February Historical Romance Giveaway

February Historical Romance Giveaway
 at Love Kissed Book Bargains!

 February 1 - February 29!

 Sixty Featured Historical Romance Books

at rock bottom prices (some free)

Plus a great giveaway!

Enter to win one of two $50 Amazon Gift Cards.

ENTER at Love Kissed Book Bargains!

~Dawn Marie

99 Books @ 99 Cents Holiday Book Fair and Giveaway

HOLIDAY 99 BOOKS @ 99 CENTS BOOK FAIR

DAILY AMAZON GC GIVEAWAYS

December 18-21

Go to Book Fair and Giveaway

If you're craving a great read but your wallet is down to pennies, check out the Holiday Book Fair, with 99 books on sale for 99 cents each. All genres and heat levels of romance, plus mysteries, thrillers, romantic suspense, sci-fi, fantasy and more! That’s just 99 pennies for hours of awesome fiction!

Plus, check in daily to play the scavenger hunt games for a chance to win a $30 Amazon gift card. A new hunt will be posted every day of the fair.

Look for Books from Your Favorite Authors!

Angelica Kate • Bernadette Rowley • C.D. Gorri • Cailin Briste • Candace Sams • Cara Marsi • Cate Parke • Cathy MacRae • CB Samet • Cherry Christensen • Chloe Flowers • Christina McKnight • Crystal Dawn • Cynthia Cooke • Dakota Willink • Danni Roan • Dawn Marie Hamilton • Debbie White • Denise D. Young • Denise Devine • Donna Fasano • Donna Schlachter • Dyan Chick • E.B. Black • Elizabeth Rose • Elsie Davis • Em Petrova • Emberly Hart • Erin Zarro • Honey Phillips • ID Johnson • Isabella Thorne • Jacki Delecki • Jacqueline Diamond • Karen D. Bradley • Kat Samuels • Kerry Blaisdell • Kim Hornsby • Lane McFarland • Laurel Greer • Leeann Betts • Lucy Lakestone • Margaret Tanner • Maria Elena Alonso Sierra • Maria Geraci • Mariah Stone • Marsha A. Moore • Michelle Courtney • Naomi Bellina • Noelle Fox • R.M. Gauthier • Rachel Tsoumbakos • Ravyn Wilde • Ruth Kaufman • S. K. Gregory • Sabrina Kade • Shana Gray • Sierra Kay • Sydney Jane Baily • Tana Stone • Tee Smith • Theresa Beachman • Theresa Hodge • Traci Douglass • Victoria Saccenti • Whitley Cox • Zoe Forward • Aileen Harkwood

~Dawn Marie

December Historical Romance Giveaway!

December Historical Romance Giveaway
 at Love Kissed Book Bargains!

 December 1 - December 31!

 120 Featured Historical Romance Books

at rock bottom prices (some free)

An amazing giveaway!

Enter to win one of six $50 Amazon Gift Cards.

ENTER at Love Kissed Book Bargains!

~Dawn Marie 

#TimeTravelTues #Heat #Snippet - Just Beyond the Garden Gate by Dawn Marie Hamilton

Patrick closed his eyes and growled deep in his throat as desire pooled in his groin. Their kiss, potent and deep, an intoxicating aphrodisiac, became more and more heated. At first, he’d been shocked by the arc of power, but he couldn’t stop himself from claiming what he sensed belonged to him. What started as an unconscious display of dominance became a much more meaningful symbol of possession.

His forceful kiss demanded surrender.


~Dawn Marie

#TimeTravelTues #Crazy #Snippet - Just Beyond the Garden Gate by Dawn Marie Hamilton

Laurie rubbed the furrow lining her forehead and slumped into the sofa cushions. Gah, she must be going crazy. She poured herself another glass of wine and took several quick sips.

Was she hallucinating?

Even with the poor lighting, she found the man fabulously attractive. Scrumptious. He could have walked out of the steamiest romance novel. Intense, dark eyes—if only it had been light enough to see the color—set in a face only the Celtic gods could have molded. The sexy cleft in his chin made her mouth go instantly dry. The mere thought of him left her breathless and achy with need.

Had she really reached out to a stranger? How stupid. What if he was a nutcase?

She flicked her gaze to the dark windows then the locked front door. The house was secure.

A psycho? She hoped not. The man seemed familiar. She felt as though she'd met him before. Though where could that have been?

