Friday Book Trailer

I came across the trailer for McCarty's The Viper  this morning, can't wait to get this book.  It came out this past Tuesday, but I probably won't have time to get it until next week.

The Saint - By Monica Mccarty

It's here!  Well, not the book.  But the cover!!  And it is red hot!  Take a look:



Magnus MacKay is the ultimate Highlander: tough, proud, able to master any terrain and to best his enemies. Called “the Saint” for his refusal to discuss women, as well as for his cool and steady leadership, Magnus hides a painful truth. It isn’t virtue or piety that keeps him silent, but a wound of love and loss that cuts so deep he cannot bear to speak of it. But when the woman who refused him is betrothed to his friend and fellow Guardsman, Magnus is tested by love’s battle cry.

A wild and innocent beauty, Helen chose family duty over her desire for Magnus. Now the anger in his eyes mirrors the tormented regret in her heart. But as deadly subterfuge stalks the King and his Guard, Helen vows to right her youthful mistakes with a woman’s determined spirit. Still, Magnus harbors secrets and an iron will not to weaken to temptation—or heartache—again. But as danger looms, it’s the kiss not of a saint, but of a sinner, that can save them (Amazon).

Review - In Bed with a Highlander by Maya Banks

Ewan McCabe, the eldest of three brothers, is determined to rebuild his clan and castle while setting about the downfall of his enemy.  Everything looks to fall into place when he comes across Mairin Stuart.  Mairin, the illegitimate daughter of the king, has been kidnapped from her sanctuary and will be forced to marry.  Escaping, she finds herself in Ewan's control and facing marriage once again.

I wanted to like this book, I really did.  I don't dislike, but I didn't love it.  The book just left me feeling meh.  Ewan was too perfect, he was tall, dark, and handsome.  A warrior who was gruff but had a heart of gold.  Mairin was too much of a Mary-Sue.  Everyone loved her the instant they met her.  Even Ewan's son Crispen adored her and called her Mama the second Mairin and Ewan were married.  She is very reminiscent of Julie Garwood's heroines, except here she annoyed me.  The book is set in the time that King David was on the throne.  His nephew, Malcolm was also trying to lay claim to the thrown.  Mairin was very important politically because her first born would be given some land (Neamh Alainn), which would help either one keep the throne somehow (I forgot how).  But if she was so important, why was she left alone at an Abbey to basically fend for herself?  You would think that her uncle (King David) or half-brother (Malcolm) would keep her close to marry her off to an ally. 

Anyways, the majority of the book is spent on Mairin getting to know the clan, getting into mischief, and almost getting killed twice.  The book did pick up near the end when Mairin and Ewan are called to court, but I felt that everything was too rushed by this point.  Overall, the hero and heroine were too perfect and the villain was too "villainy".  I also felt that Banks' voice was too modern.  Looking at her backlist on Amazon, I only found contemporary romances.  So I think this may be her first medieval, and it shows.  It wasn't in your face obvious, but every once in a while it would pull me from the book.  Like every time Mairin rolled her eyes.  I would stop and think, would someone during that time roll their eyes?  I have no idea, but for some reason it strikes me as a modern gesture.  In the end, I don't think this is a horrible book, but it isn't an outstanding one.  It was like all Scottish medievals rolled into one.  I definitely will not be keeping this book.  More than likely I will take it to the used book store for credit.  Having said that, I am still contemplating reading the next two.  But I think that is my little OCD coming out and feeling the need to finish the trilogy because I know there are two more books.

Friday Book Trailer

Since I am in the mood for Scottish historicals, here is a video of the Scottish highlands.  I think it will help set the mood for the reading of any highlander romance.

Friday Book Trailer

Check it out!  Hilarious book trailer for Maya Banks' new trilogy.  I first saw it at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books.



I am so looking forward to this trilogy, I haven't read any of Banks' books, but if a historical book involves Highlanders, kidnapping, enemy clans, and revenge, I am hooked!  Not sure what that says about me, and pretty sure I don't want to know!

   

30 Days of Books - Day 9

A Book You Thought You Wouldn’t Like But Ended Up Loving

Hard to believe now, but the book I picked for today is Outlander by Diana Gabaldon.  Even though this book is one of my all-time favourite, ten years ago I wasn't sure if I would like it.  I think the first time I came across Diana Gabaldon's books was when I was looking for the newest book of Marius Gabriel.  Every time I was at the bookstore I would stop to see if he had a new book out.  Diana's books were right next to him.  Each time I would pick up Outlander and read the back cover.  And each time I would consider getting it, but decided that I wouldn't like the heroine having two husbands or the time traveling.  So each time i would put it back.  Finally, after reading the back cover for the hundredth time I decided that if I saw it at the used book store I would get it.

