Friday, August 31, 2012

The Mad Lord's Daughter by Jane Goodger



Melissa Atwell has spent eighteen years of her life closed away from society and its perils. Her father believed she would perish from a disease as her mother did if she had contact with the outside world.
Not only is she basically locked away, but contact with her is through gloves. While she is a prisoner in her own home, she is highly educated but naive. 

When her father passes away, she is sent to live with her uncle, the Earl of Braddock, who attempts to prepare Melissa for a season in London and hopefully a quick marriage. Once Melissa is installed in her temporary home with her family, feelings she never knew possible begin to awaken. A forbidden attraction comes to light that threatens to bring dark secrets to the forefront of proper London society. Will Melissa be able to survive her season in London? Will her secrets bring her down low or will she be freed from her isolation? All is revealed in The Mad Lord's Daughter by Jane Goodger.

This was my first read by Jane Goodger and I must say that I enjoyed it thoroughly. If I went more in depth with this review I would be giving away too much of the story, and I do not want to ruin it for anyone. Watching Melissa open like a delicate flower is so charming. The way her new family take to her is delightful and finding out all the dark secrets in The Mad Lord's Daughter, make this a must read. Once the hero of the story is revealed and we get to know this honorable man, we see him struggle with a promise he makes, or his feelings. The story is beautifully written and I will be reading more of Jane Goodger.


~KIMBERLY~



5 Stars (Hook Line and Sinker)


Jane Goodger's Website: http://janegoodger.com/

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

One Wrong Move by Shannon McKenna

BOOK OBSESSED CHICKS LOVES TO FEATURE NEW RELEASES!!!
HERE IS AUTHOR SHANNON MCKENNA'S NEWEST, ONE WRONG MOVE!
HAVE A PEEK!!! THEN ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!








Secrets Never Die
Alex Aaro has spent most of his life on the run from his Ukrainian mafia family. But when he learns that crazy Aunt Tonya, the only relative who ever gave a damn about him, is dying, he risks returning home to say goodbye. He’s prepared for anything except the call from his friend, Bruno Ranieri, that sends him on a wild and dangerous ride with a mysterious woman who holds a deadly secret and a white hot passion that binds them together.
Social worker Nina Christie has no idea how much trouble she’s in when her Aunt Helga shows up bleeding at her shelter, babbling in Ukrainian—and with one inexplicable act thrusts Nina into the heart of a nightmare. Now a ruthless crime syndicate will stop at nothing to make Nina disappear, and only Alex Aaro, that inscrutable six-foot-four rock hard slab of lean muscle, stands between her and certain death. Now Nina and Alex are in a race against time, death, and their desire for one another

Giveaway Info
Shannon is giving away TWO prizes, a copy of one of her books at each blog stop on her tour AND a grand prize giveaway of a Kindle Touch!!! There are several copies of One Wrong Move, Blood and Fire, Ultimate Weapon, and Fade to Midnight up for grabs!
1)     To win a book: leave a comment on this blog post to be entered to win a book. Be sure to leave your email address in the comments so we can contact you if you’re the lucky winner. This giveaway ends five days after the post goes live.
2)     To win a Kindle Touch: Click the link to go to Shannon’s website and enter the Rafflecopter at the bottom of the page. A winner will be selected on September 27th. Here’s Shannon’s Website >




Shannon’s Bio

                  
Shannon McKenna is the NYT bestselling author of over ten action packed, turbocharged romantic thrillers, among which are the stories of the wildly popular McCloud series. She loves tough and heroic alpha males, heroines with the brains and guts to match them, villains who challenge them to their utmost, adventure, scorching sensuality, and most of all, the redemptive power of true love. Since she was small she has loved abandoning herself to the magic of a good book, and her fond childhood fantasy was that writing would be just like that, but with the added benefit of being able to take credit for the story at the end. Alas, the alchemy of writing turned out to be messier than she'd ever dreamed. But what the hell, she loves it anyway, and hopes that readers enjoy the results of her alchemical experiments.
Links


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, August 24, 2012

~~DEEP BLUE~~ Kat Martin Re-Issue!!!!!




DEEP BLUE, by Kat Martin
Excerpt
Hope felt the deck sway beneath her feet.  The Conquest was eighty-feet long and looked to be very well equipped.  She glanced around and spotted a fiftyish, silver-haired man walking toward her while a taller, dark-haired man followed a few feet behind. 
She smiled at the first man.  "Hello, I'm Hope Sinclair.  It's very nice to meet you.  You must be Conner Reese."
He gave her a warm, inviting smile.  "Actually, I'm Bob Gibson, captain of the Conquest."  He turned to the man behind him.  "This is Conner Reese."
She tried not to stare.  If she'd had more time, she would have known everything there was to know about the partners of Treasure Limited.  As it was, she knew Brad Talbot, the money man, and she had met Eddie Markham, the owner of Pleasure Island.  This man, the head of the search operation, Conner Reese, was nothing at all what she had expected.
She extended a hand.  "It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Reese.  I'm Hope Sinclair.  I assume you've been expecting me."
"Expecting you to what?"
She didn't like his tone, or the unfriendly look in his eyes.  But she had to admit they were gorgeous, the same incredible blue as the sea.  And he was handsome.  Remarkably so.  He was wearing red swim trunks and canvas deck shoes, his chest bare and nicely sculpted with muscle.  He had a set of very impressive biceps, a lean, flat, six-pack stomach, and a pair of shoulders that would stretch the limits of a size seventeen shirt.  And he was tall, at least six-foot-two, with a very dark tan. 
Still, it was obvious he wasn't pleased to see her and that jabbed her temper.  She didn't want to be there in the first place.  The least he could do was be pleasant.
She pasted on a smile.  "Since you weren't told I was coming, I suppose I had better explain.  I'm a writer for Adventure magazine.  I'm here to do an article on your search for the Spanish galleon, Nuestra Senora de Rosa.  I assumed someone from the magazine would have called you."
"Yeah, well they didn't.  Adventure might like to do a story, but unfortunately we're not interested.  It's a shame you came all this way for nothing but that's the way it is.  The last thing we need is a bunch of people finding out we're down here looking for sunken treasure."
She worked to keep her friendly smile in place, all the while cursing Conner Reese.  "I'm afraid you don't understand.  I've been assigned to do this story and that's what I intend to do."  She glanced around at the ultra-modern equipment on the deck, most of it new.  "You probably have a satellite phone out here.  Why don't you call Brad Talbot?  He can explain what's going on."
"Talbot?  This was Talbot's idea?"
A noise behind them interrupted her answer.  She turned to see one of the crewman coming down from the wheelhouse holding a cell phone, a huge black man in baggy knee-length shorts and a blue-flowered shirt.  He had a chest the size of a wine cask and arms that would rival Mike Tyson's. 
"It's for you, boss."
Reese took the phone, flicked a glance at Hope, then turned and walked a couple of feet away.  He was angry and getting madder by the minute, speaking louder and louder until she could hear every word.
"Are you insane?  We let her write a bunch of articles about this operation and we're going to have every amateur treasure hunter within two thousand miles breathing down our necks.  This isn't the States, Talbot, it's a private island.  The only laws here are the ones they make up.  We won't have a damn bit of protection--legal or otherwise--if we start to have trespassing problems."
Talbot said something lengthy on the other end of the line. 
"This is crazy," Reese said.  Then, "Fine--have it your way.  But don't say I didn't warn you."  Reese ended the call and took a deep breath.  He handed the phone back to the big black man.  "Thanks, King."
"No problem, boss."
Reese turned to face her, a scowl on his handsome face.  "I guess you're staying, since Talbot holds the purse strings."  He gave her a perusal that went from her breasts to her toes and sent her hackles up another notch.  "But then you probably knew that already."
Hope clamped down on a nasty retort and the captain stepped into the fray. 
"Why don't I take the lady down to her cabin?" he suggested, trying to prevent what was fast becoming a mutual dislike.
Reese gave Hope a cold, hard smile.  "I'll take care of it.  I want to make sure our guest gets properly settled in."
Ignoring his grim expression, Hope reached for her carry-on.  Surprisingly, Reese picked it up before she had the chance.  At least he knew how to behave like a gentleman, though she figured he usually chose not to.
She sighed as she followed his broad, muscular back along the deck to the ladder.  It was going to be a helluva long three weeks.






I love to travel, do you?
by, Kat Martin

People who know me know I love to travel.  If I didn’t write two books a year, I would be gone all the time.  Fortunately, I married a man who enjoys taking off for parts unknown as much as I do.  Next year, for instance, we’re headed to Europe for a Greek Island cruise, then we’ll be spending a week in Rome.  I can hardly wait!
People ask us how we decide where to go.  Most of the time, work takes us somewhere and we just add a little time to visit nearby places.  When I was writing Historicals, we spent a good deal of time in England for research.  Because we were there, we also traveled to Scotland and Ireland.  
We went to a romance conference in Germany, added some days, and got to see a great deal of that country. 
In the States, we link conferences or business meetings to travel.  Last year we were in New York for two weeks for Thrillerfest and Romance Writers of America.  During that time, we took the train up to West Point--a fantastic place to see.
Years ago I wrote a book called DEEP BLUE.  Conner Reese owns a salvage boat and he’s searching for sunken Spanish treasure off the coast of Jamaica.  The last thing he wants is Hope Sinclair, a snoopy lady reporter, along for the ride. 
Since I had never been to Jamaica, we decided to make the trip.  I got to do the research I needed, and we had a great time walking the beach and lying in the Caribbean sun.
This summer, we traveled cross-country to Albuquerque, to a Western Writers’ conference for my husband, who writes Western and Historical novels.  On the way home, we stopped in Denver for RomCon, a Romance readers’ convention that was a great deal of fun.
Once I drive a few miles out of town, or climb aboard an airplane, I’m able to stop thinking of work.  At home that’s nearly impossible to do.  So I try to escape as often as I can, not all that easy since I have deadlines and re-writes and book promotions I have to do.
So what about you?  Do you like to travel?  And if you do, how do you choose where you want to go?  Love to hear from you.  If you haven’t read DEEP BLUE, I hope you’ll give it a try.  Have a great summer.  Warmest, kat
 


Tuesday, August 21, 2012

A Woman Made For Pleasure ~Michele Sinclair~




At the innocent age of twelve, Mildred Aldon and her childhood playmates Aimee and Jennelle, together called the Daring Three, make a pact to not marry and fill their lives with adventure instead. Their pact however comes with several contingencies that if they find the man who fits all of their requirements, they may in fact marry. Millie's almost impossible exceptions are, that she would only wed if she found a man who would allow her to hunt, ride astride, climb trees and explore caves. How funny it would be if the one to create this pact was the first one to fall?

Chase Wentworth, the Marquess of Chaselton has been friends of sorts with Mildred since childhood. Chase, brother to Aimee, has always considered his sister's friend a bit of a nuisance even is she aslways fascinated him with her daring sense of misguided adventure. Always getting into trouble that Chase often got her out of, Mildred was obstinate and reckless. Chase eventually leaves home to embark on a mysterious journey of international intrigue, leaving the Daring Three to their perils.

Eight years later, Chase returns home, mostly on a mission to reveal a traitor in the midst, but when he sees Mildred all grown up, he is more than distracted by her. She is still that reckless and obstinate girl, but she is also an attractive distraction. Much to her girlfriends' dismay, Millie's fall is inevitable once Chase returns to the fold, not only is she immediately drawn to him, but she knows he has an ulterior motive for returning to his home.

A Woman Made For Pleasure is Michele Sinclair's first book in her Promises trilogy and I will definitely read the next in the series. Millie in the beginning is a tad annoying. She's the one that comes up with this pact, hims and haws about the Daring Three having to forgo any possible romance. Even when she re-connects with Chase she is in denial of what they have or could have if she only loses her inability to bend. I thoroughly enjoyed when she becomes the "hypocrite", leaving her friends to their own devices. Chase's character is quite an great one. I really enjoyed his maturity and understanding, his strength and his wile. The exciting side story with Chase's hunt for the traitor only adds to the budding relationship that he has with Millie. I really enjoyed this book. I am a longtime fan of Michele Sinclair and will continue to be so. I highly recommend A Woman Made For Pleasure.

~KIMBERLY~


4 Stars (Brilliant)



Michelle Sinclair's Website: http://www.michelesinclair.com/

Monday, August 20, 2012

Author Spotlight ~JESSICA SCOTT~






Hi Jessica and welcome to Book Obsessed Chicks. I am happy to have you here as I am in complete awe of you, your books and the fact that you are career military as well as wife and mom. Please tell us a bit about yourself. Please tell us a bit about  Because of you and Until There Was You.

Hi Kim, thanks so much for having me here! I'm just another mom, trying to do it all and not have my kids end up on the stripper pole or in therapy. But I digress. 

1. What inspired you to write your first book?
I started writing back in 2007 when I was in Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning. I think my very first idea for a story was my never to see the light of day book After the War and I got the idea from a song by Evan's Blue called Kiss the Flag. It's a great song and it inspired my first female character, who'd lost her husband to the war. After that Shane & Jen came to life in one of the earlier renditions of Because of You and Evan & Claire from Until There Was You came along next. So it's kind of cool that my first and second books I've published are itterations of my second and third books I ever wrote!

2. Did you have problems with finding a publisher?
Very much so. 90% of that was my own doing because I queried far too early. After that, it is very difficult to sell to New York if people don't know how to market you and my books are really tough to market. Contemporary romances are typically (and I'm generalizing) lighter books. Military romances are almost always romantic suspense. So for me to be pitching a series of books about soldiers who are still in the military trying to make their way through life, it was a very hard sell. I'll forever be grateful to my editor Sue Grimshaw who plucked me out of the slush pile and took a chance on an unknown author!


3. Who are your mentors?
I've had so many wonderful authors off advice, a shoulder to lean on or just an ear to bend in the writing world. If I had to pick jus two, Julie Kenner and Allison Brennan come to mind first, as they're my go to gals for all things related to Jess's Crisises in Publishing. They've always taken the time to help me think through whatever it is that's causing my latest kerffluffle.


4. What does your family think about you being an author?
My parents are somewhat shocked that I'm writing romance and they keep waiting for me to write a "real book", lol!

5. Does your husband read your work?
Only if by read my work you mean read out loud and make fun of it. I genearlly don't let him read it.


7. Dream job?
I'm living it. I get to be a soldier and an author. Not much beats having two jobs you're passionate about!


8. Who are your favorite authors? Books?
Love love love Nalini Singh's Guild hunter series. All things Laura Kinsale. I read lots of nonfiction, too though and you can almost always find me reading something related to sociology.

9. I haven't watched TV in over 4 years (exception: Game of Thrones) but I am curious to know if you have a favorite show.
I don't watch TV that much. There's no time. But I have recently (thanks to hubby) started watching True Blood. We'll see if it holds my interest but it's really strange watching season 1 and season 5 at the same time.

10. How do you have time to balance all that is being Jessica Scott?
Hahahahah! What is this balance you speak of? Seriously, something has to give and in my life, that something is housework. I'm tied to my phone so I'm almost always working and trying to stay ahead of the game! Sometimes, though the most important thing is to turn the phone off and disconnect with the world so I can reconnect with my family.

11. Who are your favorite characters from your books?
Sergeant Vic Carponti, hands down. He has absolutely no filters. I love him.

11. Final thoughts, any message to readers?
Just that I'm so grateful to all the support from so many people! Ever since I've started writing, folks have been there cheering me on, encouraging me and helping prop me up when I wanted to quit. Folks, no matter what people tell you, life is a team sport. Make the most of the team you're on!
I'd like to give away a copy of UNTIL THERE WAS YOU to one commenter today. Kim, if you'll pick the winner once we're done?

Monday, August 13, 2012

~ CONTEST WINNER~ A ROGUE BY ANY OTHER NAME






HAPPY MONDAY ALL!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION IN THE SARAH MACLEAN A ROGUE BY ANY OTHER NAME CONTEST!!!  THE WINNER IS

 bn100..... DON't KNOW YOUR NAME, BUT CONGRATS!!!!!!

DIANA COSBY CONTEST WINNER







CONGRATULATIONS TO KAY ROGAL, WHO WON DIANA COSBY'S HIS CAPTIVE!!!!


THANK YOU ALL WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED. YOU ARE AWESOME!!!

Don't forget that Born to Bite comes out on August 28th... pre-order your copy today!!!

Thursday, August 9, 2012

A Rogue By Any Other Name ~Sarah MacLean ~




Once in a while I like to begin my reviews with a short commentary. As most of you all know, I am a huge fan of Historical Romance, my least favorite era however was Regency, until NOW. Precursor to this epiphany of mine was actually meeting Sarah MacLean at a small author conference in New Jersey called Liberty States Fiction Writers Conference in March of this year. I picked up both A Rogue By Any Other Name and her first book, Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake but put them aside because of the old TBR pile. It wasn't until my book pusher, Jenn and I were having breakfast that she began to extol all the virtues of Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake that I gave in, put other books away and grabbed A Rogue By Any Other Name. Well I couldn't put the book down and swiftly picked up all the Love By Numbers  books and I am thoroughly obsessed with Sarah's writing. In my opinion, Ms. MacLean is brilliant and witty and I am a new, but extreme fan.


In a high stakes game of 21, the young, cocky, Marquess of Bourne loses his entire fortune and his ancestral home, Falconwell, to the Viscount Langford. From that day forward he begins plotting his revenge. 10 years later he is a partner in one of the most prestigious and moneymaking game hells in London the aptly named, Fallen Angel, and a step closer to his revenge.
Lady Penelope Marbury knows disappointment. Once engaged to the Duke of Leighton, she was well on her way to a prosperous match. Unfortunately for the very proper Penelope, the Duke of Leighton’s affections lay elsewhere, and in a scandal that rocked all of London and beyond, the engagement was broken, leaving Penelope alone and crushed while the Duke married the love of his life.
Penelope, Michael and Thomas Alles, the viscount Langford’s son, were the best of friends growing up but times change everyone and friendships sometimes go the wayside as this trio. Penelope and Thomas remained friends however. Friends enough for Thomas to even propose to Penelope, only to be turned down.
After Penelope’s scandalous break-up, she received several offers of marriage, which she all refused, to her parents’ dismay. Wanting to have good marriages for his remaining daughters, Penelope’s father, the Marquess of Needham and Dolby, after having acquired the estate, includes Falconwell in Penelope’s dowry in order to attract a groom for the bride to be. Once Penelope learns of her father’s doings, she is upset by the family’s insistence that she marry and the means they use to achieve that goal.
Once evening, she takes a walk that will change her life completely, a walk that leads her to Falconwell, where she spent a great deal of her childhood with her best friends, and into the hands of Bourne, who even though held Penelope in high regard, is blinded by his revenge on Viscount Langford.
Can Penelope break through Bourne’s shield that he uses to keep all emotions at bay?  Bourne has constructed quite an armor that slowly begins to crack when Penelope becomes his and she wants much more than he is willing to offer. Will she finally get to experience the kind of love her once betrothed has? Will Penelope’s once boring life become a hotbed of excitement? Lots of questions but all answered to eloquently in Sarah MacLean’s A Rogue by Any Other Name.
~KIMBERLY~
***CONTEST ALERT: COMMENT, LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS AND BE ENTERED TO WIN A COPY OF A ROGUE BY ANY OTHER NAME BY SARAH MACLEAN***
ENDS SUNDAY 8/13/12
5 Stars (Hook Line and Sinker)

 Sarah MacLean's Website: http://macleanspace.com/


Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Author Spotlight on Diana Cosby



CONTEST ALERT: One lucky commentor will win a copy of Diana Cosby's HIS CAPTIVE

I am very happy to share this author spotlight on Diana Cosby with you all. I feel she is an author very worth getting to know and reading. Her MacGruder Series is fabulous and just wait until BORN TO BITE comes out on August 28, 2012 for her awesome take on a Highland Vampire! HAPPY READING
~KIMBERLY~