 

 

~Dawn Marie

#TimeTravelTues #Snippet - Just Beyond the Garden Gate by Dawn Marie Hamilton

The only explanation for the insanity was Munn. He was a menace.

Spiraling into another fine rage, she leapt from the chair and marched to the door. She tugged, never expecting to find it unlocked, but this time, the door opened. Hurrying along the passageway, she passed two guardsmen deep in discussion. Although they glanced up and nodded when she passed, they didn’t bother to block her way. Confident no one else would attempt to stop her, she quickly made her way down the circular stair, across the courtyard, and through the castle gate. She ran along the path to the garden, blind to everything save her destination.

She found Elspeth sitting in the midst of the frost-dead plants with Alexander.

“Where is that miserable brownie?” Laurie asked. “How do you call a brownie to you?”

Elspeth and Alexander, as one, flipped wide eyes up from the book they read.

“You dinnae,” Elspeth said after a moment. “They appear only when they wish.”

Laurie glared at the horizon, raised her arm and made a fist. “Damn you, little man. I’ll find a way to keep Patrick close to my heart. You’ll not force us apart.”

Queasiness once again rumbled in Laurie’s stomach. Her vision blurred. She clutched her belly and swayed. Was this magic too? Had Munn put a hex on her?

“Laurie!” Elspeth jumped to her feet “What is it? What has befallen you?”

Laurie didn’t have the breath to answer. She stumbled over the gravel path and threw out an arm, reaching for the wall, but it was too far away and she was too weak. She slid to the ground and lost consciousness.

 

 

~Dawn Marie

#TimeTravelTues #Snippet - Just Beyond the Garden Gate by Dawn Marie Hamilton

Laid out in a geometric grid, the castle garden provided a well at the center for irrigation. Heavy wooden planks held the soil in beds, most containing medicinal and culinary herbs and vegetables edged by lavender and white violets. Strawberry plants filled one bed and a large section dedicated to roses lay to the side. Though not yet in bloom, the roses’ shiny new leaves glistened in the sunlight. At the center of the rose garden grew a bench of living plants.

“’Tis a turf bench of chamomile. ’Twill flower soon,” Elspeth said with pride.

“I’ve never seen anything like it. Must be beautiful when in bloom.” Laurie followed Elspeth as they meandered through the garden.

“Most of the seedlings are collected from local fields and woods then planted here. Other plants are brought to me by friends and travelers who visit the castle.”

“What you’ve created here is amazing.”

“Thank you. My love for the garden came from my mother.” Elspeth’s voice saddened. “We spent hours together tending the plants. Since she is gone, I nurture the garden in her memory.”

“What happened to your mother?”

“My father and mother are missing—presumed dead by many—they disappeared three years ago while traveling across our land. After that, Patrick became chief of our clan.”

 

 

~Dawn Marie

Excerpt Wednesday - Caitrina Escapes From Tir-nan-óg - Just Beyond the Garden Gate by Dawn Marie Hamilton

 

 

Since I'm working on Just His Fae Kiss—Caitrina and Douglas's story—I'm continuing to share excerpts from the other books in the Highland Gardens series featuring them. This excerpt follows the one from two weeks ago from when Caitrina was held prisoner by the faerie queen in Just Beyond the Garden Gate...

 

∞∞∞

 

Caitrina hesitated. How could she betray Douglas? She had to. Besides, they didn’t really have a relationship. He only thought so because he was human. She needed to use Gabriel and one of his woman to escape.

Before she lost her nerve, she swung her hips in an erotic belly dance, ripping the gauzy, lavender strips of her gossamer garments one by, ever so slowly, one. When the last piece of fabric fell, Gabriel reeled her into his body, lifted her, and carried her to the poolside, chaise lounge.

When his fingers caressed her inner thigh, she pretended he was Douglas.

She couldn’t do this. She stayed his hand.

“Perhaps we could enjoy a threesome.” Caitrina placed a persuasion spell on the words.

His eyes flared. “I will summon Briganna.”

The beautiful lesser faerie, trained to sexually please, appeared beside Gabriel and they both joined Caitrina on the wide chase. With a kiss to each of their lips, Caitrina planted a sleep spell and slipped from the palace using Briganna’s glamour. As much as she wanted to stay in Tir-nan-óg, she couldn’t.

She needed to complete the match quickly, before the queen became aware of her escape. It was essential for Caitrina to find and silence that meddling MacLachlan brownie. Stop him before he exerted more harm.

