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Thursday, February 09, 2012

Guest Blog by Donna Grant - Scotland - and Giveaway

Please welcome Donna Grant to The Qwillery. Donna's most recent Dark Sword novel, Darkest Highlander, was published on January 31, 2012.


Scotland

There’s always been something so alluring about historical romances. When I first began reading romances at the age of 12 (yes, my mother knew. I read hers. Lol) they were mostly historicals.

It got to the point where that’s the genre I preferred. And for years that was all I read. I’ve always loved being transported to another era where society could – and did – dictate what a person could and couldn’t do.

But it was also the clothes and the period itself. I read anything from ancient up until the early 1900s. And enjoyed them all.

Medieval, however, became my love. Not that I don’t enjoy Regency or Victorian. There’s so many out there and I adore the heck out of them. But for me, it was always Medieval.

So it was no stretch of the mind when I began to write my books were all set in the medieval time. I loved the swords, the castles, the gowns, and…well, everything. I did set several books in England, but it wasn’t long before I found another love.

Scotland.

I’ve always been drawn to that land and the rugged Highlanders who make it their home. When I first thought up my Dark Sword series, there was no doubt in my mind it was going to be set in Scotland, and my heroes Highlanders. What better way to have a hero then men who are known for their bravery, manliness, and stubbornness?

Since I also love to incorporate paranormal aspects in my books, I wanted my heroes to be immortal. And my heroines to hold magic as Druids.

Scotland has long said to hold magic. Myths and legends of all kinds have sprung from the land where Druids once walked. Some places are a perfect lure for magic and historical settings.

For me, that is Scotland.

My love is still historical romance, and most likely always will be. I’ve expanded some, however. I read a lot of contemporary paranormal as well. But when I’m at the bookstore and I’m looking at all the books, I’m drawn first and foremost to the glorious historical novels.

Take a look at my newest release, DARKEST HIGHLANDER (Jan 31, 2012), which continues the saga of the Dark Sword series.

I’ll be giving away the fifth book in my Dark Sword series, SHADOW HIGHLANDER, to a commenter who answers this question:

Why do you love historical romance, and who are some of your favorite authors?

To find out more about me, learn more about the Dark Sword series, see pics of the Warriors, search characters, take the quiz, or watch the book trailers please visit my website at www.DonnaGrant.com.

Hugs,
D


About the Dark Sword Series

Darkest Highlander
Dark Sword 6
St. Martin's Paperbacks, January 31, 2012
Mass Market Paperback and eBook

In the acclaimed Dark Sword series, the darkest, fiercest warriors of Scottish legend finally meet their match—in the brave, fiery hearts of the women they cherish…

HE IS HER SALVATION

For years, Broc has watched over her, protected her—and hidden his love for her. But when his beautiful Sonya finds herself in a hopeless situation, the Highlander flies to her side to save her. Unfortunately, before the Druidess can thank him, Broc is captured by his enemy and destined for eternal pain…

SHE IS HIS DESTINY

Sonya vows to help her noble warrior, though he is imprisoned in a mountain of pure evil—bound in chains of the darkest magic. With Sonya’s own magic fading, she must summon the greatest power of all to save the man she loves. But even if these two hearts are united, will they be strong enough to defeat the heart of darkness? Or will their undying love doom them for all eternity…?
To read an excerpt and find buy links: www.donnagrant.com/darkest-highlander


Shadow Highlander
Dark Sword 5
St. Martin's Paperbacks, August 30, 2011
Mass Market Paperback and eBook

Sent on a dangerous mission into the shadowy world of the Druids, Galen must find a powerful ancient relic to defeat the enemies of Castle MacLeod. But what he discovers is far more powerful—and far more dangerous. A Druid lass whose beauty is as spellbinding as any magic…

Reaghan is the most enchanting woman Galen has even met—and the most enigmatic. She alone is immune to his mind-reading gifts. He alone makes her feel safe and secure. But Reaghan holds a secret power deep inside her that could destroy them both. And if Galen hopes to hold this captivating woman in his arms every night, he must defeat the darkness that draws closer around her every day….

Untamed Highlander
Dark Sword 4
St. Martin's Paberbacks, April 26, 2011
Mass Market Paperback and eBook

Druid-born and magic-blessed, Isla is one of the deadliest she-devils ever to serve the forces of darkness. As an immortal Highland warrior, it’s up to Hayden Campbell to destroy her and her kind. But for Hayden, Isla is more than a sworn enemy. She is temptation…

Taking Isla captive, Hayden hopes to avenge his kinsmen who died by Druid magic. But when he looks into Isla’s eyes, he sees the secrets of her past. When he touches her skin, he feels the passion in her soul. And soon Hayden comes to realize that this beautiful, beguiling woman is not his enemy at all—she is his destiny. And, even as the forces of darkness conspire against them, their love will conquer all…

Dark Sword 1 -3



About Donna

Donna Grant has been praised for her “totally addictive” and “unique and sensual” stories. She's the bestselling, award-winning author of more than twenty novels spanning multiple genres of romance—Scottish Medieval, dark fantasy, time travel, paranormal, and erotic. Her latest acclaimed series, Dark Sword, features a thrilling combination of Druids, primeval gods, and immortal Highlanders who are dark, dangerous, and irresistible. She lives with her husband, two children, a dog, and three cats in Texas.




The Giveaway

THE RULES

What:  One commenter will win Mass Market Paperback copy of Shadow Highlander (Dark Sword 5) from Donna!

How:  Leave a comment answering Donna's question:

Why do you love historical romance, and who are some of your favorite authors?

Please remember - if you don't answer the question your entry will not be counted.

You may receive additional entries by:

1)  Being a Follower of The Qwillery.

2)  Mentioning the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter. Even if you mention the giveaway on both, you will get only one additional entry. You get only one additional entry even if you mention the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter multiple times.

3)  Mentioning the giveaway on your on blog or website. It must be your own blog or website; not a website that belongs to someone else or a site where giveaways, contests, etc. are posted.

There are a total of 4 entries you may receive: Comment (1 entry), Follower (+1 entry), Facebook and/or Twitter (+ 1 entry), and personal blog/website mention (+1 entry). This is subject to change again in the future for future giveaways.

Please leave links for Facebook, Twitter, or blog/website mentions. In addition please leave a way to contact you.

Who and When:  The contest is open to all humans on the planet earth with a mailing address. Contest ends at 11:59pm US Eastern Time on Thursday, February 16, 2012. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 years old or older to enter.

*Giveaway rules are subject to change.*

50 comments:

  1. I love how they take me away to another place and time. I love all types of historicals. I don't have a favorite. If the stories good, I'll read it. Some of my favorite authors are: Julia Quinn, Lisa Kleypas, Beverly Kendall, Vicki Dreiling, Johanna Lindsey, and Mary Balogh.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love historical romance because often they have happy end ( and i'm very emotional) and it can help to make us dream and see than our life aren't the worst possible
    I'm quite new to the genre so my farorite authors are few: ashley march kiearan Kramer

    thanks you a lot for opening this giveaway worldwide.

    +1 comment
    +1follower via gfc: miki ( and email and rss)

    isabelle(dot)frisch(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  3. love reading HR because just make me know about behavior of the nobility and make me dream about true love that only happen in book and hope can be real in my life ;)

    for HR author i love : lisa kleypas, johanna lindsey, ashley march, lila dipasqua, shana galen, julia quinn =D

    eli_y83@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I enjoy reading historical fiction because of the combination of history and fiction. The first historical fiction I read, when I was a kid, was Desiree by Annemarie Selinko. I really don’t have a favorite historical fiction author; I enjoy many.

    +1 comment
    +1 follower

    Thanks,
    Tracey D
    booklover0226 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Donna!! I love historicals because they take you to a different time and era. A simplier time,although a harsher time. Favorite author(s) there are so many,of course,you, Donna Grant, Shana Galen,Julia Quinn,Erin Quinn,Glynnis Campbell/Kira,Vickie Dreiling,Emery Lee,Alexandra Hawkins, Jennifer Haymore,Victoria Alexander,and the list goes on and on.
    DARKEST HIGHLANDER AND THE DARK SWORD series has been an awesome series.
    *Please don't enter me,I already have this series*
    Thanks for hosting Donna today and thanks Donna for "Scotland"
    AprilR

    ReplyDelete
  6. Shelley - I so agree!

    Miki - all romance has an HEA (happily ever after). :) If it doesn't, its not a romance. And that's why I love romance so much. I get that much needed HEA!

    Eli - Some great authors.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Tracy D - I'm the same. I love historical romance!

    April - Thank you, sweetie!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I've always wanted to visit Scotland! For now, I'll enjoy it vicariously through your books. Good luck on the new release. Can't wait to read it.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love Ancient Civilisations' histories!! And regency England's and Scotland's. For ancient civilisations, I've read and loved The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran and as for England and Scotland's, I've read books by Mia Marlowe and Maya Banks. :)

    +1 Comment, +1 Follower (GFC: CYP @ A Bookalicious Story), +1 Tweet (https://twitter.com/#!/CYPyeti/status/167624709268189185)

    Cyp
    cypsays_hi[@]hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Why do you love historical romance, and who are some of your favorite authors?