Hi Diana and welcome to Book Obsessed Chicks. I am happy to have you here.
~Thank you for having me at Book Obsessed Chicks.  My sincere pleasure to visit.
Born to Bite was my first Vampire/Highlander book. I really enjoyed it and I think that you are in very good company with Hannah Howell and Erica Ridley.
~I'm so glad you enjoyed Born To Bite.  It was an honor to be asked to write a Highland vampire story in the anthology along side Hannah Howell and Erica Ridley.  
I would love for your name and works to be known by all!!!
~I love writing Scottish romantic suspense, and if others enjoy my stories, it's humbling.
Before we begin, why don't you tell us a bit about yourself?
~I'm a military brat and a retired Navy Chief who is on my 33rd move, and the mom of three amazing children who are all active duty military.  Two Marines and one in the Army.  I've read romances since my teens, and have always wanted to write.  When I retired from the Navy, I began writing and absolutely loved crafting stories.
 1. What inspired you to write this book?
~Several years ago, I had a vision of a heroine finding the hero laying in a stone circle naked.  Since then, I've tried to figure out who they are and what's their story.  When my editor asked me to write a story in the Born To Bite anthology, I realized the vision of years ago was my hero, Aedan MacGregor, and heroine Rowan Campbell.  After that, the story fell together, and the plot a turn of events of the forbidden.
2. Did you have problems with finding a publisher?
~My editor asked me to write this story in the anthology with Hannah Howell and Erica Ridley.  A huge honor.
3. Who are your mentors?
~My mentors, authors who I've been blessed to have as critique partners are author's Shirley Rogerson (http://shirleyrogerson.com/), Mary Forbes (http://maryjforbes.com/), Michelle Hancock (michellehancock.ca ), and Maggie Tousiannt (http://www.maggietoussaint.com/).
4. What does your family think about you being an author?
~My mom and dad and children have always been huge supporters of my writing.  I'm blessed to have them in my life.  
5. Dream job?
~Writing is absolutely my dream job.  I love what I do and am humbled to write the stories of my heart.
6. Being a Veteran, has that helped you in any way with your writing?
Being a retired Navy Chief has definitely helped me in my writing.  My military career taught me discipline, belief in self, to set clear goals, how to manage times and organize, and work with others to achieve a goal.
7. Who are your favorite authors? Books?
~I read all over the board and love numerous authors.  A couple of my all-time favorite authors are Nora Roberts, Cathy Maxwell, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, and Julie Garwood.
8. I haven't watched TV in over 4 years (exception: Game of Thrones) but I am curious to know if you have a favorite show
~Like you, I watch very little television.  I did catch Game of Thrones, and I catch a bit of Suites here and there.  I also enjoy the older movies.  And, at times I watch the Food Channel with my two favorite shows Iron Chef and Chopped.
9. How do you have time to balance all that is being Diana Cosby?
~I have a strict schedule and do promotion, catch up on e-mails, and complete errands during the morning.  In the afternoon I write.  On weekends I do promotion and catch anything else that I need to finish before the week is out.
10. Who are your favorite characters from your books?
~I love all of my characters.  The character who talks to me the most, and is the most demanding in a charming way is Alexander MacGruder.  While I was writing his story, His Captive, he would wake me up at night and ask me why I wasn't writing. :)
11. Final thoughts, any message to readers?  
~Believe in your self and your dreams.  Dare to go after your dreams.  





Diana Cosby is an international bestselling author of Scottish medieval romantic suspense.  Her award-winning books are available in five languages.  Diana has appeared in Woman’s Day, on USA Today’s romance blog, “Happily Ever After,” MSN.com, and in Texoma Living Magazine. 
After retiring as a Navy Chief, AGC(AW), Diana dove into her passion – writing romance novels. With 33 moves behind her, she was anxious to create characters who reflected the amazing cultures and people she’s met throughout the world.   Diana is currently working on the sixth book in the award-winning MacGruder brother’s series, and is preparing for the release of her story in the anthology, “Born To Bite,” with Hannah Howell and Erica Ridley.  Diana looks forward to the years of writing ahead and meeting the amazing people who will share this journey.

Diana Cosby, International Bestselling Author


BORN TO BITE IS OUT ON AUGUST 28, 2012

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Her Island Destiny by Annie Marshall



Present Day:
Isla MacKinnon, also goes by the call sign Valkyrie. She is a helicopter pilot for the US Army who loses all her passengers and crew when she is attacked and crashes. As the only survivor, she feels guilt and instead of going back to work as she would like, she is made to take R&R. Isla heads to Scotland for her much needed time away. When she decides to take a walk on the beach, she ends up in the turbulent water and is unable to free herself. Trapped, Isla gives in and blacks out in the water, resigning herself to death.

Scotland 1296
When Laird Cian MacKyleakin , also known as the infamous Wolf of Moal loses his betrothed to suicide, he is saddened and confused at what he will do to hold onto his birthright. Edward the Longshanks has declared that only pure-blooded Scots can retain their property in Scotland and since Cian has descended from Vikings as well as Scots, all may not be well. Especially since he has Laird MacAlpin breathing down his neck just waiting to steal Cian's home from him and wage a war on the MacKyleakins

When he and his men find the barely alive Isla in the rough waters, Cian saves her from the surf only to be immediately attracted to the waif. From deep within he feels the need to protect the woman he doesn't even know. When Isla regains consciousness and finds herself not in an impossible dream, but really in Scotland, she struggles to remain sane. When she is told that she is THE Mackinnon, and the only female of the clan able to join with Laird Cian she fights tooth and nail to retain her composure as well as herself, but the growing bond between the two is unbreakable. All Cian wants is for Isla to say she loves him as he has so resigned to do from the start.  Isla is terrified that once she admits what her heart already knows that she will be trust back into her time destined to be alone again. In addition, a war is coming and she would be caught right smack in the middle of this mess

Annie Marshall has brought forth the impossible and made it a possibility. When you read Her Island Destiny you are transported the reader from a modern cottage on a Scottish Isle to turbulent times in Scotland of old, where men took what they wanted whenever and however they pleased. I loved how Isla quickly came to the realization that she was in fact back in 1296 and she didn't whine about it, she took action. Laird MacKyleakin, striking and possessive, knows what he wants, and it's Isla. I love how his quick manipulations bring action and he he knows how to touch on nerves. Your heart just goes out to him when you know all he wants is for Isla to love him as much as much as he loves her.

Once I picked up this story, I found I could not put it down. Annie Marshall goes right to the heart of it, grabs you and doesn't let you go. I have never read a time travel historical like this before. It is a novelty to me, I thought I wouldn't be interested, and I was glad  I was wrong, especially after such an awesome surprise ending and the very memorable line, "Where ye go, I go". LOVED this book, can't wait for more.
Thank you Annie Marshall....

~KIMBERLY~

5 Stars (Hook Line and Sinker)


Hello all! I enjoyed this book so much, I wanted to let me lovely followers and friends know a bit about Annie Marshall. So today's AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT is on this lovely lady and so talented writer.


 
Hi Annie and welcome to Book Obsessed Chicks. I am happy to have you here. Her Island Destiny was actually my first read of yours. I was so impressed that I have already downloaded the rest of your books. Please tell us a  bit about Her Island Destiny and a bit about yourself!

1. What inspired you to write this book?
The idea for "Her Island Destiny" (and the other books) came from the fact that I wanted to show that our women in the Army are strong, courageous, and fierce when they need to be but still have a soft and sensual side to them.  After all, they are women.  And of course, dropping them into the middle of medieval Scotland puts them to the ultimate test especially when confronted with their own alpha males. Truly, it’s my heroines who prove to be the Warriors of Destiny.

2. Did you have problems with finding a publisher?
Even before I decided to submit a manuscript to a publisher, I belonged to the DCL Publications fan yahoo email list.  When the time came to submit, it felt right that I send them my manuscript for my short story of “Her Highland Destiny.”  I was elated when they contacted me to give me the news that HHD was accepted! 

3. Who are your mentors?
Deborah MacGillivray, Tess Mallory, and Bertrice Small are three of the best mentors I could ever have!  All three have been so supportive of my career and are excellent sounding boards when I hit a wall.  They offer me encouragement and I feel blessed beyond measure to have them in my life.

4. What does your family think about you being an author?
My husband teases me about writing romance novels but I know in his own way, he’s proud of me.
My thirteen year old daughter thinks “…it’s so cool…” that I’m a published author.  She has even followed suit by writing fan fiction about some of the books that she’s read.  It makes me proud to know that she enjoys writing too.
Now, my teenage son is on the fence at times because he knows that romance books mean “kissing and mushy stuff.”  But I’ve overheard him bragging to his friends about his “Award-Winning and Best-Selling Mom!”  I have two of the greatest kids in the entire world.

5. Does your husband read your work?
Ha!  No he doesn't.  Romance is just not his genre.  If it’s not a Star Wars novel or an Army manual, he just doesn’t read it.  I imagine he feels it would ruin his manly reputation if he did.  You know how these guys are.  He enjoys reading too so one day when he runs out of things to read, I figure I’ll be able to get him to read my books then.

7. Dream job?
I was lucky that when I was sixteen, the very first job I had was one of my dream jobs and that was as a lifeguard.  There are several other things I’d love to do now but out of everything, a tour guide in Scotland would be a dream come true!  (Ooooh that gives me an idea for another book!  Pardon me while I jot a few notes down.)