Cloaked in Scottish glamour, she stilled her mind and sought Munn. She inhaled a deep breath, seeking composure, and sent her feelings into the mortal realm. Where would be the most likely place to find Munn?

 

∞∞∞

 

 

 

 

 

Just Beyond the Garden Gate

Amazon : Kobo : B&N : Apple

 

 

∞∞∞

 

Hope you enjoyed this wee peek into 'Just Beyond the Garden Gate', a Highland Gardens Novel.

 

~Dawn Marie  

Excerpt Wednesday - Caitrina Plots an Escape From Tir-nan-óg - Just Beyond the Garden Gate by Dawn Marie Hamilton

 

 

Since I'm working on the next tale in the Highland Gardens series—Just His Fae Kiss—Caitrina and Douglas's story, I thought it would be fun to share excerpts from the other books featuring them. Here is an excerpt from when Caitrina was held prisoner by the faerie queen in Just Beyond the Garden Gate...

 

∞∞∞

 

Most of Caitrina’s endless life, she performed impossibly difficult tasks at the dictate of the faerie queen with the hope of regaining her royal status. To once again live and play amongst the other faeries in paradise, in Tir-nan-óg, was her heart’s greatest desire.

Dammit, she’d been so close with Laurie and the MacLachlan.

Once they mated, she could move on to the second match of the queen’s three-match challenge. Then the third. Too bad Oonagh interfered.

Caitrina skimmed a hand along the length of a rich velvet curtain. Here she was, ensconced in luxury at the palace within Tir-nan-óg, on the whim of the queen.

But as a prisoner.

At least she was alone. Oonagh had left the palace to meet her consort for merrymaking at a distant faerie pageant. Had the queen not realized Caitrina would plot escape?

Caitrina paced the confines of the chamber, indifferent to its splendor. Lost in thought, she stopped before a crystal table and ran her fingers through the collection of sapphires displayed in a cut glass bowl. Outside, on the veranda, one of Oonagh’s boy toys strutted across the tile to the pool—nude—and dove in. He emerged to his waist a few steps from Caitrina, wet muscles on his packed chest glistening in golden sunlight. Her mind whirled furiously and she settled on a cunning plan.

With a thought, she changed her glamour to that of a veiled harem girl and stepped from the queen’s boudoir, through the curtains, onto the warm tile. She smiled with her eyes to entice the lesser faerie. She wouldn’t think of Douglas while she seduced her prey.

“Gabriel,” she purred.

Desire flashed in her quarry’s green eyes and with feline grace, he leapt from the water. She read his intention to dry himself with a thought and shook her head.

“I like you wet.” Her tone was a husky come-hither invitation.

 

∞∞∞

 

 

 

 

 

Just Beyond the Garden Gate

Amazon : Kobo : B&N : Apple

 

 

∞∞∞

 

Hope you enjoyed this wee peek into 'Just Beyond the Garden Gate', a Highland Gardens Novel.

 

~Dawn Marie  

Excerpt Wednesday - Caitrina gets rid of Munn - Just Beyond the Garden Gate by Dawn Marie Hamilton

 

 

Since I'm working on the next tale in the Highland Gardens series—Just His Fae Kiss—Caitrina and Douglas's story, I thought it would be fun to share excerpts from the other books featuring them. Here is an excerpt from Just Beyond the Garden Gate...

 

∞∞∞

 

Caitrina hovered at the edge of the wood, cloaked in the glamour of invisibility. She raised her arms over head in a languid stretch until her spine aligned with a soft crack. It felt so good to have shed the gardener glamour. Posing as a human in the twenty-first century was taxing beyond measure.

She ran tactile fingers over her silk gown, relishing its soft luxury and drew in the fragrance of fir with bliss. Magic hummed. The verdant forest nearly crackled with her power. Her smile widened as sparks ignited and flashed between the intended couple.

The plan progressed as intended. She clapped her hands, more pleased than she’d been since forced to leave the shores of her beloved faerie paradise Tir-nan-Óg—land o’ heart’s desire—centuries ago. She would outwit the queen and win the first part of the challenge.

Easy as snapping her fingers. Almost.

When Laurie ran after the MacLachlan chief, Caitrina purred like a feline who’d caught its prey. Satisfaction shimmered within her mind, but then she thought about Oonagh and her stomach clenched. The High Queen of the Fae believed the challenge would force Caitrina into an eternity of servitude. She curled her hands into fists. No way would she let that happen.

