Highlander's Sweet Promises
Page 64
Her imagination had run away with her. She’d wished for a Highlander with a wolfish smile and a honeyed tongue and so she’d conjured him.
Simple as that.
She would just lean against the ruined wall of the drum-tower and wait until her knees stopped knocking before she gathered her untouched lunch packet and returned to the road to wait for the tour bus.
It wasn’t until she was halfway there before she realized she’d picked up more than her picnic goods.
Her heart still beating wildly, she looked at her left hand, slowly uncurling her fingers to reveal the squarish clump of granite she must’ve grabbed when she’d held so tight to the crumbling edges of the stair’s door arch.
She frowned.
The stone seemed to stare at her in mute reproach. But rather than taking it back, she hurried on, clutching the stone like a precious treasure.
To her it was.
A memento of her Highlander.
Something tangible to remember him by.
She paused a few feet from the road, glancing back over her shoulder at the ruins. The sun had burst through the clouds, burning off the mist and gilding the tumbled walls with the bright blue and gold of the late spring afternoon. Even the wind was lessening and the sense of menace was gone from the dark, jagged cliffs of Wrath Isle.
The ruined castle no longer a home to ghosts.
An empty shell was all it was, she made herself believe, choosing as well to ignore the aching thickness in her throat and the stinging heat jabbing the backs of her eyes.
Whoever or whatever he’d been, her hunky Highlander couldn’t have been real.
Never in all her dreams.
###
If you liked Highlander in Her Bed, you might also enjoy Allie’s magic-filled novellas…
Falling In Time
When love calls across the ages…
Aspiring writer Lindy Lovejoy knows all about happy endings. But when she travels to Scotland to research Celtic myth and lore, she never expected a chance to live her own storybook romance, until a stop at mystical Smoo Cave whisks her back in time and into the arms of Rogan MacGraith, a Highland hero who’d burn up the pages of the steamiest Scottish romance novel.
The Seventh Sister
A story of love, legend, and magic
Down-on-her-luck American artist Maggie Gleason returns to Ireland, hoping to put old hurts behind her. Instead, revisiting the fishing village that enchanted her twelve years before only reopens wounds – until the unexpected appearance of roguish pub owner Conall Flanagan proves that the Ancient Isle is a magical place where anything can happen and true love always stands the test of time.
About the Author
Allie Mackay is the pen name for USA Today bestselling author Sue-Ellen Welfonder who writes Scottish medieval romance under her real name. A former flight attendant, she has three grand passions: Scotland, the paranormal, and animals. All can be found in her medieval romances and the paranormals she writes as Allie Mackay.
Connect with Allie Mackay
(Sue-Ellen Welfonder)
Allie’s website
http://alliemackay.wordpress.com/
Sue-Ellen’s website
http://sue-ellenwelfonder.com/welcome/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SueEllenWelfonderAuthor
Twitter: http://twitter.com/SE_Welfonder
Email: welfonder@msn.com
Guardians of Cridhe Facebook:
(7 Author Scottish Historical Author Group)
https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheGuardiansOfCridhe/
Interview with Allie Mackay by Eclectic Passions
Originally published in 2014
EP: Do you have any rituals that you do before and after writing a story?
AM: I have to know the hero and heroine names. Until I do, I can’t write. Another must is having the names of their respective homes. I only use settings I know in Scotland, places I’ve visited that have inspired me, so my settings are always real. But I make up my own castle names. Once I have character and setting names, the story is ‘grounded’ and I can begin writing.
My other before-I-start-a-new-book ritual is to clean my office. All trace of the madness of my previous deadline must vanish, my office fresh and tidy, sparkling clean for the new book’s ‘arrival.’
The only thing I do after writing book is crash. I indulge in 48-hour sleep marathons. The world stops and deep sleep recharges my exhausted physical body and drained mind. Then I clean my office like mad (see above), cycle and walk (to clear my head), and then start a new book.
EP: As a reader what do you check for when you are looking for a good read?
AM: I read to be swept away to another time and place, so atmosphere is a must. A strong sense of place. I want to ‘be there.’ The heroine has to be likeable, someone I’d enjoy as a friend. My favorite heroes are big, rough-hewn men, rugged on the outside, definitely roguish, but with a good heart. It helps if they love animals. Once they meet the heroine, all other women must cease to exist for them. And, of course, I love a sigh-worthy happy ending. I want my eyes to mist and my throat to swell when I read the last few paragraphs.
EP: I am one of those curious interviewers that loves finding out when the writing bug first bit an author. When did you know that beyond a doubt being a writer was your calling? Do you remember where you were when the proverbial writing light bulb clicked on?
AM: I never wanted to be a writer. My dream was always to be a stewardess and see the world. I did that for 23 years and still miss my airline career. Even so, I was always writing, just not fiction or with the aim to be published. I was encouraged to write by my friend, the late Becky Lee Weyrich, Time Travel Queen of the 80’s and 90s. I’d send her 20-page letters describing my adventures in far-flung corners of the globe and she told me she ‘always felt as if she was there with me when she read my letters.’ That led to her urging me to write.
