was a kitchen servant, or at least that’s what they thought her to be. It did not go unnoticed that she had the ear of Robert. No one, however, knew just what her role was. They’d kept that a secret. They’d had to. It was the only way to protect themselves.
After all, theirs was an illusion created to distract, to confuse.
Damn the Ross and his ill-fated decisions. Damn the English and their desire to crush the Scots. If she could go back a few days prior, she would do everything the same way—save maybe tucking more weapons on her person.
At least she wasn’t shackled. Although having free reign of a prison cell made of fabric and surrounded by guards wasn’t really any better. Her numerous attempts at escape had been quickly thwarted. She rubbed her arms furiously against the winter chill. Her cloak was thick and well made, but after a while, layers did not keep a body warm. Oh, what she wouldn’t do for a nice, blazing fire and a dram of Cook’s spiced whisky.
Three days ago, she’d been intent on speaking with Lady Myra at Eilean Donan Castle—an act that landed her here within the camp of her enemy.
Even still, she wouldn’t change a thing. It wasn't Myra's fault they were kidnapped. She and Myra had gotten off on the wrong foot, and Julianna wanted to make up for it by helping her escape. Although she wasn’t sure why Myra would want to leave when she obviously loved Laird Murray, but who was Julianna to judge?
She shrugged in the darkness. Truly, she had no right to pass judgment on anyone. Hadn’t she eschewed her own feelings of desire, of passion—of dare she say it—something emotionally deeper? Not that it mattered. Julianna couldn’t marry until her brother deemed it so, and for the foreseeable future, that didn’t seem to be the case. She was glad. Marriage would only bind her. Wrap her up in a neat little package and put her on the shelf. That was not the life Julianna wanted. She was a warrior.
Trained in the arts of war. Trained to protect the King of Scotland. Little good that did her now, seeing as how she sat prisoner in this Godforsaken tent, by the devil Laird Ross.
“Humph.” She crossed her arms over her chest. Still, she’d not change a thing.
When she slipped into the passageway leading to Myra’s room and saw her being carried away—gagged and trussed up—she had to save her. That’s what she was trained to do. She had no other choice. Myra had traveled a long way, risked death, all to give Robert the Bruce a message. A message that saved his life.
Following the brutes who dared harm a lady, Julianna thought little of her own safety, only of saving Myra. No one else witnessed her being abducted. As a warrior, Julianna felt it was her duty to see to everyone’s safety.
She’d jumped in front of the men, stopping them in their path and demanded they unhand Myra. They’d laughed at her. Right in her face, their breath foul, spittle flying. Julianna ignored their laughter and offered to take Myra’s place. That made them laugh harder. And harder. They knew who she was, and she recognized them too. Colin and Alisdair. Two relatively new retainers in Robert the Bruce’s army. They knew Julianna was important. But she was sure they didn’t know how significant. She was a kitchen servant, or at least that’s what they thought her to be. It did not go unnoticed that she had the ear of Robert. No one, however, knew just what her role was. They’d kept that a secret. They’d had to. It was the only way to protect themselves.
After all, theirs was an illusion created to distract, to confuse.
Eliza Knight is a USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of sizzling historical romance and time-travel erotic romance. Under the name E. Knight, she pens riveting historical fiction. She runs the award-winning blog, History Undressed. When not reading, writing and researching, she likes to cuddle up in front of a warm fire with her own knight in shining armor.
Connect with her at http://www.elizaknight.com or http://www.historyundressed.com. You can sign up for her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/CSFFD. Follow her on social media at:
Connect with her at http://www.elizaknight.com or http://www.historyundressed.com. You can sign up for her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/CSFFD. Follow her on social media at:
Monday, June 5
Book reviewed at My Book Addiction and More
Book featured at Books, Dreams, Life
Tuesday, June 6
Book featured at Nicole's Book Musings
Book featured at A Book Lover
Wednesday, June 7
Book featured at A Title Wave
Book featured at I'm Shelf-ish
Thursday, June 8
Book featured at Warrior Woman Winmill
Book reviewed at The Book Junkie Reads
Friday, June 9
Book featured at Mello and June
Book reviewed at Celtic Dragon Book Reviews
Book featured at Eskie Mama Reads and Dragon Lady Reads
Book reviewed at My Book Addiction and More
Book featured at Books, Dreams, Life
Tuesday, June 6
Book featured at Nicole's Book Musings
Book featured at A Book Lover
Wednesday, June 7
Book featured at A Title Wave
Book featured at I'm Shelf-ish
Thursday, June 8
Book featured at Warrior Woman Winmill
Book reviewed at The Book Junkie Reads
Friday, June 9
Book featured at Mello and June
Book reviewed at Celtic Dragon Book Reviews
Book featured at Eskie Mama Reads and Dragon Lady Reads
Friday, June 2, 2017
Review/Excerpt ~ THE HIGHLANDERS LADY ~ Eliza Knight
A Highlander tamed…
Laird Daniel Murray seeks adventure, battle and freedom for his countrymen. Putting off his duties as laird—with a promise to his clan he’ll return come spring—Daniel sets off with his men to fight alongside William Wallace and the Bruce. But soon he stumbles across an enchanting lady in need. She tantalizes him with an offer he simply can’t refuse and a desire he attempts to dismiss.