    This is such a hard question, why do I love them, because I get to visit a different time often a different place, different customs, a time when MEN were MEN not boys..........like you my favorite is Medieval, most especially Medieval Scotland but also the Colonial period in America. I think it's the fact I can lose myself in a world/time/place that will never be again, there is no feeling of "oh this could so happen today".

    For favorite authors Jude Deveraux(I adore her Black Lyon book and the rest of her historicals), Kinley MacGregor's MacAlister series(esp. BORN IN SIN), Arnette Lamb (she left us way too young), yours, Sue-Ellen Welfonder's any, my mind went blank on others but there are others I love.

    Great post and I wish you the greatest of success with your new release!
    hugs,
    WendyK

    ReplyDelete
  11. I actually am not a big fan of historical romances. I am very picky and only like historical novels that happen in Scotland. Those highlanders are so sexy. It also helps if there is a bit of the supernatural but that's rare in a historical novel.
    Some of my favorite historical writers are Lynsay Sands, Karen Marie Moning, Donna Grant (which you already knew otherwise I wouldn't be entering this awesome giveaway), and Kinley MacGregor (aka Sherrilyn Kenyon).
    +1 follower
    +1comment
    +1 tweeted

    https://twitter.com/#!/SeverusSnape87/status/167649917458845696


    charmed_sphere_mage69@hotmail.com
    Thanks so much for the giveaway!
    Bre A.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I like historical romance for lots of reasons - the different settings and the rules of society are only a few. I prefer Regency or Georgian romances, although I like a few Medievals as well. Georgette Heyer is my all time favorite, although I like Sabrina Jeffries, Julia Quinn, and Christina Dodd as well. For some reason I have a hard time getting into American historicals, though.

    +1 comment
    +1 follower
    +1 Tweeted (https://twitter.com/#!/RebeLovesBooks/status/167656823325868035)

    rwschwarz11ATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Congrats on the new release! I have read such great reviews about this series and it's definitely on my wishlist :)

      I like HR b/c of the epic romances, the different settings, the simpler social settings. It's nice to be transported back to a time where the gender roles were simpler (not necessarily correct, but everyone "knew" their place) and a guy could be an "alpha" man and take care of "his woman". It's nice to get lost in that kind of story. (however, if a guy acted like that toward me now, I'd kick him :) )

      Thanks again!

      +1 comment
      +1 gfc: erin
      efender1(at)gmail(dot)com

      Delete
    2. Erin - So glad you've heard great things about the series. :)

      Delete
  13. I love all types of historical romances. I like how they show another time and place and you learn some history. I don't have a favorite author but I am always willing to read new authors. Please enter me in contest. Tore923@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. i love historical romance .. well a) because i can learn about history at the same time as having fun reading!.. and b.. KILTS!! did i mention kilts?? lol
    Hannah Howell has a good series (wherlockes).. julie garwood is my first love, and ill go with gail carriger (steampunk but awesome(..

    +1 for following

    alainala AT hotmail DOT ca

    ReplyDelete
  15. The reason I love historical romances is the life-styles, the clothing, the rules of society are so different from now, it's all fascinating! I especially love reading Julie Garwood books about Highlanders.
    I follow via GFC(Patsy)
    mom1248(at)att(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Patsy - Julie Garwood's historicals are to die for! :)

      Delete
  16. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  17. Reading Historical Romances is the only way I can visit those times, and they're in the format I enjoy. And the visit lasts longer than watching a movie.
    +1 Comment
    +1 follower - email - sallans d at yahoo dot com
    +1 Tweeted - https://twitter.com/#!/DianeSallans/status/167687915898535938

    ReplyDelete
  18. I cant name authors from the top of my head, but I love historical romance because it takes me from this time, a time where a lot of crap happens, to a beautiful world. I have always loved the old times, and although the living conditions wouldnt agree with me, I would love to have a time machine and visit through history.
    +1 comment
    +1 follower
    gothiclove95@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ce-Ce - lol. Yeah, the living conditions are certainly not what I would want.