8. Who are your favorite authors? Books?
Of course there is Deborah MacGillivray, Tess Mallory, and Bertrice Small.  Then there is Jude Deveraux, Johanna Lindsey, Karen Marie Moning, Janet Chapman, Lisa Kleypas, and the list goes on and on.
The first romance book that I read was Jude Deveraux’s “A Knight in Shining Armor.”  To this day, it remains my all-time favorite romance novel. And even though the book’s cover is worn, held together with tape, and the pages are turning yellow, I still take it from my shelf and visit its characters at least once a year like an old friend.

9. I haven't watched TV in over 4 years (exception: Game of Thrones) but I am curious to know if you have a favorite show.
I love Game of Thrones too!  Other than the morning news, I don’t watch TV during the day.  I listen to more music than I watch TV.  However, in the evening, there are several shows that I watch but the ones that I DVR would be:  Castle, Rizzoli and Isles, Grimm, Once Upon a Time, Haven, Big Bang Theory, Ghost Hunters, and Destination Truth. 

10. How do you have time to balance all that is being Annie Marshall?
Time management, simple as that.  I have to approach my day like a business schedule and stick to it.  I sit down and write out my time budget on my calendar as an author/writer, promoter, book cover designer/promo artist, photographer, Army wife, mom, corgi/kitty owner, and homemaker.  I know it sounds extreme but if I don’t do this, I miss something.  Even the smallest of things can be catastrophic if it’s missed.

11. Who are your favorite characters from your books?
Like children, I love them all for different reasons but I’d have to say the one character that stands out the most is Duncan MacKinnon.
Duncan is the young squire to Iain MacAlister in “Her Highland Destiny” and then later to Aiden MacAlister in “Her Noble Destiny.”  Then he makes a brief appearance in my short story, “Haunted Legacy” as Sheena’s brother.  (Sheena is the heroine in my story of Lust for the DCL “Seven Sins” Anthology.)
I fell in love with this lad who had such a hard life and I didn’t want to say goodbye to him just yet.  I wanted Duncan to grow into a strong and sexy Laird with his own lady love so after discussing this with my muse (the voices in my head) we are now giving him his own story.  The fourth Warrior of Destiny, “Her Chosen Destiny,” is Duncan’s story and my current work in progress.

11. Final thoughts, any message to readers?
I am truly honored that you’ve taken the time out of your day to share a moment with me.  If it wasn’t for you, the readers, my Warriors of Destiny would just be distant voices that I hear in my head.  Blessings to you all!  Haunts and Kilted Kisses!
 

Annie's Bio:


This Ozark Mountain native has been writing short story comedies since Jr. High.  Then after receiving her first kiss in Sr. High, her mind turned to romance and since, these short stories included a romance.

At the age of twenty, she read her first Romance Novel by Jude Deveraux, “A Knight In Shining Armor.”  She was hooked and to this day, it remains her one of her most favorite novels!

Most of Ms. Marshall’s books have a paranormal twist to them.  She loves writing (and reading) about ghosts, time-travel, and old spooky haunted castles.  She also has a deep love for Scotland, Ireland, and Wales and comes from a long family line of Celtic people.

An avid Pembroke Welsh Corgi lover, she is owned by two lively corgis named Aonghus and Hamish plus a sweet black cat named Miss Aella Boo.

Not only is Ms. Marshall an award-winning author of sexy Scots, she is also the Managing Cover Artist and Photographer for DCL Publications, LLC. She also does freelance work as well.

Along with reading and writing about men in kilts, ghosts, and time travel, she loves traveling, going to the beach to collect shells and sea glass, digging for gemstones, and jewelry making!

To learn more about Ms. Marshall plus her upcoming books and appearances, please go to:   www.annie-marshall.com!

You can also follow her at:
Facebook – www.facebook.com/author.anniemarshall
Facebook Fan Page – www.facebook.com/AnnieMarshallCelticRomanceAuthor
Twitter – www.twitter.com/authoramarshall
Goodreads –  www.goodreads.com/author/show/2736192.Annie_Marshall
Annie Marshall Yahoo Group – groups.yahoo.com/group/anniemarshall_paranormalromance
Enchanted Pages – http://www.enchantedpages.com/home.php?pf=2130
Linkedin – http://www.linkedin.com/pub/annie-marshall/32/14b/a36