Once I opened myself to the possibility, fragments of story ideas flooded my mind. On a trip to Scotland, I was walking around Eilean Donan Castle when the hero of my first book ‘appeared’ to me, full-bodied and so real. His entire story was just there in my head, start to finish, as if he’d told me his tale then and there. He was Duncan MacKenzie and his book was DEVIL IN A KILT. The book won RT’s “Best First Historical” Award and went on to launch my popular MacKenzie series. And so I became an author.
EP: For newbie writers (such as myself) I’ve heard time and again, write what you know and know what you write. Do you agree with this adage? What would be your adage that you could share with us budding authors?
AM: Yes, I agree. I’d just word it differently. “Write what you love.” If you write what you love, it follows that you’re in your element, or that you’ll enjoy researching the topic. Most importantly, your passion will flow into the words, bringing them alive. Without passion, the writing is just ink on the page.
I have a personal tip for new writers. I tell them to, “Keep at it. We’ll never know how many beautiful books we’ll never read because someone, somewhere gave up too soon.”
Praise for Some Like It Kilted
"A ghostly romance that transcends time." Allie Mackay gears us up for another hauntingly sexy Scottish romp. She’s a master at penning magical tales of love across the ages, and this certainly is another gem.” ~ Fresh Fiction
“Perfect for a weekend’s escape. Mackay’s humor is sprinkled throughout, making the book a fun read. She skillfully weaves the elements of reincarnation, time travel and ghostly happenings into a well told story. Bran of Barra is one of the most compelling heroes I’ve read in some time. His innate sensuality sprang off the page. I wouldn’t mind having him show up in my bedroom to carry me back in time to his castle.” ~ Love Romances & More
“A great read! This is the fourth book in Allie Mackay’s wonderful Highland Ghost series and the one we’ve all been waiting for: Bran of Barra’s story! You will love this series especially if you are a die-hard Scottish fa
n.” ~ Sapphire Romance
Praise for Tall, Dark, and Kilted
“TALL, DARK, AND KILTED is an imaginative, intriguing, and sensuous novel. It's also connected to HIGHLANDER IN HER DREAMS which Romance Reviews Today recommends highly. All of Mackay’s titles exhibit the author's knowledge and love of Scotland and its Highlanders.” ~ Romance Reviews Today
“This was a heartwarming tale of forbidden love packed with hilarious situations and wonderful secondary characters. It left me feeling that no matter how unattainable something may seem, if our heart and soul want something bad enough, nothing is beyond reach.” ~ Leah Weller ‘Medieval Lady,’ ~ Reviewer for Bookworm2bookworm
“Engaging, romantic, with a touch of mystery and a terrific twist. Brisk and breezing, from the moment the ghost and the American meet, it never slows down.” ~ Genre Go Round Reviews
“TALL, DARK AND KILTED is outlandishly funny one minute and seductively sensual the next.” ~ Wild on Books
“If you like books that will grab you, make you laugh out loud, and your heart go thud, you will love Allie Mackay. TALL, DARK, and KILTED is Hardwick’s Story.” ~ Night Owl Reviews
Praise for Highlander in Her Dreams
“A treat. Cleverly plotted, innovative twists, and snappy dialogue. HIGHLANDER IN HER DREAMS is a fun, sexy story. HOT.” ~ Romantic Times Magazine
“Sexy. Imaginative and fascinating. Mackay spins a magical tale where a modern woman falls in love with a medieval Scottish chieftain. A fascinating mix of exciting action and passionate romance makes HIGHLANDER IN HER DREAMS a real keeper.” ~ Romance Reader at Heart
“When you pick this book up, you will find the "feel" of Scotland surround you as you read. I just want to crawl into her stories and lose myself. Love, love, love her writing!” ~ Leah Weller ‘Medieval Lady,’ Reviewer for Bookworm2bookworm
“HIGHLANDER IN HER DREAMS brims with Scottish charm, humor, and hot romance.”
~ Night Owl Romance
“HIGHLANDER IN HER DREAMS is a pleasing blend of wit, passion, and the paranormal… a steamy romance that packs emotional punch.” ~ Romance Reviews Today
“A fabulous mixture of magic and romance. Allie Mackay has penned an enchanting romance of lovers from different times. HIGHLANDER IN HER DREAMS is a captivating paranormal romance and a wonderful addition to a book lover’s library.” ~ Fresh Fiction
Also Available:
Allie Mackay
(Order is descending, earliest titles at the top)
Highlander in Her Bed
Highlander in Her Dreams
Tall, Dark, and Kilted
Some Like It Kilted
Must Love Kilts’
Haunted Warrior
Sue-Ellen Welfonder
Novellas
Once Upon A Highland Christmas
The Seventh Sister
Falling in Time
Boxed set: The Seventh Sister & Falling in Time
A Man, A Woman, and Haggis (Tails of Love Anthology w/ Lori Foster)
Scandalous Scots Series
Once Upon A Highland Christmas
To Love A Highlander
Highland Warriors Trilogy
Sins of a Highland Devil
Temptation of a Highland Scoundrel
Seduction of a Highland Warrior
MacKenzie Series
Devil in a Kilt
Bride of the Beast
Only for a Knight
Until the Knight Comes
Bride for a Knight
Seducing a Scottish Bride
A Highlander’s Temptation
MacLean Trilogy
Knight in my Bed
Master of the Highlands
Wedding for a Knight
The Daring Heart
The Highland Heather and Hearts Scottish Romance Series, Book Three
by
Carmen Caine
Copyright© 2013 Carmen Caine
Edited by Louisa Stephens
Bento Box Books at MyBentoBoxBooks.com
All rights reserved.