A change in atmospheric pressure prickled over her skin. Sensing Munn nearby, she stilled, closed her eyes, and summoned her image with a mere thought. Without a whisper of sound, her form emerged and took shape. Inhaling sharply, she spun to face the meddlesome brownie.

The wee man slowly approached, even though his expression twisted into a portrait of fear. Stubborn brùnaidh.

“What mischief caused thee?” he demanded. “Where be the old chief? His lady?”

Caitrina stepped in close and frowned at the fool. She needed to get him out of the way before he endangered the completion of her tasks.

Although she smelled his terror, he held his ground and returned her glare. “Be gone! You dinnae belong here. Cease darkening MacLachlan lands.

“’Tis none of your concern.”

“Aye, ’tis. You toy with the young chief.”

“You’ll not interfere.” With a flick of her wrist, she cast him far away.

His image blinked out on a horrified scream.

Caitrina smiled, brushed some residual dust from her gown, dissolved into a passing plume of mist, and rode the breeze toward Castle Lachlan and her pawns.

 

∞∞∞

 

 

 

 

 

Just Beyond the Garden Gate

Amazon : Kobo : B&N : Apple

 

 

∞∞∞

 

Hope you enjoyed this wee peek into 'Just Beyond the Garden Gate', a Highland Gardens Novel.

 

~Dawn Marie  

Excerpt Wednesday - The Ceilidh - Just Beyond the Garden Gate by Dawn Marie Hamilton

 

 

Since I'm working on the next tale in the Highland Gardens series—Just His Fae Kiss—Caitrina and Douglas's story, I thought it would be fun to share excerpts from the other books featuring them. Here is an excerpt from the ceilidh at the Whispering Pines Inn from Just Beyond the Garden Gate...

 

∞∞∞

 

“Hello.”

Laurie jumped with a gasp, disturbing the people standing around her. They stared with disapproval, a finger to their lips, signaling for quiet. Caitrina rolled her eyes, inclined her head toward the foyer and walked out of the parlor. Laurie followed, somewhat disappointed to miss the rest of the tale.

“You startled me.” She smiled. “Wow, you look wonderful.”

Caitrina had traded her dirty work clothes for a gauzy, emerald green silk dress that molded to her tall, slender frame. Around her shoulders, she wore a sash of green and purple tartan with shimmering golden threads. Pinned at her shoulder was a gold brooch intricately crafted with thistle designs and amethyst gemstones. Her rich hair, usually hidden under her floppy garden hat, fell loose past her shoulders to her waist, the auburn strands on fire with highlights that glistened in the candlelight.

“You look like the princess Mr. MacNaughton describes in his story.”

Caitrina shrugged. “You look nice too, but something’s missing.”

She opened her hand to show Laurie an exquisitely crafted Celtic brooch of silver, decorated with intertwining animals and spiral filigrees, adorned with six small moonstones. She pinned it to Laurie’s stole at the shoulder. “There. Perfect.”

Appreciating its fine artistry, Laurie brushed her fingers over the brooch. Moisture filled her eyes. “You are sweet, but I can’t wear this. It must be a priceless antique.”

“Douglas told me you were admiring the jewelry at his shop. He thought you might like to borrow the brooch for the evening.”

“Must be worth a fortune. What if I lose it?”

Caitrina glanced away. “’Tis a mere reproduction.”

Laurie didn’t believe her. She knew jewelry and was positive this piece was very old and extremely valuable, but the last thing she wanted to do was insult her new friend. She’d wear the brooch for the evening and be extra careful not to lose it.

With a mischievous grin, Caitrina dragged her into the dining room where the furniture was pushed to the side. A fiddler played and couples danced. Someone handed her a glass of wine, only for Douglas MacKinnon to take it away and place it on a nearby table as he pulled her onto the dance floor where he taught her the intricate steps. After that, she danced with Iain until he handed her off to Teddy, who in turn handed her off to another fellow. She giggled with merriment as she whirled around the floor.

The evening flew and when the gathering ended, Douglas and Caitrina walked her home. It was a nice night for a stroll with the full moon shining bright in the clear sky. They took their time, enjoying each other’s company.

At the cottage, Laurie offered them a nightcap, pouring them each a glass of port. They wandered into the garden to enjoy the beautiful evening.

“Do you feel the magic in the air?” Caitrina asked.

Douglas peered at the moonlit sky and chuckled. “Aye, lass. Strong magic.”

Laurie glanced around, feeling a sudden chill.

Caitrina grasped her hand. “Come. I want to show you the foxglove we planted. They’ve flowered. Pink.”

“Pink?” Laurie squeaked.

“Aye, faerie pink.”

Douglas’s eyes narrowed. “What are you up to, Caitrina?”

“Nothing for you to worry about.” She squeezed Laurie’s fingers. “Come on.”

Unease skittered along Laurie’s spine as she walked with Caitrina to the back gate. She frowned when she smelled the now familiar exotic fragrance on her friend. “What the hell?”

A tinkling sound confirmed her fear.

The gate swung open.

 

∞∞∞

 

 

 

 

 

Just Beyond the Garden Gate

Amazon : Kobo : B&N : Apple

 

 

∞∞∞

 

Hope you enjoyed this wee peek into 'Just Beyond the Garden Gate', a Highland Gardens Novel.

 

~Dawn Marie  

Excerpt Wednesday - Douglas - Just Beyond the Garden Gate by Dawn Marie Hamilton

Since I'm working on the next tale in the Highland Gardens series—Just His Fae Kiss—Caitrina and Douglas's story, I thought it would be fun to share excerpts from the other books featuring them. This week, we meet Douglas for the first time in Just Beyond the Garden Gate...

 

∞∞∞

 

The Baked Potato was a storefront vegetarian café located next door to the Celtic Image shop on the main drag of Anderson Creek. Tantalizing aromas greeted them when they stepped into the crowded restaurant. Several customers waited in line at the counter in front of them.

One stood out among the others, not only due to his substantial height, but also for his mode of dress. His handsome six-foot-seven body was clothed in a cream fisherman’s sweater, a red plaid kilt, and around his waist hung a fur sporran with a badger head.

He strode to them and gave Caitrina a cursory glance before smiling at Laurie. “Hello. You must be our new resident. Iain says nice things about you.”

Laurie expected Caitrina to introduce them. When she glanced at her friend, she found her glaring at the guy.

“Douglas MacKinnon,” Caitrina snapped. “Rude as usual.”

His eyes turned cold. “Love, where were you last night? You were supposed to meet me.”

“You assume much. I never agreed to meet you.” Caitrina grabbed Laurie by the arm and pulled her past Douglas to the counter. He chuckled from behind her as she ordered sandwiches and soup from Teddy.

Douglas leaned close to Caitrina, and she stiffened.

“Ach, lass. Why do you fight it? You know we are meant to be together.” Although he whispered the words near Caitrina’s ear, Laurie overheard.

He stepped back and raised his chin. “Talk about rude, Caitrina. Wouldn’t it be polite for you to introduce me to your friend?”

Visibly bristling, she turned to Laurie. “This horny toad owns the Celtic shop next door. Douglas, meet Laurie.”

“Nice to meet you.” Laurie shook his hand.

“My pleasure. As I said before this minx interrupted, Iain speaks highly of you.”

Laurie couldn’t help but notice the yearning in his tawny eyes when he gazed at Caitrina and felt a twinge of longing. Would be nice to have someone look at her that way.

The image of the man in the woods popped into her mind for the umpteenth time. What would it be like to have him desire her the way Douglas obviously wanted Caitrina?

“Come on.” Caitrina took the bag of food from Teddy and again grabbed Laurie by the arm, dragging her out the door. Laurie glanced over her shoulder at Douglas and gave him a finger wave. His hearty laughter boomed as the door shut behind her.

When they returned to the cottage, she walked into the living room, and Caitrina followed with the bag of food.

“My new dining set hasn’t arrived yet from the manufacturer. I hope you don’t mind eating at the coffee table.”

Putting the bag down, Caitrina sat cross-legged on the floor. “This is fine. Do you have any whisky? I could use a stiff drink.”

Laurie chuckled. “I have wine. Would you care for a glass of pinot noir?”

“Most definitely.”

After fetching glasses, the wine and a corkscrew from the kitchen, Laurie opened the bottle. She poured them both a glass and handed one to Caitrina.

“Douglas MacKinnon is attractive, don’t you think?”

 

∞∞∞

 

 

 

 

 

Just Beyond the Garden Gate

Amazon : Kobo : B&N : Apple

 

 

∞∞∞

 

Hope you enjoyed this wee peek into 'Just Beyond the Garden Gate', a Highland Gardens Novel.

 

~Dawn Marie  

Excerpt Wednesday - Caitrina - Just Beyond the Garden Gate by Dawn Marie Hamilton

Since I'm working on the next tale in the Highland Gardens series—Just His Fae Kiss—Caitrina and Douglas's story, I thought it would be fun to share excerpts from the other books featuring them. In Just Beyond the Garden Gate we first meet Caitrina...

 

∞∞∞

 

The nearby crunch of gravel made the hairs on her arms stand on end. She snapped her gaze up. At the edge of the secluded garden enclosed within yellow forsythia stood the tall, willowy woman she’d seen earlier at the inn. The woman watched Laurie through intense green eyes set in a face smudged with dirt. She wore grubby work clothes and boots, and an equally grubby wide-brimmed hat.

“Oh, hi.” Laurie smiled and placed the e-reader on the cedar side table. “You startled me.”

The woman continued staring, eyes narrowed.

“I’m Laurie Bernard, a guest at this inn.”

The intruder crossed her arms over her chest. “I ken that.”

“Who are you?” Laurie asked, trying to remain civil.

“Caitrina.”

“Is something wrong?” Laurie didn’t understand the woman’s rude behavior. Who was she? Why was she just standing there, staring?

“You’re sitting in my garden.”

“I see.” But she didn’t. Laurie shifted her weight in the chair, wishing the woman would get to the point or leave so she could finish reading her favorite author’s latest romance novel.

“I’ve many here and about.” The woman waved her arm in an arc. “Do you like gardens? If you do—”

“I do.” Okay, she’d pushed the right button. Laurie loved gardens. Dreamed of having one to care for.

“Then walk along the trail through those woods and you’ll find a special place.”

The trail appeared overgrown. Didn’t look like anyone had walked that way in ages. “Is it safe to walk in the woods alone?”

Caitrina pursed her lips. “If you’d rather not—”

“I didn’t say that. I want to make sure it’s safe to explore alone. I’ve heard there are bears in this area.”

“Bears wouldn’t dare bother you. This land belongs to Himself.”

“Himself?” Laurie creased her brow, puzzled by the strange term.

“Iain,” Caitrina said matter-of-factly.

Then she disappeared. Poof. Gone.

“What the—” Laurie clutched her chest over her fiercely-pounding heart. She jerked her gaze around. Where the hell did the woman go?

 

∞∞∞

 

 

 

 

 

Just Beyond the Garden Gate

Amazon : Kobo : B&N : Apple

 

 

∞∞∞

 

Hope you enjoyed this wee peek into 'Just Beyond the Garden Gate', a Highland Gardens Novel.

 

~Dawn Marie  

Excerpt Wednesday - Just Beyond the Garden Gate by Dawn Marie Hamilton

 

 

 

This week's except is from the novel that started the series. Just Beyond the Garden Gate, the first tale in the Highland Gardens series. e-Book on sale now through February 21 for a mere 99 pennies...

 

∞∞∞

 

Laurie worried her bottom lip. She’d spent the afternoon in the great hall with only Alexander Campbell as companion. They sat before a glowing fire in chairs with soft sapphire cushions. Patrick left her in the other man’s care after placing a fur across her lap for warmth. He’d given her a kiss and went off to find the priest.

She shifted her weight on the cushion. Although Patrick corroborated her story, she doubted Alexander believed she came from France. Elspeth’s fiancé made her nervous. He had the tendency to ask probing questions she couldn’t answer.

Whenever Alexander was alone with her, he watched her with his all-too-knowing stare. “You ken there are many legends about the caves of the gray women.” He stared at her as a scientist would an insect under a microscope. As if, he wanted to learn her every secret.

“I’m sure,” she said softly.

“Countless tales of witches and strange happenings.”

Laurie frowned. The caves were eerie. “There was an old, gnarled woman in the cave with me. Did you find her when you rescued me?”

That was stupid. When would she learn to keep her mouth shut? Each time she spoke, she encouraged him.

“Nae. Nary a soul was there besides you. Everyone else disappeared into the blasted fog.”

Laurie rubbed her hand along the fur in her lap, the sensation comforting. “The old woman came often to tend my wounds. Although there was something unusual about her, she treated me kindly.”