Only problem was, the next time I saw it at the used book store, it was Voyageur that was there.  I got it anyway and decided to start reading it until i could get the first book.  I was immediately hooked and wanted Outlander then and there, I tried to wait until I had to go by the bookstore again, but I couldn't.  Within two days I was back at the bookstore and bought Outlander, Dragonfly in Amber, and Drums of Autumn brand new because I did not want to wait.  So moral of today's story is you never know what it is you'll like unless you try it first.

Friday Book Trailer

I haven't read any books from this author, but I think I will be on the lookout for her books.  Here is the book trailer for Christine Young's Highland Honor.

30 Days of Books - Day 4

Favourite Book of your Favourite Series

No question, my favourite book is Outlander, it's the one that started it all and introduced me to Jamie, Claire, Roger, Brianna, Ian, and Rollo.  Although I'm not sure I would classify this under romance, more like historical fiction with everything thrown in for good measure.  For anyone who has not heard about this book (there might be one or two out there) this is what it is all about:

Absorbing and heartwarming, this first novel lavishly evokes the land and lore of Scotland, quickening both with realistic characters and a feisty, likable heroine. English nurse Claire Beauchamp Randall and husband Frank take a second honeymoon in the Scottish Highlands in 1945. When Claire walks through a cleft stone in an ancient henge, she's somehow transported to 1743. She encounters Frank's evil ancestor, British captain Jonathan "Black Jack" Randall, and is adopted by another clan. Claire nurses young soldier James Fraser, a gallant, merry redhead, and the two begin a romance, seeing each other through many perilous, swashbuckling adventures involving Black Jack. Scenes of the Highlanders' daily life blend poignant emotions with Scottish wit and humor. Eventually Sassenach (outlander) Claire finds a chance to return to 1945, and must choose between distant memories of Frank and her happy, uncomplicated existence with Jamie. Claire's resourcefulness and intelligent sensitivity make the love-conquers-all, happily-ever-after ending seem a just reward.

30 Days of Books- Day 1

I stumbled across this challenge at Mary Ellen Quigley's website and decided to give it a try.

Day 1 - The Best Book You Read Last Year

It did not take me long to think about what book to choose.  It had to be The Ranger by Monica McCarty.  I love historical romances set in Scotland.  I especially love romances that deal with enemies falling in love with each other.  The story of Anna and Arthur aka Ranger was a sweet (yet hot) one.  Arthur is the quintessential alpha male without being a jackass and Anna came across as being smart and independent without being TSTL.  I think this is the first novel in a long time where the characters take their time in getting to know each other without jumping into bed.  The reader was able to see why they fell in love rather than being told that they couldn't resist each other.



Chosen to help Robert the Bruce in his quest to free Scotland from English rule and claim his crown, the legendary team of warriors known as the Highland Guard battles on.
 Embedded deep behind enemy lines, Arthur “Ranger” Campbell is prized for his razor-sharp senses and his ability to blend into the shadows. But when Arthur infiltrates the clan of the chieftain who murdered his father, his heart is locked on revenge. Inside he faces unexpected resistance from the sweetest of obstacles—a honey-haired siren who is his enemy’s daughter.

Intrigued by this ruggedly handsome newcomer to her father’s forces, the vivacious, enchanting Anna MacDougall is a woman whose skill at uncovering deception rivals Arthur’s own. Though yearning for a quiet life with a good man to love, Anna is drawn to this mysterious knight whose eyes devour her but whose words push her away. As danger, treachery, and the threat of looming war draw them closer into each other’s arms, a warrior made of steel must make a choice from the heart: love or revenge.

If you would like to participate in the challenge, here is the list:

Day 01 – The best book you read last year
Day 02 – A book that you’ve read more than 3 times
Day 03 – Your favorite series
Day 04 – Favorite book of your favorite series
Day 05 – A book that makes you happy
Day 07 – Most underrated book
Day 08 – Most overrated book
Day 09 – A book you thought you wouldn’t like but ended up loving
Day 10 – Favorite classic book
Day 11 – A book you hated
Day 12 – A book you used to love but don’t anymore
Day 13 – Your favorite writer
Day 14 – Favorite book of your favorite writer
Day 15 – Favorite male character
Day 16 – Favorite female character
Day 17 – Favorite quote from your Favorite book
Day 18 – A book that disappointed you
Day 19 – Favorite book turned into a movie
Day 20 – Favorite romance book
Day 21 – Favorite book from your childhood
Day 22 – Favorite book you own
Day 23 – A book you wanted to read for a long time but still haven’t
Day 24 – A book that you wish more people would’ve read
Day 25 – A character who you can relate to the most
Day 26 – A book that changed your opinion about something
Day 27 – The most surprising plot twist or ending
Day 28 – Favorite title
Day 29 – A book everyone hated but you liked
Day 30 – Your Favorite book of all time

The Viper by Monica McCarty

The fourth book in Monica McCarty's Highland Guard series won't be released until October, but she has posted a synopsis for it at her website:

The war for Scotland’s sovereignty rages on—as Robert the Bruce is crowned king and the Highland Guard, his elite fighting force of legendary warriors, battle for land . . . and love.
Prized for his snake-like stealth and deadly strikes, Lachlan “Viper” MacRuairi is a warrior to enlist but not to trust. His only loyalty is to his purse, his indifference sealed by bitter betrayal. All that changes when Lachlan is tasked to protect and deliver Bella MacDuff to the king’s coronation—and the proud, lushly sensual countess unwittingly challenges him to his greatest battle yet: to love again.

Passionate and devoted, Bella has defied Britain’s king and her own husband to place the crown on Bruce’s head—and pays a terrible price. She loses her daughter and her freedom to her husband’s vengeance. Imprisoned with barbaric cruelty, she vows to reclaim her child, even if it means selling her soul—and her body—to a dark, lethal warrior whose eyes glint like steel, but who makes her skin tingle and her breath race. Together they embark on a rogue mission with sinister twists and turns that threatens not only Bella’s gamble to save her daughter—but also her heart.

I can't wait for this book, Monica McCarty is one of my new go-to authors; especially for Scottish historicals.  The history is enthralling and seems to be accurate/believable (I will be honest and admit that I do not have enough knowledge about history to know if that is true).  The sex is hot without being gratuitous or there just because a sex scene is needed.  With her characters, I feel like I am watching people actually fall in love rather than in lust.  I am anxiously awaiting for the release of this book in October.

Highlander Historical Romance

I have just stumbled upon a new Scottish historical series that will be released later this year.  Maya Banks'  Highlander series follows three brothers as they fight to save their clan.  The books will be released back to back (I can't tell you how much I love this!) starting September, 2011.  The first book, In Bed with a Highlander,is the eldest brother, Ewan's story, who falls in love with the King's illegitimate daughter.  Next up is Alaric in Seduction of a Highland Lass, Alaric is forced to choose between love and duty.  Finally the youngest brother, Caelen gets his story in Never Love a Highlander.  In the conclusion of the trilogy, Caelen marries his brother's jilted bride to save the alliance between the two clans.  I absolutely adore Scottish historical romances and cannot wait for these to come out.  I have not read any of Maya banks' books before.  I know she is an erotic romance novelist, which I enjoy, but I hope that these books have a meaty storyline as well.
    

Books I Want to Read

Every once in a while I start to think about my favourite authors and with the help of the internet look up information on their new books.  Here are just some of the books I am looking forward to in the next year.

Lara Adrian 

The Midnight Breed series is about vampires and their mates.  The ninth novel, Deeper Than Midnight, is Hunter's story.  I have an idea as to who his heroine is, but it would be a spoiler for people who have not read Taken By Midnight.  The book is scheduled to be released June 28th, 2011.  I did not know until today that Adrian also writes under the name of Tina St. John - I need to read these books too.

Jean M. Auel

I had absolutely no idea until today that the sixth book of the Earth's Children series is coming out soon!  The Land of the Painted Caves continues the story of Ayla, Jondalar, and their daughter Jonayla.  The final book will be released on March 29, 2011. 

Rachel Gibson

 Gibson's newest book is another hockey story.  This time it's about wedding planner, Autumn Haver, and hockey star, Sam Leclaire.  The two spend a wild weekend together in Las Vegas and end up married.  Two years later they meet up again when Autumn is in charge of organizing an event for Sam's hockey team.  It sounds reminiscent of Rachel Gibson's early book, Simply Irresistible, which is one of my all-time favourite books. 

Kristan Higgins

Available on March 29th, Harper James runs into her ex-husband at her stepsister's wedding.  Somehow the two are forced to travel across country together.  If this book is like Higgins' previous ones, there will be a crazy cast of secondary characters working through their own issues.

Lisa Kleypas
Rainshadow Road is the second book in the Friday Harbor series.  It is due out in December 2011.  So far I have not been able to find the cover or synopsis for this book.

Johanna Lindsey

 This book takes us to the kingdom of Lubinia where the captain of the palace guards, Christoph Becker believes that Alana Stindal is not the missing princess but a pretender.  This book will be out June 14, 2011.

 

 

 

Monica McCarty
Monica McCarty is my new go to author for Scottish historical romance.  The next book in her Highland Guard series is The Viper.  This one tells the story of Viper or Lachlan MacRuairi.  It will come out October 25th, 2011.

J.D. Robb

Robb's 33rd novel brings back Eve Dallas, Roarke et al for another mystery.  This time the suspense involves dirty cops.  The book was released on February 22, 2011.

 

Nora Roberts

The Queen of romance's newest book will be available April 12, 2011.  This time Roberts' focuses on firefighting with her characters Rowan Tripp and Gulliver Curry.