NetGalley REVIEW - Denying the Duke (Lords and Ladies in Love, #3) by Callie Hutton

Forbidden fruit never tasted so sweet...

Denying the Duke
Lords and Ladies in Love, #3

by Callie Hutton

Releasing July 10^th 2017
Entangled Scandalous

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . DENYING THE DUKE (Lords and Ladies in Love, #3) . . . Second chance at your first love has a long hard road to travel through betrayal, deceit, pain, and conflicting emotions and hesitations. Alex was just a second son that fell in love with the wrong lady. She becomes promised to his older brother. The brother that will received the title. Unwilling to stick around and just accept what was to be he went out in the world to make something of himself and forget. He never dreamed that he would have to come back home to become duke or to find that his one love was never married and wanted nothing to do with him. Tired of being told what to do and how to do it, Patience wants to have nothing to do with the man that destroyed her world with one simple act. Even with her heart longing to be near him she refuses to just give in to his return.

This was a beautiful read in a second chance romance that was a road wore down by life, abuse, pain, sights seen and unseen. Alex and Patience have to overcome more than just the past they have an enemy out there looking to take away their possible happiness.

A historical romance that brings you to why you read romance. There was pain, sorrow, betrayal, deceit, romance, growth and more.  

Lords and Ladies in Love series:

Seducing the Marquess – Lords and Ladies in Love, #1

Marrying the Wrong Earl – Lords and Ladies in Love, #2

Denying the Duke – Lords and Ladies in Love, #3

Blurb

Four years ago, Alex, a second son, had planned a life together with Lady Patience. However, when Patience was betrothed to his brother, the heir, Alex left his family’s estate and joined the military.

Alex returns to assume the title Duke of Bedford when his brother unexpectedly dies. He is unprepared for both his new responsibilities and the reunion with Patience. The horrors of war are a heavy burden, and when he learns that Patience never married his brother, he is stunned.

Patience withstood the bullying of her fiancé and her father for four long years. She refuses to marry Alex just because he’s the duke, especially if he no longer loves her. How would that be better than what she has already endured? Promises made in their youth are not enough to overcome the changes life has wrought for them but love can grow and transform, if only Patience could believe that.

Dragging his thoughts back to the present, he walked from the church graveyard where all the Dukes of Bedford were buried in the family mausoleum, to the Abbey, his boots making a sucking sound in the mud.

He stopped on the stone pathway and studied the building. It looked exactly as it had all his life, and for generations before that. He, however, had changed significantly from the angry, brokenhearted young man who had left. War had carved him into a bitter, bedeviled-by-ghosts man. No softness remained from that addlepated young man in love.

Precisely how he liked it.

Patience, otherwise known as the Duchess of Bedford, would be holding court for the mourners who had come to comfort her on the death of her husband. Since he’d had no contact with his family in the four years he’d been gone, he had no idea if she and Cyrus had children. Of course, there wasn’t a son, or Alex would not have been summoned home to take up his duties as the new Duke of Bedford.

He snorted. One could only hope the pater was spinning in his grave as the prodigal son returned to assume the title he’d held so dear. He no more desired to be the duke than his father would have wanted him to be.

His thoughts returned to the Duchess of Bedford. It seemed nothing had changed since he left. Under the law, as his brother’s widow, Patience was just as off-limits to him as she had been as Cyrus’s betrothed. Of course, he had no reason to believe he still felt the same about her as he had four years ago. That Alex was dead, and he had the vile memories and dark dreams to prove it.

Before he could reach for the front door latch, the door opened. A new butler, unknown to him, stood there, stiff as a board. “Welcome home, Your Grace.”

Your Grace.

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USA Today bestselling author, Callie Hutton, author of more than twenty-five historical romance books, writes humorous and spicy Regency with “historic elements and sensory details” (The Romance Reviews). Callie lives in Oklahoma with two rescue dogs and her top cheerleader husband of many years. Her family also includes her daughter, son, and daughter-in-law. And her almost three year old twin grandsons “The Twinadoes.”  Find her online at her Website, for a complete list of all her books and sign up for her newsletter to receive information on new releases, appearances, contests and exclusive subscriber content.