“Mayhap she was one of the infamous gray women—the witches of the caves.” Alexander’s eyes twinkled as if he teased. Still Laurie sensed something else, something unnerving.

She continued to stroke the fur. “No, I don’t think so. Yet it was quite odd, actually. There was something very queer about her. She had the most intense green eyes. I’d the strangest sense I knew her before, but in a different form, as someone else. The idea was disconcerting.”

Alexander had a knack for getting her to say things she didn’t want to say, confide her deepest thoughts, voice her fears.

“The woman who came to enlist us in aiding you was verra beautiful with exquisite green eyes.” He watched Laurie closely. “She told us her name was Caitrina.”

“Caitrina?” Laurie gasped, unable to conceal her shock.

“Aye. You ken her?”

“No.” She shook her head. She couldn’t admit it. How would she explain Caitrina? She couldn’t tell a medieval man she believed in faeries. Or that Caitrina was a faerie from the twenty-first century.

 

   

∞∞∞

 

 

Just Beyond the Garden Gate

Amazon : Barnes&Noble : Apple

 

 

∞∞∞

Hope you enjoyed this wee snippet from Just Beyond the Garden Gate, a Highland Gardens Novel.

 

~Dawn Marie

Just Beyond the Garden Gate: e-Books on Sale Now through February 21 #99cents

 

Have you read the Highland Gardens time travel series? Now is a great time to start. The first tale in the series is on sale for a mere 99 pennies. Available at:

 

Kindle : iTunes : Nook : Kobo

 

 

The Scottish Highlands—a place where faeries and brownies and other fae creatures dance through time. On occasion, so do mere mortals.

Determined to regain her royal status, a banished faerie princess accepts a challenge from the High-Queen of the Fae to unite an unlikely couple while the clan brownie attempts to thwart her.

Passion ignites when a faerie-shove propels burned-out business consultant Laurie Bernard through the garden gate, back through time, and into the embrace of Patrick MacLachlan. The arrogant clan chief doesn’t know what to make of the lass in his arms, especially when he recognizes the brooch she wears as the one his stepmother wore when she and his father disappeared.

With the fae interfering at every opportunity, the couple must learn to trust one another while they battle an enemy clan, expose a traitor within their midst and discover the true fate of the missing parents. Can they learn the most important truth—love transcends time?

Journey from the lush gardens of the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to the Scottish Highlands of 1509 with Just Beyond the Garden Gate.


 

Excerpt Wednesday - Time for a Raid - Just Beyond the Garden Gate by Dawn Marie Hamilton

This week's except is from the novel that started the series. Just Beyond the Garden Gate, the first tale in the Highland Gardens series...

 

∞∞∞

 

Patrick drummed tense fingers on the table, ignoring most of the discussion going on around him. His insides boiled. How dare Lamont take out the argument over the disputed marriage proposal on the MacLachlan clan?

He glanced at the men sitting at the two long tables stretched out in front of him and the others standing around the chamber. This was his family, and he’d failed them. His fervent denial of a marriage contract between himself and Iain Lamont’s daughter Isobell brought them to the precipice of this hostile confrontation. Yet a feud with the Lamonts had existed for generations. The recent raid was only the most current act of treachery.

His gaze drifted to the ceiling, his thoughts on the chamber above. The chamber his precious Laurie slept in, his bedchamber, the one where Ruari now lay unconscious.

Patrick took full responsibility for what happened to his herdsmen. If only he’d agreed to Iain Lamont’s demands—married Isobell—Ruari wouldn’t be lying in the bedchamber above, insensible from a bang on the head. And the others wouldn’t be dead.

Lamont had prodded him ever since Patrick lost his father. This time the man pushed too far. Patrick would have to retaliate. It was an issue of honor. This latest infringement couldn’t be left unpunished. It was a matter of his clan’s survival.

Was he wrong? Should he break his oath, marry Isobell, and hope in doing so, he’d end the feud? It wasn’t that Isobel was undesirable. She’d make someone a good wife. She possessed a fine dowry and was comely. But he felt nothing when she was near. Certainly not the burning fire he experienced with Laurie. Isobell had no warmth. She was like cold stone. He’d never even had the desire to steal a kiss.

Archibald thought him daft. Repeatedly, he reminded Patrick of her value. After all, she was the co-heir of Iain Lamont. Now, that was the problem. How could he be expected to marry her? He believed her father responsible for his parent’s disappearance.

And possible death? No, he wouldn’t consider the possibility.

