Highland
Yearning
The
Mackay Saga
Dawn
Ireland
Genre: Highland Time Travel (set
in 1775)
Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing
Date of Publication: July 20th
ASIN: B01FMX5KXG
Number of pages: 167
Word Count: 70,000
Cover Artist: Fiona
Book Description:
Caden Mackay would never bed a
Sutherland, let alone marry one. Bloody hell, what had possessed his twin
brother to propose to one of the she-devils? And what is Caden to do with the
Sutherland beauty who appears, as if by magic, in his library? The defiant
intruder is the enemy, but she is unlike any woman Caden’s ever known, and her
tantalizing curves and wide green eyes could tempt a monk. He must devise a way
to stop the wedding. But can he stop the desire that makes him long to make
Ariel Sutherland his own?
Ariel’s life had never gone the
way she’d hoped, but ending up in eighteenth century Scotland was a stretch,
even for her. If not for her dog, Scruffy, she might have thought she’d walked
into a romantic daydream. Especially since the object of her desire appears to
be entirely too virile. But can she find her way back to her time, before her
too-handsome Highlander makes her believe that love can conquer in any century?
Highland
Yearning-Excerpt
Caden turned to
his cousin. “We’ll search the windows above. By now the coward has fled, but we
may yet find something to unmask our would-be assassin. Then we’ll attend to
your urgent matter.”
He drew Ariel
aside far enough that Ian couldn’t hear them. His expression screamed, I’d
rather fight a dozen well-armed warriors than be in debt to a Sutherland.
“Thank you for . . .” He simply stared at her.
“Saving your
life?” She waited. Nothing. “Kissing you?” She raised her eyebrows. “Just
trying to fill in the blank here.”
He blanched, but
then heat filled his eyes. “Aye.”
“Well, one of us
had to take the bull by the horns.” Okay, best not to dwell on that image. “I
mean, I was curious. I wanted to kiss you. No big deal. It was just a kiss.”
“Aye.”
“Will you stop
agreeing with me.”
His smile was
genuine and she felt it to the tips of her toes. Good heavens, the man had
charisma.
“I’ve nae had a
woman who wanted me to disagree with her.”
“Well, I’m not
like most women.” That was true enough. She’d never done the ‘let’s talk about
boys, clothes and makeup thing’ with a group of girls. Somehow, she’d never fit
in.
He smiled down
at her. “Aye.”
“There you go,
agreeing again.”
“Perhaps it’s
because you make yourself so agreeable.”
She couldn’t
contain the laughter that burst from her lips. “Really?” The word came out
between gasps. “Oh, I wish you could have been there to tell my teachers. Not
that they’d believe you. They thought I questioned everything.”
“Then they
didnae ken you.” His brows drew together. “I believe the stone was meant for
me, but just in case, I want you to take care.
Her laughter
died. “Why would anyone want to kill me?”
“Have you
offended anyone aside from Ranald, the Countess or Robertson since I met you?”
“I don’t-So, I
speak my mind. Is there a law against that in this century?”
“No. And I
prefer plain speaking, but I’m nae most men.”
“No, you’re
not.”
About
the Author
“Once Upon a Time” are four of
Dawn’s favorite words, because she never knows where they will lead. She writes
stories to remind herself that even though things may seem bleak, there is
always the possibility of a “Happily Ever After.” If along the way she makes
readers smile, cry or see the magic in their everyday lives, then she’s done
her job.
Dawn’s written several
award-winning novels set in Georgian England and the Highlands – an era filled
with rules and intrigue. Her characters often defy “Society” as they pursue
love, run away, pursue, run away – well, you get the idea.
Then again, she might write
romance in order to do the research. What other profession encourages you to
sit in the audience at Harlequin’s Male Model search, and take notes, or just
sigh?
When she’s not writing, Dawn may
be found singing, gardening, learning to play the harp or wood carving. She
lives in a Victorian home in Upstate New York with her husband and very
independent cats.
Dawn hopes you’ll read her books,
and together you’ll bring to life characters that aren’t perfect, but have a
story to tell.
Interview
Where
are you from?
I grew up in Creston, Iowa. If you take the train
from Upstate New York, where I currently reside, you’ll stop in Creston. It has
a lovely old depot and was a wonderful place to spend my youth. Here’s an example.
Our “night on the town” for my prom was just that: first we went to the gym for
the dance, then we went to the movies and as we entered in our gowns we were
interviewed by the local radio station, then we went back to the house to
change and the local organizations came together to put on a carnival for us,
and last but not least, the VFW sponsored a breakfast. Yes, it was an ‘all
nighter.’ I’m sure that’s not being done today, but I think back on the
organization and dedication by the townspeople, and I’m so grateful for this
wonderful memory. It was ‘small town’ at its best.
Tell
us your latest news?
I have a new release coming out today! Highland Yearning is the first of my
full length stories about the Mackays.
When
and why did you begin writing?
I started writing while I was in college, but
writing was not my major. (I have a degree in Sociology and Travel &
Tourism.) I’d always been an avid reader, but after taking a creative writing
course it occurred to me I should write down the stories I’d been creating.
When
did you first consider yourself a writer?
The label ‘writer’ really hit home when I held my
first paperback in my hands and stared at my name.
Do
you have a specific writing style?
My books are fast paced for historicals. I don’t do
a lot of flowery description, only enough to set the reader’s imagination into
motion. You’ll also find touches of magic and whimsy, because I’m really a
Disney and Hallmark girl at heart.
How
did you come up with the title?
I wanted “Highland” in the title because that would
tell people right off where the book was taking place, and “Yearning” refers to
the heroine’s (and her dog’s) search to belong.
How
much of the book is realistic?
I’m glad you asked, because I did take my
inspiration from history. For a full description, you can read the ‘Author
Notes’ at the end of the book, but the Mackays really did hold an animosity for
the Sutherlands, and the Countess of Sutherland did bring about the Clearances
in that part of the Highlands.
I also had to include the Éncyclopaedia Britannica.
Did you know the first publication happened in Edinburgh, Scotland between 1768
and 1771? I’d had no idea it had been in existence for so long.
What
books have most influenced your life most?
I grew up on The
Lord of the Rings, (I’ve read it four times.) but my life changed when I
read Georgette Heyer’s Devil’s Cub.
Until that time I had no idea romances existed. I can still tell you what
happened in the story.
If
you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Pat Ryan. Pat is a Rita winner for Silken Threads, and had been an editor
in New York City. Her classes helped me to look at stories from a writer’s
perspective. You’d think, that as an avid reader, writing a story would be
easy, but it’s a different skill set.
What
book are you reading now?
I’m reading Kim Harrison’s series Dead Witch Walking. I love series books
with a touch of magic and interesting characters. A couple of other series I’d
recommend: Kitty Norville’s Series by Carrie Vaughn (Werewolf) and The Last
Victim Series by Karen Robards (Ghost)
What
are your current projects?
I’m working on a story from my Georgians Beyond the Pale series. Morgan’s Folly is about a man who spends his life rescuing common
people from the excesses of the nobility. His life is changed when he meets the
heroine. A woman who he believes has done the
unforgivable. I have the opening scene on my website.
What
would you like my readers to know?
I love hearing from readers. Your comments and
suggestions really help to inspire me.
Tour
giveaway
5 ebooks- winners may choose from
Highland Sons, Love's Guardian or The Perfect Duke.
Thank you for hosting me! I appreciate your help!
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