A lady’s passion ignited…
Escaping near death at the treacherous hands of a nearby clan, Lady Myra must find the Bruce and relay the news of an enemy within his own camp. Alone in a world full of danger and the future of her clan at stake, she must trust the handsome, charismatic Highland laird who promises to keep her safe on her journey—and sets her heart to pounding.
Together, Daniel and Myra will risk not only their lives, but their hearts while discovering the true meaning of hope and love in a world fraught with unrest.
Early December
Highlands, 1297
Highlands, 1297
A loud crash sounded from below stairs, startling Lady Myra from her prayers. What in all of heaven was that?
She’d been sequestered in the chapel for most of the morning—penance for her latest bout of eavesdropping.
The chapel was dark, lit only by a few candles upon the altar. A fierce winter gust blew open the shudders, causing the candle flames to waver. Myra rushed to the windows, securing the shudders once more, feeling the wood rattle against her fingertips.
Her stomach muscles tightened with unease. There were not often sounds like this at Foulis. In fact, she’d never heard such before.
The very floors seemed to shake. Imagination going wild, she pictured the boards beneath her feet splintering and falling through to the great hall below.
Myra kept a keen ear, waiting for a sign that would reassure her that nothing was amiss. For once she hoped to hear her older brother, Laird Munro, railing at the clumsy servant who’d dropped something, but there was nothing save an eerie silence. The hair along her neck rose and with it, her skin prickled as an acute sense of dread enveloped her.
The castle was never this silent.
“Astrid?” she called out to her maid—but there was no reply. Not even the scurrying of her servant’s feet across the floor. Where had the maid gone? She was supposed to wait for Myra outside the chapel door. “Astrid!” she called a little louder this time, but still there was no reply.
’Twas as if she were alone, but that made no sense. Foulis Castle was always bustling with people. Unable to stand the silence, Myra scrambled to her feet. She lit a tallow candle by the hearth to light her way in the darkened corridor and slowly crept toward the door of the family chapel. Nothing but a whisper of a breeze from her gown disturbed the areas where she passed—’twas how she was able to eavesdrop so often. Locked away, supposedly for her own good, since she was a girl, she learned an important lesson. If she were to find out anything of import, she had to be secretive and slick, so she learned to creep.
She did so now with practiced ease, sidestepping boards known to creak and pausing every few moments to listen for sounds. She strained to hear a whisper, someone’s breathing, anything that would assure her that she had in fact let her imagination get the best of her. But there was nothing.
She could barely see, the candles at the altar weren’t putting off enough light. What in blazes was she supposed to do? How would she protect herself? Damn those guards. Why hadn’t there been any warning? Shouts of caution. Why hadn’t the gates been closed?
Was it possible that she’d just not heard the warnings? She had been deep in prayer, worrying about her sore knees, and to add insult to injury she’d needed to use the privy for hours. Had she been that preoccupied?
Angered? So distracted that if someone had shouted in her ear she probably wouldn’t have heard it? She took a deep breath to figure out her next course of action.
The secret stairways! Lucky for her, the chapel was located in a tiny corridor off the gallery above the great hall. A hidden stair, inside the chapel, led up to the master’s chamber. Embarrassed after her penances—which were often, Myra chose not to venture into the great hall, instead she preferred to use the hidden stairs. She knew them well. All of them. When she was just a girl, her father had shown her where they were located, and when she’d once found them fun, she now found comfort in their obscurity. Now they would not only help hide her embarrassment but they might even save her life.
4*
I really like this story. It starts with action and it pretty much continues throughout. Daniel and Myra are some of my favorite characters of the whole series. (This is my 2nd reading)
Daniel is a warrior through and through but he also has a sensitive side that is adorable. The development of his character by the end of the story makes me smile.
Myra is feisty, independent, and so very smart. She brings out the best in Daniel and vice versa.
Overall, this is a well written story with action, romance and betrayal. I recommend it to anyone that loves highlander romances.
Eliza Knight is a USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of sizzling historical romance and time-travel erotic romance. Under the name E. Knight, she pens riveting historical fiction. She runs the award-winning blog, History Undressed. When not reading, writing and researching, she likes to cuddle up in front of a warm fire with her own knight in shining armor.
Connect with her at http://www.elizaknight.com or http://www.historyundressed.com. You can sign up for her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/CSFFD. Follow her on social media at:
Connect with her at http://www.elizaknight.com or http://www.historyundressed.com. You can sign up for her newsletter at http://eepurl.com/CSFFD. Follow her on social media at:
Monday, May 29
Book featured at Books, Dreams, Life
Book featured at Nicole's Book Musings
Tuesday, May 30
Book featured at Warrior Woman Winmill
Book featured at Write and Take Flight
Wednesday, May 31
Book reviewed at The Book Junkie Reads
Book featured at I'm Shelf-ish
Thursday, June 1
Book featured at The Dark Phantom
Book featured at The Literary Nook
Friday, June 2
Book reviewed at My Book Addiction and More
Book featured at Mello and June
Book reviewed at Celtic Dragon Book Reviews
Book featured at Books, Dreams, Life
Book featured at Nicole's Book Musings
Tuesday, May 30
Book featured at Warrior Woman Winmill
Book featured at Write and Take Flight
Wednesday, May 31
Book reviewed at The Book Junkie Reads
Book featured at I'm Shelf-ish
Thursday, June 1
Book featured at The Dark Phantom
Book featured at The Literary Nook
Friday, June 2
Book reviewed at My Book Addiction and More
Book featured at Mello and June
Book reviewed at Celtic Dragon Book Reviews
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