Welcome Donna Grant!

I'm thrilled to welcome today's guest of honour, Donna Grant, bestselling author of fabulous Scottish historical romance and fantasy!

Scotland

Maybe it’s because I write historical novels, but one of the most asked questions I get is “would you travel back in time and to where?”

It’s an easy answer for me.  Yes, I would travel back in time, and I’d go to Medieval Scotland.  It would take some getting used to, especially the lack of plumbing, toothbrushes, caffeine, and pasta.

I have no doubt life would be more than difficult.  After all, we’re used to remote control TV, information easily – and quickly – accessible through computers, not to mention cell phones and iPods. We’re the information age with instant gratification.

Our world is so drastically different than Medieval Scotland.  In a few short hundred years, lives went from basic living off the land and seeing people daily to hectic days, buying food from grocery stores, and going months, if not years, without seeing or speaking to your neighbor, much less speaking to people you pass on the street or the mall.

Could we survive in medieval times?  Putting aside the leap in physical hygiene over the ages, life was much simpler back then.  If you had a problem with someone, you faced them instead of texting or emailing them.  If you wanted to call off an affair, there was no hiding behind technology.  You stood before them and said your piece.

There’s a debate in whether medieval life was more violent.  At least in medieval times, you saw your opponent attack and you had time to retaliate or hide.  Now, with bombs that can cross oceans, that silent, almost constant worry hangs over our head.

Still, knowing all of this, I would love to see Medieval Scotland.  I’ve always been drawn to Scotland.  Maybe that’s why I centered my historical paranormal Dark Sword series there.  The third book in the series, WICKED HIGHLANDER, released on the November 2nd, and I hope you pick up the book to be transported back to another time and place.

So, I want to know - Would you time travel if given the option?

I’ll be giving away a signed copy WICKED HIGHLANDER to a commenter.  Happy Reading! 

To find out more about me please visit my website at http://www.donnagrant.com/.  To read more about the Dark Sword series, see pics of the Warriors, take the quiz, download wallpaper, or search characters, please visit www.donnagrant.com/darksword.

hugs,
D

The Dark Sword series unleashes the magic, passion, and fury of three legendary brothers - cursed by fate but bound by desire for the women they love...

A HEART IN CHAINS...
The most reckless and fierce of the MacLeod brothers, Quinn is a prisoner of the god inside him, tormented by his inability to save his family from slaughter. His fury governs him, and day by day he loses himself to the darkness in his soul. But Quinn has a profound yearning for a woman’s love...

A PASSION UNBOUND...
Raised by Druids, the achingly beautiful Marcail is as spellbinding as the ancient magic that surges through her body. To Quinn, she is the most desirable woman he has ever known. But to his enemy Deirdre, she is the perfect bait to lure Quinn into her trap. Once the two lovers are in her wicked grasp, their passion will be put to the ultimate test...

Exclusive Excerpt from WICKED HIGHLANDER
With a sigh, Quinn gathered the Druid in his arms and stood.  She weighed no more than a feather, but the feel of her soft body made Quinn realize how long he had been without a woman.

He held her pleasing body and curves longer than was necessary before he placed her on the slab he used for his bed.  He yearned to lay beside her and feel her warmth, hungered to touch her skin.  Longed to taste her lips.  He brushed the dark locks of hair from her face, surprised to find rows of tiny braids on the crown of her head and her temples.
   
Quinn smiled as he fingered one of the plaits.  She was a child of the Celts.  Her magic thrummed through her veins for all to feel.  It was strong, very strong.

 He wondered again why Deirdre hadn’t killed her.  Though the Pit was far below the space Deirdre used as her great hall, Quinn had heard Deirdre say the Druid thought the MacLeods could save her.

 Was it because the woman knew of him and his brothers?  Nay, he didn’t think that would stop Deirdre.  There had to be something else.  If there was one thing Quinn knew about Deirdre it was her self-preservation.  Deirdre thought of herself first and foremost on everything.

 It was one of the many reasons she had lasted as long as she had.  That and the black magic she used.  Hatred for Deirdre swelled within Quinn making his god growl and yearn to be free.  The god promised vengeance against Deirdre, and for a heartbeat, Quinn nearly gave in.

 He concentrated on battling the god and gaining control again.  Each time became more difficult.  Quinn didn’t know how much longer he had before the god took over.  He prayed his brothers reached him before that happened.

 Quinn stilled when the female moaned.  She was going to be in pain, but there was nothing he could do to help her.  It was also chilly in the Pit.  They were far below ground and water constantly ran down the walls making the Pit damp as well.

 He rubbed his hands along her bare arms and felt how cool her skin was.  Quinn racked his mind for what Lucan or Fallon would do for the woman.  He had no food, no blankets, and nothing to assist with her aches.  Had he just prolonged her death?

 Quinn sank onto the slab near her legs and allowed himself to think of Lucan and the woman his brother loved.  Cara was a perfect fit for his brother in all ways.  He wondered if they had gotten married.  He supposed they had, though the thought of the ceremony without him left an ache in Quinn’s chest that made it difficult to breathe.

 His thoughts then turned to Fallon.  As eldest, Fallon had been taught since his birth the duties of a laird.  None of them could have guessed an evil like Deirdre would wipe out their clan leaving nothing behind.

 Quinn had seen how difficult it had been for Fallon to deal with the god inside him, but Quinn hadn’t been able to help his brother when he grieved so for his wife and son.

 As always Lucan had been there to hold them together.  Quinn hated himself for the jealousy he felt towards his brother.  Lucan had shouldered so much with Quinn’s rage and Fallon’s drunken stupor that he deserved contentment.

 Instead of sharing in the joy with Lucan, Quinn had resented him.  Quinn envied Lucan because Lucan had what Quinn had always sought – love.  The purest, truest form of love.

 But Quinn would never know that kind of affection, of that he was certain.

 He turned his eyes to the female beside him.  She was petite and so slender she appeared no more than a child at first glance.  Until one looked at her chest and saw the curves of breasts full and pert.
 
Her gown was of common material, but the gold bands that held her braids told him she was much more than she seemed.  As all Druids were.

 Unable to help himself, he leaned forward and inhaled her scent again.  She smelled so good he almost thought he was back at his castle standing on the cliffs with the sea wind ruffling his hair and the spray of the waves washing over him.

 Quinn’s gaze raked her face.  Her long, sooty lashes rested against her cheeks, and dark brows arched softly above her eyes.  He was curious to know what color her eyes were, to see if they were as exotic as the rest of her.
 
She had high cheek bones, a small, pert nose, and a mouth that begged to be kissed.  His balls clenched, desire making his breathing harsh.  He touched a finger to her lips before he could think better of it.  They were so soft, so luscious he almost leaned down to taste them.

To savor.  To enjoy.  To claim.


Remember, to enter Donna's contest, answer her question: Would you time travel if given the option?  Donna's contest will close at midnight tonight, EST, and her winner will be announced on this thread.