Lucky Penny

Author: Catherine Anderson
Publisher: Penguin Group/Signet
Pub. Date: January 31, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0451236036
Pages: 432
Digital Price: $7.99
Print Retail Price: $7.99
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To support her orphaned niece, impoverished Brianna O’Keefe accepts work with a Colorado rancher. To guard herself from unwanted attention, she resorts to a harmless little lie: that she’s married to a Denver gold miner named David Paxton. When her boss forces her to write her “husband,” hoping he’ll take Brianna off his hands, she can only pray that there is no real David Paxton who can expose her.

When Colorado marshal David Paxton gets a letter from a stranger claiming to be his wife and pleading with him to come for her and his daughter, he dutifully sets out to find this woman and the child he may have sired. What stuns Brianna’s wary attraction blossoms into deeper desire, David warms to the idea of a ready-made family. But can his dream survive Brianna’s lingering distrust—and his own secrets?

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REVIEW

David Paxton’s pleasant life as a marshal in No Name, Colorado is disrupted when he receives a letter from a stranger claiming to be his wife and asking him to help her and their daughter. Brianna O’Keefe has make up a story that she is married to a gold miner named “David Paxton”. Suddenly, events spiral out of control and she agrees to live as David’s wife to keep custody of her orphaned niece Daphne.

I liked the character of David form the very beginning of the book. He is loyal, brave, tender, and tough. He reminds me of Rhett Butler, Indiana Jones, and John Wayne all rolled into one! I wasn’t as quick to appreciate Brianna. David says it best when he says she is “the human equivalent of a prickly pear.” I realize she was raised in a convent, but I got tired of her constantly correcting David’s grammar and complaining about his foul language. As David comes to care about Brianna, and I started looking at her through his eyes, I began to like her so much more. Her prim exterior hides someone that had to become tough to survive adversity and will do anything to protect Daphne, and this is admirable.

This isn’t the first time a plot of a romance novel includes a marriage of convenience that has the potential to lead to true love. However, I think Catherine Anderson puts a fresh spin on it. David is determined to do the right thing by his daughter and her mother, and doesn’t realize Brianna is really telling the truth when she tells him he isn’t Daphne’s father. It’s sweet to see them slowing becoming a loving, if unconventional family, even if it does take a while. There are some steamy love scenes toward the end, but David and Brianna spend most of the book arguing and misjudging the other, while sneaking in an admiring glance here and there.

I don’t mind the slow build and the romance works for me. However, the historical part of the book could be better. I’m not historian by any means, but many of the things the characters say and do don’t seem to fit with the times. I just don’t think things like “awesome” and “no worries” were common expressions in 1891. A great historical novel transports you to another time and place, but this book didn’t have that effect on me. It seemed more like modern characters put in costumes and placed on horseback. That being said, the book has an interesting plot and likeable characters, especially David and his family. So, overall, I think it is a good book even though the 1890s atmosphere wasn’t as realistic as I would have liked.

Rating: 3.5 (Good)

Heat-Level: 3.5 (Sensual/Hot)

Reviewed by Christine K.

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A SECRET IN HER KISS by Anna Randol

JCP

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MY WICKED LITTLE LIES by Victoria Alexander

CANDICE ROYER

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SECRETS OF AN ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS by Jennifer Haymore

MOLLY

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Secrets of an Accidental Duchess
Author: Jennifer Haymore
Publisher: Grand Central/Forever
Pub. Date: February 1, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0446573153
Pages: 432
Digital Price: $7.99
Print Retail Price: $7.99
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With her pale hair and slim figure, Olivia Donovan looks as fragile as fine china, and has been treated as such by her sisters ever since a childhood bout with malaria. But beneath her delicate facade, Olivia guards a bold, independent spirit and the kind of passionate desires proper young ladies must never confess…

It was a reckless wager, and one Max couldn’t resist: seduce the alluring Olivia or forfeit part of his fortune. Yet the wild, soon-to-be Duke never imagined he’d fall in love with this innocent beauty. Nor could he have guessed that a dangerously unpredictable rival would set out to destroy them both. Now, Max must beat a Madman at his own twisted game-or forever lose the only woman to have ever won his heart.

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REVIEW

Secrets of an Accidental Duchess is a sweet and romantic story.

I loved the couple in this book. Their romance is sweet and one of the best I’ve read in a while.

Max is instantly mesmerized by the beautiful Olivia when he spies her at a ball. He will do whatever necessary to meet her. In a moment of distraction he makes a wager with his rival that he can seduce the elusive beauty.

Olivia longs to be treated like a normal woman, but due to a childhood illness that left her prone to fevers, she is treated like a fragile flower. She has sworn never to marry, but when she meets Max everything changes.

Their relationship progresses at a slow pace. They spend actual time together – playing tennis, going for walks, etc. – which is actually kind of rare in historical romances. The attraction builds and there is a lot of sexual tension between the couple.

Max gains his title and all hell breaks loose. His enemy comes after him and Olivia, setting out to destroy the relationship that has developed between them. The test will be if Max and Olivia are willing to fight for their love.

The writing is what you would expect from a Jennifer Haymore novel. It flows seamlessly and keeps the reader enthralled in the story. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series – Pleasures of a Tempted Lady out in July 2012.

Rating: 4.5 (Excellent)

Heat-Level: 3.5 (Sensual/Hot)

Reviewed by Carrie

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My Wicked Little Lies
Author: Victoria Alexander
Publisher: Kensington
Pub. Date: February 1, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-1420117066
Pages: 352
Digital Price: $4.96
Print Retail Price: $7.99
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Evelyn Hadley-Attwater has it all—a genteel Victorian life replete with loving husband, ball gowns and elegant parties. No one, including the man she married, suspects that she was once “Eve,” a spy for England’s most enigmatic intelligence agency. Summoned for one final assignment, the excitement of her former life and memories of her mysterious, flirtatious boss “Sir” prove too tempting…

Adrian Hadley-Attwater is a respectable, dignified gentleman. But even the most proper gentlemen have secrets of their own. Secrets from the rest of the world, from their families, from their wives. Secrets that have a price. Now, as a veil of secrecy frays, a tantalizing game of cat and mouse will test the bounds of unfailing love…

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REVIEW

“…but at the length truth will out.” – William Shakespeare

Evelyn Turner Hadley-Attwater, Countess of Waterson, has the perfect life. She is in love with her husband Adrian, his family and her responsibilities as a Countess. Since Evelyn’s parents died when she was young, leaving her to the care of a distant relative, Evelyn finds herself content in her settled and “normal” life. Normal life is appealing to Evelyn, who has a past full of secrets that threaten her marriage and life as she knows it, should her husband ever uncover the truth. Little does she know, he knows more than she knows, he knows.

Adrian Hadley-Attwater, Earl of Waterson has become slightly anxious since leaving his rogue lifestyle and assuming the position of Earl after his brother’s death. Adrian, who married the love of his life, has noticed Evelyn’s recent change in manner and is determined to find out what is causing her distraction and inattentiveness. Convinced his wife is having an affair; Adrian continues to search for the truth, only to uncover hidden secrets of the past that could ruin life as he knows it.

My Wicked Little Lies is a deliciously original story that kept me turning the pages in order to discover the truth of the past. The novel focuses on Adrian and Evelyn’s marriage and the lies of omission that are festering beneath the surface of their relationship. Both characters are extremely likeable, well developed and interesting, to say the least. The heat between these characters is evident without the in depth love scenes or spicy content. In fact, the first sexual scene is not revealed until the last half of the book. This enables the reader to feel the sexual tension and desire between the two characters before actually reading about their steamy interactions.

While I had this book figured out for the most part, I was still sitting on the “edge of my seat” waiting for the climax and, surprisingly, discovering it more than once. The author threw in a nice surprise near the end that I enjoyed and didn’t expect. Victoria Alexander has written an exciting and original historical romance that holds mystery, suspense and secrets that are sure to entice most every reader. I highly suggest reading this book. When you finish, come back and comment on this post. I’m itching to discuss the book!

Rating: 4.5 (Excellent)

Heat-Level: 3 (Sensual)

Reviewed by Tiffany

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A Secret in Her Kiss
Author: Anna Randol
Publisher: HarperCollins/Avon
Pub. Date: January 31, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0062025807
Pages: 384
Digital Price: $4.99
Print Retail Price: $7.99
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SHE WOULD GLADLY RELINQUISH HER LIFE OF INTRIGUE…

A rare beauty, raised in the exotic heart of the mysterious East, Mari Sinclair knows it’s time to end her career as a British spy when she narrowly avoids a brush with death. Unfortunately, there are those who think otherwise – and they are not above using blackmail to keep Mari in the game.

Saddled with a handsome, duty-obsessed “minder” to ensure that she completes – and survives – one last mission, Mari is incensed…for her guardian, Major Bennett Prestwood is simply too dedicated, too unbending, and too disarmingly attractive. But in the face of dark secrets and deadly treacheries, as the true peril to Mari is slowly revealed, loyal soldier Bennett realizes that to save and win this extraordinary woman, he will have to do the unthinkable and break the rules – rules that passion and desire have suddenly, irrevocably changed.

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REVIEW

A Secret in Her Kiss is a unique and wonderful debut historical romance.

A Secret in Her Kiss takes place during the regency period, but instead of the glittering ballrooms of London the hero and heroine find themselves risking their lives and falling in love in Constantinople.

I’m always a little leery about regency romances that aren’t typical. I’ve read some fantastic ones. (It’s a personal preference that there are drawing rooms and balls.) I was wonderfully surprised by A Secret in Her Kiss. The setting plays such an important roll in the story and it is wonderfully written. There is a touch of mystery and intrigue that surrounds the couple.

Mari Sinclair’s only real goal in life is to help the Greek people. Her mother, once a slave, had taught her the importance of helping her people. Mari is willing to do whatever it takes, including spying, to accomplish her task. She doesn’t want to put up with a stodgy English soldier. She knows that he will only get in her way.

Major Bennett Prestwood wants nothing more than to get home to his family. His sister is in an untenable marriage and he knows that he must get home soon to rescue her. Bennett wants nothing to do with the beautiful spy. These two go through so much together and find themselves falling in love around the way.

I love the relationship between Mari and Bennett. It evolves from them merely tolerating each other (and not well) to them being unable to live without the other. Ms. Randol does an excellent job of making their relationship progress naturally and in a realistic manner.

A Secret in Her Kiss is a fantastic debut novel and I can’t wait to see where Ms. Randol takes us next.

Rating: 4 (Very Good)

Heat-Level: 4 (Hot)

Reviewed by Carrie

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I love Lorraine Heath. I’ve only recently started reading her and I can definitely say her last series was fabulous. With SHE TEMPTS THE DUKE, she’s starting a new trilogy–The Lost Lords of Pembroke (review is coming soon). I haven’t had a chance to read it yet, but I’m expecting another gripping emotional read from the talented Ms. Heath. Today, I’m giving away an advance copy of SHE TEMPTS THE DUKE to one random commenter. Good luck!

She Tempts the Duke

Author: Lorraine Heath
Publisher: HarperCollins/Avon
Pub. Date: January 31, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0062022462
Pages: 384
Digital Price: $4.99
Print Retail Price: $7.99
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Three young heirs, imprisoned by an unscrupulous uncle, escaped—to the sea, to the streets, to faraway battle—awaiting the day when they would return to reclaim their birthright.

Sebastian Easton always vowed he would avenge his stolen youth and title. Now back in London, the rightful Duke of Keswick—returning from battle a wounded, hardened, changed man—cannot forget the brave girl who once rescued him and his brothers from certain death.

Lady Mary Wynne-Jones paid dearly for helping the imprisoned young Lords of Pembrook, and she remembers well the promise she made to Sebastian all those years ago: to meet him once more in the abbey ruins where they shared a bold, forbidden kiss. While Mary is now betrothed to another, a friendship forged with dark secrets cannot be ignored. Unexpected passion soon burns dangerously between them, tempting Sebastian to abandon his quest for retribution and fight for a love that could once again set him free.

How the Marquess Was Won
Author: Julie Anne Long
Publisher: HarperCollins/Avon
Pub. Date: December 27, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0061885693
Pages: 384
Digital Price: $4.99
Print Retail Price: $7.99
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The Scandal Sheets call him Lord Ice.

Ruthless, cold, precise, Julian Spenser, Marquess Dryden, tolerates only the finest— in clothes, in horseflesh, in mistresses. And now he’s found the perfect bride, the one whose dowry will restore his family’s shattered legacy and bring him peace at last: the exquisite heiress Lisbeth Redmond.

She’s about to play with fire…

But one unforgettable encounter with Lisbeth’s paid companion, Phoebe Vale, and the Marquess is undone. This quiet girl with the wicked smile and a wit to match is the first person to see through the icy façade to the fiery man beneath. But their irresistible attraction is a torment as sweet as it is dangerous, for surrendering to their desire could mean losing everything else they ever wanted.

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REVIEW

An unconventional woman is bound to inspire the abandonment of propriety in a man…

Looking forward to a life of missionary pursuits and teaching young girls, Phoebe Vale spends her spare time inhaling the scandal sheets, and dreaming about the life of the ton. She doesn’t truly wish to join their ranks, but years of reading books inspire a longing to experience the decadence. When her previous student, Lisbeth Redmond, invites her to country house party to act as a paid chaperone Phoebe accepts—a chance to earn the last of the funds needed to begin her own adventure. What she doesn’t know is that her adventure has already begun.

Marquess Dryden, known as Lord Ice, has descended upon the Redmond house party with the goal of marrying Lisbeth, and regaining the last piece of land his father lost in gamble. His intimates call him Julian. He’s the epitome of propriety and the ton’s adored playboy. Julian is known for his determination, and his calculating control. Yet, when he meets Phoebe the hold on his control suddenly derails. She’s everything bright and untainted, possessing wit that rolls of the tongue, challenging and taunting his very beliefs. Can he push aside his sudden awareness of a woman that he can only obtain through secrecy or will he abandon his goals for a chance at something wonderful?

Long’s next tale in the Pennyroyal Green series is decidedly delicious. At first I was a little taken aback by the idea that this book’s main characters did not feature a Redmond or an Eversea, but my fears were quickly put to rest. The characters of Phoebe and Julian are a pure delight. Phoebe is no simpering miss, she’s keen and intelligent. While Phoebe is not entirely knowledgeable about the ways to move within the ton, she’s quick to determine motives and ferret out secrets hiding in a person’s eyes. These traits, along with her ability to speak her mind, quickly endeared her to me. Julian, of course a tortured hero, was an immediate favorite. At first he appears arrogant and dismissive to those beneath him, but early on, this initial assessment is thrown to the rocks. His duty and desire to redeem his family name is just one facet of this character.

Secondary characters are just as absorbing. I found that Long portrayed the ton action’s similar to those obsessed with the trends of celebrities, quickly adopting any practice, insane or not, for the sake of appearing at the height of fashion. The determination of who leads the fashion movement are just as entertaining, with Julian, unfortunately, being at the forefront. The main characters interactions together and apart create plenty of tension and hilarious moments. Let’s just say that I’ve never known a marquess to scream, unless in pleasure, but Long changed that for me.

My only issue with this story is that I didn’t feel that Phoebe received justice when all the events played out. Her character goes through a rough ride, and I wanted more redemption on her behalf at the end. An HEA just wasn’t enough for me. Long has also primed everyone for more Pennyroyal books as more hints to Olivia and Lyon’s estrangement are scattered throughout the story. This left me in shambles because I have to wait for it!

Overall, this book has intelligence, a well-paced plot, and characters that seem to jump off the pages; even if the events don’t turn out the way one expects. While, it’s not my favorite Pennyroyal Green book this one definitely takes points for going outside the box, and gives us a unique way to see the ‘popular boy’ fall in love with ‘the geek girl’.