This book is dedicated to my family
… for being so patient with me.
I love all of you.
Author’s Note to the Reader
Though Julian and Liselle never existed, the true story of Thomas (Robert) Cochrane, King James III of Scotland, and his brothers, continues where “The Bedeviled Heart” left off. And while Dolfino Dolfin did exist and sold trade secrets that played a hand in starting the Venetian Salt Wars, the Vindactim never existed.
And while my goal is to weave history throughout these stories in an effort to make them all the more entertaining, they will always be romances first and historical second, my focus being on the human relationships between the characters.
"The Kindling Heart" begins the story with Bree and Ruan in the Isle of Skye.
"The Bedeviled Heart" covers Cameron and Kate's dramatic romance against the backdrop of court intrigue and witchcraft.
“The Daring Heart" brings the adventure of Lord Julian Gray as he meets his match in the Venetian assassin, Liselle.
"The Bold Heart" (formerly known as “The Loyal Heart”) weaves the spell of fated love with Merry rescuing Ewan in the events leading up to the Battle of Sauchieburn and completes the circle of how it all began.
1
A Wicked minx
Sarlat, France
May, 1482
Lord Julian Gray's dark lashes flew open.
He became aware of the sharp blade pressed against his ribs the exact moment the door to his bedchamber crashed open.
'Twas not the way he preferred to awake from a deep sleep.
The Venetian assassin he had been trailing the past week stood framed in the door, observing him with the deadliest of expressions. He was a lean, dark-haired man possessing an air of refinement. His nose was long and thin, and he peered across the chamber at Julian with one hand holding a torch aloft and the other firmly clasped upon the hilt of his sword.
The bed jiggled a little as the blade in Julian’s ribs dug a little deeper into his flesh, and then a woman's husky voice whispered softly in his ear, "Play nice, if you wish to live."
"Explain yourself, knave!" the assassin at the door roared at the same moment.
Julian's gray eyes narrowed.
Under the covers, the blade slid along his chest and he caught his breath.
Ach, but he could recognize his own blade anywhere.
The canny vixen had stolen his own dagger from under his pillow!
Startled, he cast a quick sidelong glance at his bedmate assailant, and his lips parted in surprise.
Even in the flickering torchlight, he could see the lass was a feast for the senses! Honey-colored tresses cascaded over a creamy, naked shoulder. Her lips were wide and full, her nose pointed at the tip, and her lashes fluttered over stunning hazel eyes.
She nudged the dagger again, dangerously close to piercing his flesh.
There was a rasp of steel as the assassin crossed the chamber and pulled out his sword, cursing, "I'll have your head, knave!"
"It's too late, Orazio!" The hazel-eyed lass threw herself over Julian's bare chest. "We are wed, and the marriage has already been consummated!"
Julian choked.
His reward was a twist of the blade. This time, he was certain it had drawn blood.
Orazio drew a sharp breath. "Liselle! What have you done?"
“I’m a grown woman, Orazio!” she replied. “I’ve reached my twentieth year and can do what I please!”
"Did you find her?" a hauntingly familiar voice asked from the passageway outside.
Julian blinked in astonishment as the dark-haired, sultry-eyed Lady Nicoletta, lady-in-waiting to Princess Anabella of Scotland, appeared in the doorway swathed in a velvet mantle, her full lips drawn in a tight, worried expression.
They stared at each other in shock.
"Lord Julian Gray!" Nicoletta was the first to regain control.
Julian licked his
dry lips. "Nicoletta? What are ye doing in France?"
But Nicoletta was not listening to him. Running to the side of the bed, she placed her hands firmly upon her hips and glared at the lass still draped over Julian.
"Liselle, get out of that bed at once! Lord Gray is a man of the most disreputable ilk. You'll have naught to do with him!"
Julian began to snort in wicked amusement, but after one look at Orazio, quickly changed it into a cough. Adopting an insulted manner, he began to protest. "Ach, 'tis not true, Nicoletta! Ye've always misunderstood me!"
Orazio's dark brow swept up in astonishment. "Do you know this man, Nicoletta?"
"Does it matter?" the lass at Julian’s side asked pointedly. "He is my husband. The deed is done!"
Nicoletta gasped, clutching her heart. "Husband?"
Julian opened his mouth to object but shut it quickly when the tip of the dagger poked him again.
"Lord Gray, did you truly wed our sister?" Nicoletta asked in a strangled voice.