The Historical Junkie: Medieval

Tuesday, October 31, 2017

THE SCOTS BRIDE ~ Paula Quinn

Title: The Scot’s Bride

Author: Paula Quinn

On Sale: October 31, 2017

Series: Highland Heirs, #6

Publisher: Forever

Format: Mass Market Paperback

Price: $7.99 USD

AN IRRESISTIBLE SCOUNDREL

Highlander Patrick MacGregor likes his life just the way it is. Fighting for his coin, enjoying a woman's charms, and bearing no responsibility at all? Aye, that's the life for him. That is, until Patrick sees her-a raven-haired beauty with eyes as dark as midnight. Patrick swore never to fall in love. Not even with a lass as wild as he...especially when she's from a rival clan.

AN UNDENIABLE DESIRE

Charlotte Cunningham knows Patrick is trouble the moment she sets eyes on him. Her only goal is to escape the possibility of marriage. Any marriage. But as the summer days turn into sultry nights, enticing her beyond reason, Charlie is forced to choose between the freedom she craves and the reckless rogue she can't forget.

Charlie caught the subtle shift of his gaze toward her when she glared at him, doing her best to keep her eyes above his chin and ignoring his long, sculpted physique and broad shoulders. Was he speaking to her or her captor?

Dunbar laughed at his offer. “You don’t even carry a sword.” He looked him over. “Or even a place to hide one.”

It was true. Charlie hadn’t noticed it before. Patrick Campbell spoke like a Highlander and had dressed like one when she’d first seen him at Blind Jack’s yet he carried no obvious weapons.

“I dinna’ need one,” he claimed, his amiable smile changing slightly into something more ominous.

Charlie knew it was true. He had fought Hamish with no weapons other than his fists. What kind of Highlander didn’t carry a sword? The kind who doesn’t need one.

Campbell moved closer to her and the eight men behind her. His gait was wrought with ease and confidence while her brothers and her father remained still.

“I’ll kill you for this, Campbell,” Duff swore.

“That’s doubtful,” Campbell tossed back without turning around. Instead, he looked at Charlie, now only a few inches away, standing between him and her captor.

If there wasn’t a blade to her throat, she would have taken a moment to admire him and all his hard angles.

“Untie me,” he said to Dunbar, “and I’ll fight them all with no help or risk of injury to ye or yer men.” He lifted his bound wrists up, close to Charlie’s face and the dagger at her throat. “The Duke of Argyll will hear of how ye aided his nephew.”

Dunbar seemed to think it over for a moment and then moved the dagger away from her neck to possibly cut Campbell loose. But instead of waiting to be free, the Highlander moved in a blur of speed snatching the dagger from Dunbar’s hand. In one fluid movement that Charlie almost missed by blinking, Campbell, still bound and clutching the hilt in his fingers, lifted his arms and then brought them back down to capture Dunbar’s head between his forearms, and Charlie’s head between his thick upperarms.

An instant turned into an eternity while he pulled Dunbar closer, wedging Charlie up against his chest. Time slowed as she looked up and he tiled his head to meet her gaze. She stared into his summer-glade eyes—ringed by lashes that were that long—and the evidence of Hamish’s wrath on his lip. His current wounds and an older one which had broken his nose saved him from being pretty. His mouth crooked ever so slightly—just enough to flash his dimple and completely befuddle her. A rascal. That’s what he was. He was helping her. But why? Before she had to ponder it further, the instant was over.

He hauled Archie Dunbar an inch closer and knocked him out with a clean blow, forehead to forehead. He moved quickly and lifted his arms to release Dunbar from his hold then gave him a powerful kick in the guts to topple him over.

“Run!” He pushed Charlie behind him and faced the rest of the Dunbars alone.

Duff reached them at the same time and an instant before the stunned expressions on the faces of Dunbar’s men wore off and they rushed forward.

“Give me your hands!” Charlie commanded, tugging on Campbell’s sleeve. When he obeyed, she cut him loose using her black blade.

The fool took a moment to smile at her before she tucked the dagger back under her skirts.

Hendry finally joined the fight but Charlie couldn’t take her eyes off Mr. Campbell in the melee.

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New York Timesbestselling 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.

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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

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.

“Oh, sweet Jane, we shall do it again many more times.”

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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.

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Friday, September 29, 2017

New Release Review ~ A GHOSTLY TALE OF FORBIDDEN LOVE ~ Madeline Martin

A Ghostly Tale of Forbidden Love by Madeline Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Banff, Scotland 1604

This story is exciting from the first paragraph. It's part mystery, suspense and romance and a fantastic read for a rainy day. I loved their meetings on the stairs! Soooo romantic. Well done, Ms Madeline, well done.

Senara is no helpless lass, by any means. And she is quite humble, I really liked her.
Gavin is... well... an honorable Medieval Laird. And Scottish. 'Nuff said.

I received a copy for review. All opinions are my own.

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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

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.

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Connect with her at http://www.elizaknight.com or http://www.historyundressed.com.

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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 2, 2017

Review/Excerpt ~ THE HIGHLANDERS LADY ~ Eliza Knight

Series: Stolen Brides # 3

Genre: Historical Romance

Publication Date: December 2012

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

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.

Fighting hard to keep the fear from suffocating her, she reached the door, and with tortured slowness gripped the cool iron handle. She wanted to throw it open, and ignore the dread that held her hand still. But she had to trust her instincts. Something was terribly wrong. She could feel it. Myra leaned in close, pressing her ear to the frozen wood. She remained motionless, listening. Again silence. Satisfied there was no imminent threat, she began to open the door. An earth shattering shriek and another loud crash broke the silence. Myra slammed the door. Was that…? She shook her head. It couldn’t be. Scrambling away from the door, she dropped her candle which snuffed itself out. God’s teeth! Was that a battle cry? Granted, she’d never heard one before, but ’twas not just any shout. Nay, this sound was terrifying. A cry that sent her knees to shaking and her lip to bleeding from biting it so hard.

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.

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: