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.*