This February marks the release of Highland Spitfire, the first in Mary Wine’s new Highland Weddings series! To celebrate Mary joins us on the blog to share an exclusive excerpt!
Highland Spitfireby Mary Wine
Mass Market Paperback, 320 pages
Expected publication: February 2nd 2016 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 1492602566
In the throes of fierce clan wars, the Queen's Regent tricks the children of two feuding lairds into a desperate choice: marry or die. The union—however reluctant—of a MacPherson and a Robertson could end three generations of hostilities between the two families.
Ailis Robertson wanted a husband, not a savage. But she is rocked by the intense passion she feels for Bhaic—who is likewise taken aback by the fierce jealousy he experiences when he sees Ailis speaking with other men. Is it possible for fierce enemies to become ardent lovers?
Excerpt:
“Be still, woman. Yer flesh entices me, so stop struggling and we might yet make it to see the sun rise without being stuck with one another.”
As far as compliments went, she had never heard a worse one.
Yet she had never enjoyed one more. For without a doubt, he was sincere.
It completed her humiliation. Tears escaped her eyes.
Bhaic shifted, his touch becoming something very unexpected.
Tender.
Comforting.
But she knew it could so easily change. Despair clawed at her, making her breath catch on a silent sob. Helplessness was a cruel beast that threatened to crush her as the wind howled through the open windows, making her cringe with the cold.
“I owe ye an apology lass.” He smoothed his hand along her cheek, capturing her tears. “Ye called me brute justly.”
“I did.”
His chest rumbled with a soft chuckle. “Agreement between us. What would our fathers say?”
She choked on a laugh. “Naught civil, I imagine.”
She heard a chuckle behind her. For one insane moment, they laughed together.
He rubbed her arms and she relaxed. She didn’t plan to, his touch just seemed so enticing.
“I hope yer father might think kindly upon the fact that I have nae enjoyed the treat Morton tried to make of ye.”
Her insides felt like they were tightening again.
“Yer father as well.” She countered, trying to sound as unconcerned.
He grunted. “Aye.” She was trying to edge away from him again. He released her and she made it a few inches before the cold became unbearable. She ended up on her back, so very aware of him. It was pure insanity; her very skin seemed more sensitive than it had been when she awoke that morning.
He had his head propped in his hand, his elbow resting in the mattress. He chuckled softly. The sound drew her attention.
“I have never been in bed with a virgin.”
She lost her resolve to stare at the ceiling. “I should think there are worse fates.”
His teeth flashed at her and he laughed softly.
He reached out and picked up a lock of her hair resting near his elbow. “I’ll say this for Morton, he baits his traps well, for ye are a bonny thing.”
His words shouldn’t have pleased her.
Yet they did.
He raised the lock of hair to his face, inhaling the scent of it. Something shifted inside her. A jolt firing off some place deep inside. She looked away from him, uncertain to say the least.
A moment later, he’d captured her hand and lifted it into the air between them, their fingers mingling intimately. Her breath lodged in her throat. It was intense, igniting a storm of sensation that flowed through her more freely than French wine.
He was a MacPherson.
He raised her hand to his lips and pressed a kiss against it. “Aye, ye’re likely right.”
“I did nae say anything.”
He released her hand when she withdrew it, but her skin continued to tingle where he’d kissed it.
“Yer wide eyes say plenty Ailis. Intimate conversation is something ye have no practice with.”
“Certainly no’.” She muttered feeling her cheeks heat. “No unmarried girl is.”
He shrugged. “Do nae be so naïve lass. There are plenty of daughters in the highlands who have nae kept their innocence for their wedding night. Ye are no meek maid, so it stands to reason that ye might have followed yer passions.”
She shifted, shaking her head before she thought better of letting him know so personal a detail about her.
His grin faded, his expression becoming pensive. “Ye deserve respect for holding onto yer virtue. It means ye have integrity and deep respect for yer fathers name.”
He lay down on his back. For a moment, she couldn’t quite believe he was truly going to leave her in peace.
Respect from a MacPherson. Truly, it had been a day full of surprises.
She was certain she couldn’t take another one.
About the Author:
Acclaimed author Mary Wine has written over 30 works of erotic fantasy, romantic suspense, and historical romance. An avid history-buff and historical costumer, she and her family enjoy participating in historical reenactments. Mary lives in California with her husband and two sons.
GIVEAWAY:
Sourcebooks is giving away one copy of Highland Spitfire to one U.S. reader! To enter, just fill out the rafflecopter below. Good luck!
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Love that title! and I love stories of arranged marriages!
ReplyDeleteThis author is new to me, but the book looks like a great read.
ReplyDeletebook sounds like a great story
ReplyDeleteLove this excerpt! (I've loved all the excerpts I've read for this book!) THANKS!
ReplyDeleteI love Mary Wines Highlanders. Her books are keeperrs for sure. Thank you for the opporunity to win.
ReplyDeleteCarol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
Aillis and Bhaic are both strong characters and I'm sure their romance will include some major fireworks both in and out of the bedroom.
ReplyDeleteI love enemy to lover stories. This book sounds amazing.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading books with Scotland, I have read 2 books this year that were just great reads!! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteGreat excerpt! It sounds like the chemistry will be explosive. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDelete