The Scottish Highlands and their beautiful old castles.
Traveling through time…for a Highlander.
There’s something so inspiring about these stunning castles and the history contained within their walls, and whether in ruins or not, my imagination runs rife. There are a ton of stories vying for attention in my head, and since I love the fantasy genre as well, I simply had to write a series where I get to send a twenty-first century heroine back to the past. In my HIGHLANDER HEAT line, expect tension, intrigue, and the sensational backdrop of the Highlands where it’s all set. This is historical romance where Highlanders have never battled so hard to defy the odds…and neither have their modern day heroines as they strive to find their own magic and beat the very essence of time.
I’m so thrilled to announce that the first glimpse into my Highlander Heat series kicks off with a novella that will be included in an anthology with some other awesome authors. HIGHLANDER’S CAPTIVE is the story of a young woman held captive by a Highland warrior, a man whose deep-seated honor may just turn him into becoming the captured instead.
This anthology will be FREE, and is compliments of those authors and the publishing house. I’ll keep you posted on the release date for this FREE book, but it will be sometime in early November, just a few more weeks away. Next year, book one in my series, HIGHLANDER’S CASTLE, releases, and just this week I’ve submitted the second book, HIGHLANDER’S MAGIC, for consideration. Of course next, I’m going to go straight into writing the third book, and I can’t wait to delve into this one.
Here’s a “sneak peek excerpt,” from book one, HIGHLANDER’S CASTLE (unedited).
To set the scene my modern day heroine, Anne MacLeod, has handfasted with Alex, her Highland warrior. Anne is just about to see exactly how Highlander men fight, and she’s accompanied by one of the woman from the clan as she goes in search of her new handfast husband.
–ooOoo-
They rounded the corner of the stables and there, before the waters of the glistening loch, a good hundred shirtless warriors wielded claymores in a battle of strength against one another.
Anne searched through the half-naked men and found the very one she was after. Alex’s body was hard and packed with muscle, his shoulders and arms thick and strong. His chest held the finest smattering of hair, the same color as the blond of his head. Oh, and below the plains of his glorious chest, his abs rippled, layer upon tight layer and all covered with a healthy sheen of sweat.
“He’s by far the tallest.” And Anne wanted every inch of that body back against hers.
“Aye, Alex could never be missed in a battle.”
His powerful form was magnificent, and his command of the warriors he fought against a sight to behold.
Alex thrust his enormous sword against his opponent’s as if it were an extension of his arm and not a monstrous piece of steel. Now, this was exactly how he’d come about every one of those bulging muscles.
“I have to get closer.” She passed Mary her basket.
“I’ll hold off Archie.”
She laughed. “Thank you. You make a wonderful friend.” Stepping forward, she focused her gaze on the one man who’d made love to her so intensely throughout the night. He moved deftly, growing stronger with each strike of his claymore upon his opponent’s blade.
The two men circled each other, as if waiting to pounce for the next attack. Alex raised his weapon and–
“Anne. Get back here now.” Archie tried to pass Mary who zigzagged in front of him.
“Damn,” Alex swore, barely missing his challenger’s blow. His gaze speared toward her. “What are you doing out here?”
She licked her lips as she stared at his wide chest. Even the veins on his arms stood rigid and firm. “Sorry, the view was rather distracting.”
–ooOoo–
I hope you enjoyed this sneak peek from HIGHLANDER’S CASTLE, tentatively set for release September 2nd, 2014.
If you don’t want to wait nearly that long, and you’d like to read one of my books from my thrilling new Young Adult Fantasy Romance series then by all means, check out the book links below to pick up your copy of PROTECTOR or WARRIOR.
Here’s what one reviewer has just said about my latest release:
“Warrior held my attention from start to finish. Each obstacle Hope and Silas encountered had me jumping with joy, but often screaming in frustration. What made me fall in love with Warrior, is the heart thudding romance between the two main characters. It isn’t just a love story, it’s so much more. 5 Stars.” – Nocturne Romance Reads
Buy PROTECTOR (Book One) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
Buy WARRIOR (Book Two) at: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Kobo
–ooOoo–
Thanks for joining me, and don’t forget, if you want to drop me a comment, make sure you do. I love hearing from you guys. 🙂
Sounds exciting. Best of luck for the new series!
Hey, Matthew. You’re so supportive and I can’t thank you enough.
I just love that I’m going to be able to offer this FREE novella to my readers. It’s a great way for me to say thank you, as well as for to give those who haven’t read my work a chance to check it out.
The America’s Cup racing is still nail-biting. I sooo want to see the cup if it comes to NZ. Go TeamNZ. *cheering*
I love Scotland and its castles. I think I am going to fall for Alex head over heels. One for the TBR list indeed. Good luck with the book.
Hey, Daisy. I love that you dropped by and commented. Alex had my heart racing through most of the story. He’s a true leader of men, but also has this wonderful compassionate side.
Highland romances are so fun, especially when you toss in a modern day heroine and time travel. This looks like it’s going to be a great series, Joanne. Congrats!
Hey, Mae. I can’t believe how rich Scotland’s history is too. It’s so much fun bringing those elements into my stories as well. Thanks for dropping by. I love seeing your smiley face.
l love old Castles and Scotland had lots of them.
We have no castles in NZ. None. Not since our country is so young. Just seeing pictures of these Scottish castles is magical. I’m definitely going to have to get there one day, if only Scotland wasn’t half a world away.
I agree. Just looking at pictures like that makes me want to write. Or go there. I’d be good with both, you know.
Can’t wait for it to come out. I’ll definitely buy a copy the first day!
I’m so with you, Katie. I wish Scotland weren’t half a world away from where I live. I’m not sure I’ll ever get there, and I’d so love to explore a castle. At the moment, I’ll just keep living the dream in my books and imagination.
I love that you’ll buy a copy the first day. You’re so supportive, and I love it. *waving*
I love how you have captured and set the scene so well in so short of an excerpt. Some of the first romances I ever read were set in Scotland. I’ve been in love with the country ever since. But naughty, naughty you! Teasing us and the book won’t even be out for a year. I will I last??
Hey, Gemma. Oops, sorry about the tease. 🙂 I think Highlander romances were among the first romances I ever read too. I just love those braw men and that Scottish burr. Oh yeah, love that. I’m so glad you enjoyed the excerpt. Thanks for dropping by. 🙂
Eeeeewey, loved the peek, Joanne! Whoa he sounds like one seriously sexy Scott. I must say, i’m so excited to read all of the stories for the anthology! Is it November yet?!!
Hey, Tera. I know, roll on November. I think writers are always wishing the months away. LOL. Thanks for dropping by. I loooooved it.