For those who enjoy Anna Campbell.
Rating: 4 (Very Good)

Heat-Level: 4 (Hot)

Reviewed by Landra

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Colorado Dawn

Author: Kaki Warner
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Pub. Date: January 3, 2012
ISBN-13: 978-0425245224
Pages: 304
Digital Price: $9.99
Print Retail Price: $15.00
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The next in Kaki Warner’s sweeping new series about unlikely brides who make their way west-discovering newfound freedom and rediscovering love…

After only three letters and one visit during her six-year marriage to a Scottish Cavalry Officer, Maddie Wallace decides to build a life without him. Accepting an assignment from a London periodical to photograph the West from a female perspective, she sails from England, determined to build a new life as an independent woman.

After injury ends his military career, Angus Wallace returns home to find his wife gone, his family decimated by fever, and himself next in line to an earldom. His new mission is clear–find his wife and sire heirs. His search takes him across an ocean and half a continent, but he finally tracks her to Heartbreak Creek, Colorado. There his biggest challenge awaits–to convince his headstrong wife to return home as his viscountess.

Amidst statehood struggles, claim jumping, and railroad disputes their passionate battle rages…until word comes that Angus has become the earl. Now they must decide between a life in the mountains of Colorado, or in the glittering ballrooms of London…and between duty and desire.

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REVIEW

In Colorado Dawn, Kaki Warner’s trademark humor, grit and attention to detail come together in a beautifully vibrant, entertaining, and emotionally gripping story.

Maddie and Angus Wallace have spent only a few nights together in their six-year marriage. The last time Angus deserted her to rejoin his regiment, Maddie struggled unsuccessfully to make a life with his family in Scotland. She finally leaves and strikes out for Colorado Territory, where she becomes a celebrated photographer introducing the world to America’s west through a female eye.

She tells her new friends in the failing mining town of Heartbreak Creek that she’s a widow, a lie that catches up to her when Angus (now Viscount Ashby, or Ash) seeks her out because he needs an heir.

But how can she even think about forgiving him, much less giving up a meaningful career, for a lazy life among the backbiting aristocracy? And how can Ash give up centuries of duty for a life thousands of miles from his family and heritage?

I’ve read all of Kaki Warner’s novels, and they go from strength to strength. Colorado Dawn is the second in her Runaway Brides series (Heartbreak Creek is first), and this novel cements Kaki’s place as one of my favorite novelists.

For me, one of the great pleasures of reading a Kaki Warner novel is the voice she gives her heroes. They’re rough, rugged and funny, but they’d do absolutely anything for their heroines. Unlike their Victorian England counterparts, there’s nothing polished about them. They’re survivalists, and it’s a good thing because hoo-boy! Kaki throws a hell of a lot of conflict their way.

Though Ash is a new member of the British aristocracy, he has much more in common with the sheriff and ranchers of Kaki’s previous novels than he does with English toffs. Ash is a Highland warrior, a soldier, who has suffered grave injuries and losses. Although he devoted most of his life to his career, and was devastated to lose it, he has managed to keep his sense of humor, as shows in this scene when he’s driving Maddie back to town after a night of passion.

They spoke little. It was one of those highly charged female-type silences that eroded a man’s confidence and had him scanning through recent events to determine what he might have done wrong. Ash tolerated it as long as he could, then looked over at his wife. “It was the uniform, right?”

In the slanted light, her eyes were as brown and clear as the medicine bottles that had lined the windowsill beside his hospital bed. Filled with promises and hope. Addictive.

“Uniform?”

“That caught your eye.” When she still showed no understanding, he explained. “I can feel you drifting away, lass, and I’m seeking a way to draw you back. The ladies always seemed taken with the uniform. As once did you. Shall I send for it?”

“Drifting away? You can say that after what we—you and I—when we—after last night?” She clasped her gloved hands in her lap and looked away, her cheeks as red as strawberry ice in a paper cone.

“So it went well for you then, love? You dinna say, so I wasna sure. But with all the squealing and carrying on, I should have known.”

Her head whipped toward him. “I did not squeal or carry on.”

“No? Then it must have been me.”

And the scene just gets better from there.

I love that Ash is a man of his time, completely befuddled at first by the fact that his wife doesn’t want to give up her photography for a lifetime of leisure and balls. But I also love that he learns how important her career is and strives to find ways to support her in it.

If you haven’t read Heartbreak Creek, I recommend you start there to get a feel for the friendships and the secondary romance that run through the series. I highly recommend this series.

Rating: 4.5 (Excellent)

Heat-Level: 3 (Hot)

Reviewed by Kat Latham

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Cynthia Eden’s ANGEL OF DARKNESS

MISSY

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Elizabeth Essex’s THE DANGER OF DESIRE

BEEBS

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Stephanie Laurens’  VISCOUNT BRECKENRIDGE TO THE RESCUE,

IN PURSUIT OF ELIZA CYNSTER & $10 eGift Certificate 

JEANETTE JUAN

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Today, we have a brief Q&A from Stephanie Laurens as we anticipate the release of her final book in her Holding Out For a Hero trilogy, THE CAPTURE OF THE EARL OF GLENCARE, which goes on sale January 31^st.

Comment and enter to win a copy of VISCOUNT BRECKENRIDGE TO THE RESCUE, IN PURSUIT OF ELIZA CYNSTER, and a $10 Gift Certificate to Amazon or BN (to purchase Ms. Laurens’ upcoming release).

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You’ve described this book as: Elizabeth Bennet rescues Errol Flynn in the wilds of Scotland. Why?

Ah…I have to be careful here to avoid spoilers, but suffice it to say that, speaking literally as well as figuratively, that is indeed what happens. I wanted a twist to the customary, expected plot line wherein the hero always rescues the heroine – why couldn’t a heroine rescue a hero? And when it came to the story itself, Angelica was clearly the sort of young lady to carry off such a challenge.

The hero of this book is the head of a highland clan – how does his role differ from the head of a large family?

After writing about the Cynster family for so long, this was an area of research that fascinated me specifically because of the parallels that emerged between, for instance, the role of Devil Cynster, Duke of St. Ives, the head of the Cynster family (whose members have often enough in multiple books referred to themselves as the Cynster clan) and the role filled by Angelica’s hero, the head of a Scottish highland clan. At one point, after examining her hero’s status and responsibilities, Angelica considers the comparison, and, indeed, the highland clans still surviving at that time may well  have been very similar to her conclusion, which was that a highland clan operated on the same familial relationship lines as her extended Cynster family, but that the members of the clan were even more directly interdependent for their welfare and overall survival. Angelica concludes that clan is the equivalent of family taken to the extreme, and that seemed a valid description for a clan tucked away in an isolated glen, one that had managed to survive the earlier highland clearances intact.

You refer to a story involving Sir Walter Scott and George, the Prince Regent. Was that story true?

This was one of those serendipitious quirks. I sometimes wonder who it is who whispers in my head when I’m spinning a story! I needed a, for want of a better word, maguffin – an object of worth, a treasure of great meaning, something of the sort that could mean a great deal to my hero, and be important and valuable or powerful enough for others to want to possess it. I was typing away on the outline, and paused – then simply typed on because to me it was obvious, for reasons I had no clue about, that the object was XXX. (Again, I’m trying to avoid spoilers!)  I finished the outline, then went back to research and check that there really had been, or at least might have been, an XXX. And lo and behold, I all but immediately stumbled across the story of Sir Walter Scott, novelist and patriotic Scotsman, and his great obsession, and how that tied in with the Prince Regent, a close friend of Scott’s, and…I  swear I had never heard even a whisper of the story before, but there it was, with all the history, pomp, ceremony, and mystery I could possibly want, the perfect, true life basis for my maguffin! I am still seriously tickled that I could use such a fantastic yet true story – and yes, the story of Sir Walter Scott’s obsession is told, albeit in condensed fashion, in the book – to underpin my entirely fictitious tale. For a novelist, this was a dream find.