When he learned his parents had gone missing while chased by Lamont clansmen, he swore from that day forward Iain Lamont was his enemy. He vowed never to agree to a marriage between the two clans.

He raked his fingers through his hair. What of Laurie? What was he to do about his lass from the future?

Stephen poked his arm, interrupting his contemplation. “The full moon is two days next. ’Tis the best time to raid.”

“Aye. A good time for a raid,” Jamie agreed, a brutal grin spreading across his face.

“’Tis not the time to raid.” Donald pinned Patrick with his gaze. “Marry Isobell. End the dispute.”

Patrick glared at his uncle. “I will agree to marry the lass on the day my father stands afore me and requests it of me.”

An anxious hush fell across the chamber.

“You cannae yet believe your father alive. If he were, he would be here with us now.”

“For all I ken, he and my sweet stepmother suffer in Lamont’s pit,” Patrick said, his tone sharp.

Across the chamber, Aine’s husband Angus stood, slamming his palms flat on the table. All gazes shot to him. “Leave off, Donald. ’Tis time we seek revenge for the insults wrought by the Lamonts. I say we raid.”

Most of the men roared in agreement, raising fists and shouting. Donald glowered. His gaze circled the chamber from man to man. “Decided, is it? You will rue this day.”

 

   

∞∞∞

 

 

Just Beyond the Garden Gate

Amazon : Barnes&Noble : Apple

 

 

∞∞∞

Hope you enjoyed this wee snippet from Just Beyond the Garden Gate, a Highland Gardens Novel.

 

~Dawn Marie

Get Deep and Personal with me at April Holthaus's blog: A Romantic Twist

I'm the March Featured Guest at April Holthaus's blog: A Romantic Twist. More of the interview with me is now available. Stop by, read the interview, and leave a comment for a chance to win one of my e-books.

Interview With Author Dawn Marie Hamilton

~Dawn Marie

Highlander #Giveaway Hop

If you are here for the Fall into Romance blog hop, click here , but I hope you'll check out the Highlander Giveaway Hop too.

As many of you know, I love Scotland and Scottish things. I enjoy reading and writing Scottish inspired tales. And if there is a paranormal or fantasy element included, all the better. So, for the Highlander Giveaway Hop, I'm featuring the first two books in the Highland Gardens series.

The Scottish Highlands—a place where faeries and brownies and other fae creatures dance through time. On occasion, so do mere mortals.

Just Beyond the Garden Gate - Book 1

 E-book:
Amazon, Amazon UK,
KOBO, Smashwords, Apple,
and Barnes&Noble.

Trade paperback:
Amazon, BAM
and Barnes&Noble.

Determined to regain her royal status, a banished faerie princess accepts a challenge from the High-Queen of the Fae to unite an unlikely couple while the clan brownie attempts to thwart her.

Passion ignites when a faerie-shove propels burned-out business consultant Laurie Bernard through the garden gate, back through time, and into the embrace of Patrick MacLachlan. The arrogant clan chief doesn’t know what to make of the lass in his arms, especially when he recognizes the brooch she wears as the one his stepmother wore when she and his father disappeared.

With the fae interfering at every opportunity, the couple must learn to trust one another while they battle an enemy clan, expose a traitor within their midst and discover the true fate of the missing parents. Can they learn the most important truth—love transcends time?

Just Once in a Verra Blue Moon - Book 2

E-book:
Amazon,  Amazon UK,
Kobo, Smashwords, Apple,
and Barnes&Noble.

Trade Paperback:
Amazon, BAM, and
Barnes&Noble.

What happens when a twenty-first century business executive is expected to fulfill a prophecy given at the birth of a sixteenth-century seer? Of course, he must raise his sword in her defense.

Believing women only want him for his wealth, Finn MacIntyre doesn't trust any woman to love him. When, during Scottish Highland games, faerie magic sends him back in time to avenge the brutal abduction of his time-traveling cousin, he learns he's the subject of a fae prophecy.

Elspeth MacLachlan, the beloved clan seer, is betrothed to a man she dislikes and dreams of the man prophesized at her birth, only to find him in the most unexpected place—facedown in the mud.

With the help of fae allies, they must overcome the treachery set to destroy them to claim a love that transcends time.

Highland Gardens Giveaway

(US addresses only)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thanks for participating in the Highlander Giveaway Hop. Now, hop along to some of the other participating blogs...