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NetGalley REVIEW - Virtual Tour - How to Bewilder a Lord (How To Series, #3) by Ally Broadfield

How to Bewilder a Lord
How To Series, #3

by Ally Broadfield

Releasing June 5^th 2017
Entangled Scandalous

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . HOW TO BEWILDER A LORD (How To Series, #3) . . . A good read with good characters, a good plot, a good chase with a good scandal waiting to break free. The Earl of Thornbrook, Gavin, was more than what he used to be, a rake of the first order. He took his life and turned it around and he wanted Louisa to be the lady at his side to move forward with his life. To get her he came up with a wager that he was sure to win or was he. Gavin was interesting and a bit complicated. There was romance and a small mystery. There was a scandal and then there was a lady. Lady Louisa was most desired among the ton. And Gavin wanted her very much. Louisa wanted to maintain her freedom.

There was a good pace to this read with its scandal, mystery, good characters, wonderful banter, smooth flowing writing and more in between the lines and I wanted more of it. I will need to attain the other books of this series and re-read How to Bewilder a Lord.

How To Series:

How to Beguile a Duke – How To Series, #1

How to Bewitch an Earl – How To Series, #2

How to Bewilder a Lord – How To Series, #3

BlurbGavin Corey, the Earl of Thornbrook, has shed his rakish ways in the hope of winning Lady Louisa’s heart, but neither she nor her parents consider him a suitable match. He convinces her to join forces with him to locate a missing family treasure by proposing a wager: if he finds the jewels, Lady Louisa must allow him to court her, but if she prevails, he must reveal the secret he’s keeping from her.

Lady Louisa Adair might be the most sought after lady on the marriage mart, but she values her independence above all else and has no interest in giving up her inheritance to marry. As she spends more time with the charming earl, however, she comes to wonder if he’s worth risking her inheritance and her family’s disapproval… until she’s confronted with the scandal from his past.

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She paused and flipped back a few pages. “So it looks like she stopped journaling when she began her…ahem…relationship with Bukov.”

          “Of course she did. She had a vastly superior form of entertainment to indulge in.”

          “For heaven’s sake, do be quiet.” Her eyes flashed back and forth across the page.

          “For the sake of my sanity, could you please read aloud.”

          Without looking up, she waved a hand at him. “I’ll let you know as soon as I find something interesting.

          “Of course. I’ll just sit here and twiddle my thumbs until you deem it appropriate to include me.”

          “There it is!”

          He leaned closer, but her arm blocked his view of the page in question.

          “‘Begin where warmth abounds. Very close, yet worlds away, it is no place for the meek.’”

          “Right. That was the clue that we all assumed pointed to the portrait over the fireplace. Is there any reason to think otherwise?”

          Louisa shook her head. “Not that I can think of.”

          Gavin tossed the words around in his head. “I’ve never understood what she meant by ‘…it is no place for the meek.’”

          “I agree, but I don’t think it matters. This was the clue that led to the painting that had the grille hidden beneath the backing.”

          Something was tickling his memory, but he couldn’t figure it out. “Is there a pen and paper somewhere? I’d like to write down the clues so we have them all in one place.”

          She pointed to the other side of the room. “Check the drawers in the desk over there.”

          He found what he needed and pulled off his gloves before carefully writing the entire clue. In the meantime, Louisa had continued reading without him. Oddly enough, her face was flushed a deep red. “Have you discovered another clue?”

          “Not exactly.” She sucked in a deep breath. “A few days later, she wrote, ‘What new surprises will my lover have for me tonight?’” She flipped the page. “‘I long for the sweet torture of his touch, for the pleasure he brings me.’”

          It suddenly seemed very warm in the room.

          Louisa swallowed audibly. “There’s more.”

          Lord help him.

          “‘My pulse races as I remember the warm touch of his hands. I throb with unmet desire, craving his practiced attention.’”

          “Um, perhaps we should stop here for the night.”

          Preferably before he spontaneously combusted.

          Her eyes wide like a frightened animal, she nodded her agreement and put the journal back on the shelf, then came toward him and stopped a few feet away.

          Without thinking, he lifted his hand and cupped her cheek. For a moment, she leaned toward him, and he leaned a bit nearer to her. They were so close he could feel her warm breath against his neck. Just when he decided it would be a good time to kiss her, she took a step back.

          He reached for her hand, but she backed away from him. “Louisa,” he said ever so softly, reaching for her again.

          She shook her head, then turned and ran from the room, her dog trailing behind her.

          His throat tightened. That had not gone well. Certainly not the way things had progressed in a thousand or so of his dreams that had featured her. He wanted to chase her down the corridor, but that would probably scare her away forever. Though he was certain she was as innocent as the day she was born, he might still have a chance with her if she desired him even a fraction of the amount he did her.

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Author Info

Ally Broadfield has worked as a horse trainer, director of marketing and development, freelance proofreader, and a children’s librarian, among other things. None of them were as awesome as writing romance novels (though the librarian gig came closest). She lives in Texas and is convinced her house is shrinking, possibly because she shares it with three kids, four dogs, a cat, a rabbit, and assorted reptiles. Oh, and her husband. 

Ally likes to curse in Russian because very few people know what she’s saying, and spends most of what would be her spare time letting dogs in and out of the house and shuttling kids around. She has many stories in her head looking for an opportunity to escape onto paper. She writes historical romance set in Regency England and Imperial Russia.

Stay up to date by visiting her Website, Facebook, and Twitter, though she makes no claims of using any of them properly.

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NetGalley REVIEW - Virtual Tour - How to Lose a Highlander (The MacGregor Lairds, #1) by Michelle McLean

How to Lose a Highlander
The MacGregor Lairds, #1

by Michelle McLean

Releasing May 15^th 2017
Entangled Scandalous

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of HOW TO LOSE A HIGHLANDER (The MacGregor Lairds, #1) . . . I laughed a lot. The comparison to Taming of she Shrew and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days threw me off my game a bit but it had highlanders. I was not real sure what I was going to get. This was a historic highlander romantic comedy. This was light, fresh, well-paced and full of fun.  This was my first read from Michelle and I had fun. This was about a feud but more occurred. There was not the overstated drama, but there was sparks.

BlurbForced into marriage by their king in order to stop years of inter-clan feuding, Sorcha Campbell and Malcolm MacGregor are each determined to drive the other away.

Malcolm knows he can never trust his new shrewish wife, despite the fact that everything he observes seems to prove that she’s not only trustworthy, but utterly perfect for him.

Sorcha knows she can never let her guard down around the man she believes betrayed her father, yet the longer she’s with him, the more she discovers he is nothing like she was led to believe.

They’ll have to fight their way through past prejudices and their own determination to destroy their union in order to gain their perfect HEA in this Taming of the Shrew meets How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days tale.

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“Hmm, and in the meantime, ye’ve been sleeping in my bed.”

He’d backed her up against one of the four posters of the bed and she bumped against it with a little squeak. Instead of pushing him away, though, she raised her impertinent little nose in the air.

“Yes. But now that you are home I shall make other arrangements. I’m certain a pallet on the floor somewhere will suffice.”

“Och, no. We canna have the lady of the castle sleeping on a lowly pallet. There is more than enough room for us both in my bed.”

She smiled up at him. Her sweet smile momentarily caught him off guard. Her gaze dropped to his lips and lingered before slowly traveling back to meet his own and the heat in those eyes hit him like a fist to the chest.

“Oh, I have no intention of sleeping on a pallet, my lord.”

She rose up on tip toe and trailed one finger along his jaw line.

“Nay?”