      Delete
  19. I love Scottish romances because I have the Scottish heritage as well as the love of the land itself. I also love the fierce independence and strong will of the Highlander. Since I couldn't live then, I have to experience it vicariously in the writing of the time. To that end, I love Vonda Sinclair and Margaret Mallory. While they are not paranormal, they are still wonderful love stories of the time!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love Scottish romances because I've always thought of Highlanders as the "ideal romance hero." edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOTcom
    GFC Krystal Larson

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Krystal - Yes, Highlanders are perfect "hero" material. :)

      Delete
  21. I am so glad that I subscribed to The Quillery! I am finding so many new to me authors that I'm almost squeeling about it :)
    When I opened my email and saw you were here and started reading about you and your books I felt like you were speaking from my heart. I have such a love for anything medieval. My wordpress name is leahluvsmedieval, lol! I've used that name for years with other things too. My love for historical romance came from the first romance book I read. Kathleen Woodiwiss The Wolf and the Dove. That one book changed my life. It started me down a road of wanting to learn all I could about the medieval period. I feel like I cannot soak enough in. I have such an inner pull for England, Wales,and Scotland that I can't even begin to put it into words. I think the only ones who understand it, are the ones who have that inner pull themselves. It's deeper than words. I have often thought that I was born in the wrong century. One day, my soul will find it's way back home. I love historical romances because for a short time, I can escape back and enjoy the ride that the author takes me on, with their characters. As for favorite authors, Sue-Ellen Welfonder/Allie MacKay, Karen Ranney, Diana Gabaldon, Sandra Hill, Alison Weir, Heather Graham/Shannon Drake to name a few. I could sit here and go on and on. From the sounds of your books, it seems you may soon be on that list too :) I am suprised at how many good authors/books there are out there that I had no clue about. Donna, thank you for this interview and giveaway and I have added your books on my wishlist. Beautiful covers, btw. The cover Gods have been sprinkling happy dust your way.

    Comment/follower
    leahweller@bellsouth.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Leah - I've often said I was not only born in the wrong century, but the wrong continent! :) I totally understand what you're saying. Thanks for adding my books to your wish list!

      Delete
  22. I love Scottish romances because i halways had a thing 4 celts/ the woman aah lol and love the setting of the landscape

    student[dot]caprino[at]gmail[com]

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Roro - The Celtic mythology has always intrigued me, which is why I'm often drawn to Druids, I think. :)

      Delete
  23. I love Highland romances ... I love Scotland (my dogs are border terriers, a breed that originated there), the heroes are always macho but caring guys and the women are always self-sufficient. I've read Highlander books by many authors... but Judy Garwood, Karen Ranney, and Sue-Ellen Welfnder come to mind right away. I've meant to pick up one of your books sometime... it would be awesome to win one! Thanks for the contest!
    lindalou(at)cfl(dot)rr(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lindalou - I hope you do pick up one of my books (even if you do win lol).

      Delete
  24. Oops! I forgot to mention that I'm a follower.
    Thanks again.
    lindalou(at)cfl(dot)rr(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I love historical romance because I'm always so fascinated by history and other cultures. One of my fav authors is Lorraine Heath, but I've heard so many great things about Donna's work that I really can't wait to dive into them. They are all on my wishlist!

    +1 Comment
    +1 Follower of The Qwillery
    +1 Tweeted:
    https://twitter.com/#!/yadkny/status/167808399168389120

    yadkny@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yadkny - Lorraine Heath's books are simply divine! And I adore her. Such a sweet, sweet person. :)

      And Thank you!!!!

      Delete
  26. I love the rugged men and independent woman as well as the sparks that usually ensue. I adore the fantasy of castles and knights! Two of my favorite authors are also the ones that introduced me to the genre: Howell and Sands :)

    +1 comment
    +1 follower

    Thank you for the contest!

    robin (at) intensewhisper (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I like historicals because of the stories and the descriptions of the lifestyle and time period. I like Lisa Kleypas and Johanna Lindsey.

    I follow your blog.

    + 1 comment
    + 1 follower

    bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Historical Romance brings the past to life with dashing heroes & gorgeous heroines.

    I'm enjoying Karen Ranney's book right now.

    I follow.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  29. I like historical romance because it takes me back in time and I get to have a feel for how things were in that period.
    To name just a few auhtors I love: Larissa Ione, Stephanie Tyler, Gena Showalter, Kresley Cole, Shiloh Walker. +1

    Tweeted: https://twitter.com/#!/Jovial_1/status/167879398744268800 +1

    I'm a follower - Victoria Sloboda +1

    vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love to see how different authors recreate a pst world. I love historical settingx mixed up with some romance!
    Lisa Kleypas is one of my favourite authors!

    blog follower


    aliasgirl at libero dot it

    ReplyDelete
  31. I love historical romance because you are transported to a time that is so different from what we live in today. I love the medieval times because of the honor, chivalry, code of knighthood-everything becomes more epic with a quest and a damsel in distress. The settings are often castles and forests with great pastoral villages. Historicals were my first romance novels when I started reading my mom's books around 12 or 13 and although I've branched out to other genres I keep coming back for a great book with a knight or a highlander on the cover :).

    GFC: ML
    Tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/Rogue237/status/168448161038348288
    mljfoland AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete