Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Guest Blog - Release Day Blitz Highland Yearning by Dawn Ireland




When Meggan Connor and I decided to each contribute a story to our Highland Sons Anthology, we hadn’t anticipated we’d be drawn into the world of the Mackays. It wasn’t enough to say we were going to write about this very special clan. We needed a theme, so this legend was born:

The Legend of the Ring of Belief

Forged in a castle out of time and place,
the Ring of Belief brings prosperity and love to those it chooses.
Bequeathed to Clan MacKay for defending natural magic
its bearer is presented with a chance to believe.
Each descendant’s choice will determine their ultimate happiness or despair.


The Ring of Belief has a variety of powers that are controlled by the witches who created the ring. They have been watching over the Mackays for centuries, helping the clan survive because of a past service done for them by Laird Mackay.

One of the ring’s powers is time travel. In my new release, Highland Yearning, Elspbeth, a Ring of Belief witch gives the dog in the story (Scruffy) a choice. He can choose to go back in time with the heroine or remain in our century. Of course, this bit of information can’t be in the book, because dogs can’t talk. But, as an author, I’m privy to the ‘inside scoop.’
Our valiant little Scruffy knows Ariel needs him, so he agrees to go back with her. Of course, he didn’t know he’d have to contend with wildcats, or villains, or the Mackay. Of the three, you can guess who makes him the angriest.

I hope my readers will find humor, mystery, romance and magic in Highland Yearning. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the story. You can contact me at Dawn@dawn-ireland.com or go to my website www.Dawn-Ireland.com .   



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: 249 (pdf)
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? 


Excerpt:

“Are we done, lassie?” Caden’s voice sounded tight. Almost as if he were speaking through his teeth.
“I guess so.” She turned and leaned back against the rough stone. “We’ve searched all the rooms in this part of the tower.”
“And thanks to you, every person we came across thinks I’m bedding you.”
“Would you rather I let them know we were searching for what they consider to be an imaginary ring?” She inclined her head. “I had to come up with some reason for us to be alone in the upstairs bedrooms.”
“They’ll never truly believe I’d bed a Sutherland.”
Ariel reined in her anger. “Yes, they will. After all, your brother is about to marry a Sutherland.”
He came to within a foot of her. “Nay, he will not.” His tone softened. “Don’t you ken what other men will think of you, lassie?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“They’ll believe they can take liberties, and you’ve no one to protect you.”
“You’re worried about my safety?”
“Aye.”
When was the last time someone worried about her? Her heart did a little twist. “That’s sweet, but I can take care of myself.”
“But your reputation—”
“Isn’t a problem. After all, I’m not staying. If anything, you need to worry about your reputation.” She bit her lip to keep from laughing at the mixture of frustration and confusion on his face.
She shook her head. “We left some of those rooms in five or ten minutes. Word could get around that you are . . . shall we say, less than adequate.”

He smiled, amusement crinkling the corners of his eyes. “Then I’d have to prove otherwise to every lassie who questioned it.” His voice lowered and he studied her face. “Would you be wondering about my capabilities?” 

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.







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1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Thank you for helping me get the word out about Highland Yearning's release! Dawn Ireland

 
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