Sorcha shook her head and bit her lip and most of the blood in his body rushed south. She looked up at him through a thick fringe of lashes, her sparkling blue eyes staring deep into his. A quick, gasping breath had her breasts straining against the laces of her dress. She placed her hands on his chest…and pushed him as hard as she could, her foot lashing out to connect sharply with his leg. He stumbled backward and she escaped, storming toward the door.

“The pallet is for you!” she called over her shoulder. “I’ll send up some water. I have no desire to share a bedchamber with a man who reeks of horse and sweat.”

Malcolm hopped back until he collided with the bed and sat down heavily. The door to the outer chamber slammed and he started laughing. Finally, he lay back and flung his arm over his face.

“What am I going to do wi’ that woman?” he said.

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Author Info

Michelle McLean is a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl who is addicted to chocolate and Goldfish crackers and spent most of her formative years with her nose in a book. She has a B.S. in History, a M.A. in English, loves history and romance and enjoys spending her time combining the two in her novels.

When Michelle's not editing, reading or chasing her kids around, she can usually be found in a quiet corner working on her next book. She resides in PA with her husband and two children, an insanely hyper dog, and three very spoiled cats.

MY INTERVIEW WITH MICHELLE MCLEAN

What are some of your writing/publishing goals for this year? I have a lot of projects coming up. The next two books in the MacGregor Lairds series, and two new series under my contemporary name, Kira Archer, for Entangled’s Indulgence and Lovestruck imprints. I also have two non-fiction books I’ve been slowly working on that I’d really love to finish.

Do you feel that writing is an ingrained process or just something that flows naturally for you?

Both, I think. It’s something I’ve always done. My mom has stories I wrote when I was just a little thing. But like anything else, the more you study and practice, the better you get. So while the inclination to write might come naturally to me, I do what I can to improve my process. I have a masters degree in English with an emphasis in creative writing. I send my pages to beta readers. I have the privilege of working with amazing editors and I try to learn from mistakes I make in each manuscript and not make them again in my next manuscript. I fail repeatedly :-) But I do my best to better my craft. The urge to write though…that’s just a part of me. I don’t think I could stop if I tried. Published or not, I’d keep writing.

Do you have a character that you have been working on for a long time that still isn't quite ready, but fills you with excitement to work on the story? I have an urban fantasy YA that I really love that almost found a home this year. I wrote it 8 years ago and have played with it here and there. The main characters are Egyptian gods living in the modern world and they are a ton of fun to play with.

Where would you spend one full year, if you could go ANYWhere? What would you do with this time? Scotland, I think. I’d love to travel all over Europe and of course spending a year relaxing on a tropical beach somewhere would be incredible too. But I’d really love to live in a gorgeous (interiorly updated – a girl’s gotta have plumbing) castle in Scotland, maybe on the shores of a loch. Soak up that incredible atmosphere. The history of the place. And I’d write. Use all that inspiration and come up with some amazing stories.

Can you share you next creative project(s)? If yes, can you give a few details? Definitely! The next two books in the MacGregor Lairds series will be coming – How to Ensnare a Highlander and How to Blackmail a Highlander. Book 2 follows John (who is introduced in Book 1) who is now spending his nights as a highwayman in order to avenge wrongs committed by corrupt lords. He ends up with an accidental captive in the form of a feisty English lady and the sparks fly…especially when he tries to free her and she refuses to go!

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NetGalley Review - Virtual Tour - Marrying the Wrong Earl (Lords and Ladies in Love, #2) by Callie Hutton

Marrying the Wrong Earl
Lords and Ladies in Love, #2

by Callie Hutton

Releasing April 17^th 2017
Entangled Scandalous

The Book Junkie Reads . . . Review of . . . MARRYING THE WRONG EARL (Lords and Ladies in Love, #2) . . . A lady of this time, Lady Arabella Danver she loves animals. She loves to care for them. She also loves her freedom to do so. She knows that she will need to marry but she wishes to marry a man that will understand her and her need to care for the sick and injured animals. She was also very aware that her mother wanted to marry her off. She was not aware that the money was tight and her marriage was needed to keep them afloat. The earl was the other side of this duo. Nash, the Earl of Clarendon wanted a wife that he could mold to be what he wanted but of course that was not going to happen. He had the perfect pupil in his sights, but Lady Arabella steps in or stumbles in.

Here was where it all changed for the duo. Things get interesting and life takes on a new meaning for them both. Arabella was sweet, loving, and caring. She was a woman out of her time with the need to care for animals. On cue there was Nash, he was sexy, arrogant, and authoritative. This was a romance that grew and bloomed with interaction and time. Some schemes catch the wrong prey but makes a perfect match. This was a delightful historical read of romancing the wrong prey but getting a perfect fit.

Lords and Ladies in Love series:

Seducing the Marquess – Lords and Ladies in Love, #1

Marrying the Wrong Earl -  Lords and Ladies in Love, #2

BlurbLady Arabella Danvers is happy with her life just the way it is. She is free to be herself and take care of broken and abandoned animals. Her mother is desperate for her to marry, and has decided to take things into her own hands. There is just one little problem with her plan.

Nash, the Earl of Clarendon has determined it is time to take a wife. He has selected a woman to whom he intends to propose. However, the annoying Lady Arabella has stumbled into his life at the wrong time, and in the wrong place.

But he of all people should know if Lady Arabella is involved, plans will go awry.

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Clarendon’s dark blond curly hair hung a bit more over the back of his cravat than was fashionable, but it suited him well. It appeared his valet had attempted to tame the curls but a few stubborn locks had sprung free and brushed his broad forehead. An aristocratic nose and full lips left no doubt he was descended from generations of nobility. His crystal blue eyes bore into her as he released her hand when they joined the line. They stood across from each other as the music began. He bowed, she curtsied, and they came together. She would be the bigger of them, and clear the air. “I do wish to apologize for the trouble I caused you today, my lord.”

They switched places. “’Tis nothing, I assure you.” He extended his hand, and they moved together with the other dancers for a few steps.

“I disagree, my lord. You ended up muddy, with your clothes torn.”

His jaw flexed as they moved around each other and joined the line of dancers again. “Of course, you disagree, but I assure you, my lady, ’twas nothing.”

As they weaved in and out of the other dancers, she mumbled, “What do you mean ‘of course I disagree,’ and why cannot you accept an apology freely given? Are you always so disagreeable, then?”

They joined hands once more. “Perhaps because I do not wish to be reminded of the incident.”

Separating, they moved around each other, dipping with the music. “I believe you are merely being stubborn.”

Nash closed his eyes. “And I believe you are being stubborn.”

“I am not being stubborn. I simply want to extend my apologies for the mishap this afternoon.”

They joined hands again and moved in a circle. “Fine. Your apology is accepted.”

Another couple switched places with them, eyeing them with curiosity. “There, now. Was that so very hard?”

“My dear lady, do you wish to dance, or converse?”

They stepped forward, hand-in-hand to the head of the line. “Can we not do both?”

“Perhaps I lose count if I talk and dance.”

Her eyebrows rose and she offered a tight grin. “Cannot do two things at once, my lord? Is that why you had such a difficult time rescuing a poor cat?”

Nash came to an abrupt halt, causing the couple behind them to stumble. “I did not have a difficult time of it.” He bent close to her ear and murmured. “Furthermore, I am finished with this conversation.”

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Author Info

Callie Hutton, the USA Today bestselling author of The Elusive Wife writes both Regency and western historical romance, with “historic elements and sensory details” (The Romance Reviews). Callie lives in Oklahoma with several rescue dogs and her top cheerleader husband of many years. Her family also includes her daughter, son, and daughter-in-law, and twin grandsons “The Twinadoes.”  

Callie loves to hear from readers. Contact her directly at calliehutton11@gmail.com or find her online at her Website. Sign up for her newsletter to receive information on new releases, appearances, contests and exclusive subscriber content. 

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NetGalley REVIEW - Virtual Tour w/INTERVIEW - The Beast of Aros Castle (Highland Isles, #1) by Heather McCollum

The Beast of Aros Castle
Highland Isles, #1

by Heather McCollum

Releasing February 20^th 2017
Entangled Scandalous

From The Book Junkie Reads . . . The Beast of Aros Castle (Highland Isles, #1) . . .

The beast was not exactly what I was expecting but more than I could have desired. Tor was all that I have come to love in a highlander. Hot. Sexy. Alpha. Protective. And we must not forget broody. He had extra elements to intensify his character and allow him to grow throughout the read. He was distrusting of women. As fate would have it he finds one such woman that intrigues him, temps him, she lures him in and then fate as the bitch she is shows him that there are more truths to be told. Tor, Ava, Grace all have their fates tested and a new truth placed before them on the beautiful isle in the Scottish Highlands.

Ava and Grace had been through so much. They have been together for a long time and now they braved a whole new world together, but Grace could not do what was needed. So, Ava took over and their starts their adventure in a new land. Ava was strong, intelligent, beautiful, and a commoner. She was not of privilege or peerage. Grace was truly Ava’s rock, confidant, friend, everything. This was a strong bonding friendship.

Heather McCollum shows how true friendship should be. She gives a story that was detailed but not overwhelming. She adds twist. She gives a villain that was more than just sick and twisted. Tor was a man that had to step out of where he sheltered himself. She did a good job traversing him through the storm.  I very much enjoyed this read. Looking for a historical romance that will give you a since of home, shelter, safety, friendship. Then pick up The Beast of Aros Castle.

BlurbOn the run from a dangerous man, Ava Sutton flees to the Isle of Mull off the coast of Scotland. Masquerading as a titled, English lady, Ava must convince the cynical and darkly handsome chief of the Macleans of Aros to wed her before the devil tracks her down.

Tor Maclean, the new chief of Aros Castle, has sworn off marriage after his first wife tricked him into it. Despite his efforts to scare away the Englishwoman, his father arranged for him to wed, Tor is drawn to her fire, courage, and beauty. But when truths are revealed, and hearts as well as lives are on the dagger's edge, Tor doesn't know if he can forgive or if he will truly become the solitary Beast of Aros Castle...

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He ignored her pity. “If I am to choose a bride, she would have to be someone I deem worthy. Someone who wouldn’t perish during the first winter storm or hide under the bed if troops came to take the castle.”

“I am actually noted for my resistance to illness,” she said, intertwining her slender fingers together before her skirts. “As well as my reluctance to crawl under furniture.”

He moved closer, an idea forming. The woman was brazen, unpredictable, and she thought she had the upper hand with that bloody camp of English just across the way. But if she thought it best to break the betrothal, he would accommodate her. And the best way to scare off a virgin, even a brazen virgin, was to give her a taste of fire.

“How about passion, lass?” He leaned down to her ear. “Are ye reluctant to crawl under my sheets?” She inhaled quickly as he pulled her against his body, one hand guiding her head while the other pressed against her back. Her eyes widened as he descended for the kiss.

He met her mouth with every intention of being frightening and hard. How dare this Englishwoman come onto his island, demanding he drop his mountainous pile of obligations as chief and sacrifice his freedom to wed her? But the moment he felt the soft warmth of her lips, the ripe feel of her body in his arms, against his length, the kiss changed. She tasted of woman and innocence wrapped together with awakening heat. He threaded his fingers through her hair to cup her face without breaking contact. Her cheeks were smooth against his rough palms, and instead of yanking away, she remained rooted to the ground.

With a slight tilt of her face, their lips melded intimately as she met him with the same intensity, moving in rhythm with him like they’d been tupping for years. The thought made a low growl creep up his throat before he realized it, nearly escaping as a groan. But he wouldn’t give her that triumph.

Dainty but strong fingers curled into his shirt, holding her to him as he bent to surround her on three sides. Yet he gave her room to escape. If she’d just step back, surrender to the contest, but she didn’t. Were her heels dug into the floor?

His pulse thrummed as fire swept through his body, and thoughts of victory turned to smoke. Tor’s fingers loosened pins and curls as he slid his fingers through her bound hair.

A gasp. “Tor, unhand that lass this minute.” His mother’s voice doused his desire with ocean spray.

As if breaking through the surface of the sea, Tor released Ava’s lips, but he still held her body. Her eyes were closed, her lips damp, cheeks flushed, hair tumbling free around her shoulders. She blinked, waking to stare straight into his eyes. But instead of fear or better yet, barely controlled passion, he saw something that cooled his blood more thoroughly than his mother’s scolding.

Contempt.

Her words were a soft issue from kiss-swollen lips. “So then,” Ava whispered. “You are a beast.”

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Q&A with Heather McCollum

Q: Describe yourself in five words or less.

Survivor. Mom. Romantic. Over-doer. Tea-lover.

Q: Can you tell us a little about your book?

The Beast of Aros Castle is the first book in a new Scottish Historical Romance series set on the islands off the west coast of the Scottish Highlands. The series takes place in the early 16^th century (Henry VIII’s time period).

The Beast in this book is Tor, the chief of the Maclean Clan on the Isle of Mull. He was tricked into wedding a lass early in his life, and when she died, he swore never to be tricked again.

Ava is an Englishwoman, raised to be a lady’s companion. In order to save herself from a sadistic stalker, she masquerades as an Earl’s daughter and escapes to Scotland, where she must trick Tor Maclean into wedding her before the stalker tracks her down.

Sparks fly between Tor and Ava from their very first meeting, sparks that ignite into an inferno of passion!

Q: What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

I love developing my characters and letting them take over the story. The dialogue between Ava and Tor is my favorite part. She is everything I want to be: courageous, clever and ready with a quick response. And he’s been hurt, so although he is a fierce warrior, he needs to find the courage to trust again. I love bringing them face to face, poking them with conflict, and jotting down what they say to one another. So much fun!

Q: If you had a theme song, what would it be?

Fight Song by Rachel Platten. I feel like I’ve had to fight a lot in my life, but I refuse to give up. It’s the perfect song to straighten my spine, dry my tears and make me face whatever the world has dished up for me. The harder the fight, the sweeter the win.

Q: What do you like to do when you aren't writing?

I am an ovarian cancer survivor (5 years now), so when I’m not writing or answering the call of “Mom”, I’m usually speaking out against this sneaky, vicious disease. I never pass by an opportunity to educate women, so here goes!

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:

Bloating

Eating less & Feeling full faster

Abdominal Pain

Trouble with your Bladder

Other symptoms may include: indigestion, back pain, pain with intercourse, constipation, fatigue and menstrual irregularities. If one, or more of these symptoms, persists every day for 3 weeks or more, please see your GYN for a pelvic exam and possible transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125 blood test.

Q: What are your favorite types of stories to read?

Stories with happy endings. I believe if you read enough happy endings, you’re bound to bring one of them your way. Which is why I love romance. Even with all the difficulties and emotional baggage, two people can still find love together. It gives people hope and a goal.

Within romance, I love suspense and a little magic. Both make the world more thrilling.

Q: Where did the inspiration for this book come from?

I had the amazing opportunity to visit the Isle of Mull a few years ago, with my family. We attended an authentic Highland Games, and my son was even allowed to run in one of the races. The people were so welcoming, and the land was breathtaking. I fell in love with the green hills, wandering sheep, castle ruins and the fascinating history of the Scottish Isles. I knew right away that the Isle of Mull needed to be the setting of one of my books.

Author Info

Heather McCollum is an award-winning, historical and YA contemporary paranormal romance writer. She earned her B.A. in Biology, much to her English professor’s dismay, and was a 2009 Golden Heart Finalist. 

When she is not creating vibrant characters & magical adventures on the page, she is roaring her own battle cry in the war against ovarian cancer. Ms. McCollum recently slayed the cancer beast and resides with her very own hero & 3 kids in the wilds of suburbia on the mid-Atlantic coast.

Author Links:

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

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