Fresh FIction Box Not To Miss
Heather McCollum | Author-Reader Match: THE HIGHLANDER’S TUDOR LASS
Author Guest / August 24, 2022

Instead of trying to find your perfect match in a dating app, we bring you the “Author-Reader Match” where we introduce you to authors you may fall in love with. It’s our great pleasure to present Heather McCollum! Writes: Heather McCollum is a USA Today bestselling author of 16th and 17th-century Scottish romances full of adventure and intrigue, sprinkled with humor, history, and spice. Brawny Highlanders and feisty heroines are her favorite characters! Wrap yourself in fun adventures that take you from sea to misty forests to castles and across moors covered in Scottish thistle. Live the romance that flares between her mighty warriors and their heroines, knowing you will always be given the happily-ever-after you deserve. About: Hello Romance Lover! On top of writing romantic adventures set in 16th century Britain, I’m also a mom of three kids (ages 15, 21, and 23), dog-mom of one rescued geriatric golden retriever, and wife of one 6-foot 4-inch Highlander. When I’m not trying to help my kids make it through the day, baking things I see on The Great British Baking Show, or writing, I’m usually educating women on ovarian cancer (I’m an 11-year survivor). I love kilted heroes, dragonflies, watching birds, chai tea lattes,…

Maeve Greyson | 20 Questions: A SCOT OF HER OWN
Author Guest / April 20, 2022

1–What is the title of your latest release? A SCOT OF HER OWN – Book One – Once Upon a Scot Series 2–What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book? When mighty Thorburn MacDougall fells the canniest Norwegian he’s ever battled in close combat, he discovers the adept warrior isn’t a man at all. She’s a blue-eyed beauty with fire in her eyes, fury in her soul, and the determination to escape from her cruel brother no matter the cost—even if it means becoming the prisoner of the most notorious Scottish warlord the isles have ever known. 3–How did you decide where your book was going to take place? I didn’t. Adellis and Thorburn came to me and demanded their story be told. 4–Would you hang out with your heroine in real life? Absolutely. Even though Adellis is a wounded warrior in her own right, her loyalty is steadfast—unless you cross her, of course. She loves as fiercely as she fights and never turns her back on those she cares about. You’d never get mean girl cattiness from Adellis. She might tell you what you don’t want to hear, but she would only do it because you needed to hear…

Callie Hutton Interview – Highlander Hotties
Author Guest , Interviews / April 6, 2022

In TO MARRY A HIGHLANDER, the hero and heroine are made to marry after being found in a somewhat compromising situation. As a romance fan, I like that trope because it’s a quick way of getting two people together who otherwise might not. As a writer, what do you like about using that trope? I like using that trope because sometimes the characters do want to be together, but there is something holding them back. In To Marry a Highlander, that’s what the situation is. Maura has always had a fancy for Conall, but he has such a reputation with the lasses, that she fears if they ever married, he would break her heart.   Your hero’s reputation with women precedes him in this book, and cause trouble in one way or another. How would you describe him to readers? As the younger brother of the Laird of Sutherland, and right hand man to the laird, Conall holds a prominent place in the Clan. He is tall, slender, but all muscle. His long brown hair is tied back with a strip of leather. He uses his deep blue eyes, mesmerizing smile, good looks, and charm to pursue the lasses, who…

Madeline Martin Interview – Highland Romance
Author Guest , Interviews / March 18, 2022

Your book THE HIGHLANDER’S STOLEN BRIDE is described as an enemies-to-lovers romance. Not counting a few exceptions that prove the rule, I’ve always been more of a friends-to-lovers fan. What is the dynamic between these two characters? And what makes their love story so compelling? I confess, I’m a huge enemies-to-lovers fan, especially when it includes a wounded hero…which this one does. When the Campbell clan comes back from their exile in Ireland to reclaim their land in Scotland, the McMillan siblings scramble to ally themselves through the best way they could in those days – through marriage. This is the last book of the Highland Alliance’s series and the heroine, Elspeth MacMillan, is supposed to wed the son of a neighboring laird, but on her way to the unwanted union, she gets kidnapped by Calum Campbell, son of the notoriously cruel Alexander Campbell who killed Elspeth’s father and many of their people. However, Calum Campbell is not only the son of a terrible and powerful man, he’s also the hero of The Highlander’s Stolen Bride.   Do you like to throw third act surprises in your romances? Like the hero and heroine almost have their relationship worked out when…

Cynthia Breeding | Exclusive Excerpt: HIGHLAND CHAMPION
Author Guest / November 15, 2021

2:00 pm, Monday River Thames “’Tis good to be on a boat again,” Fiona said as the Sea Rover glided along, “even though ‘tis nae like a loch.” “That is an understatement,” Lorelei answered, trying not to sound sarcastic. Loch Awe, where Strae Castle was located, was crystal clear and carried the fresh scents of forested woods and heather. The river was grey and murky and smelled awful. Hopefully, this sailing adventure would not last that long now that Erik hadn’t accompanied them. “Combien de temps avant qu’ils ne le découvrent?” the boatswain asked the first mate. “J’espère pas avant que nous soyons en mer.” He shrugged. “Je ne veux pas les attacher.” “What are they saying?” Fiona asked. Lorelei frowned, not sure she heard correctly. She’d taken two years of French while Papa was still alive, but hadn’t had much cause to use it. “Oui. C’est une bonne dizaine de jours à Tripoli.” “Avec de bons vents.” The boatswain laughed. “Nous obtiendrons beaucoup d’argent pour eux.” Those last words chilled her. She gave Fiona a look that she hoped her friend would understand before she turned to the first mate at the helm. She prayed her voice wouldn’t shake….

Heather McCollum | Exclusive Excerpt: THE HIGHLANDER’S PIRATE LASS
Author Guest / August 18, 2021

Beck watched the heavily gunned galleon sweep around the small isle, the wind filling its sails. After six months of patrolling the waters off the west coast of Scotland, Beck wouldn’t let this chance of capturing the most notorious French pirate slip past him. If the bastard outgunned them, he would use some intimidation to slow him down until Cullen could attack the Borreau from the other side. “Gavin,” he yelled, “are the men ready?” Gavin’s mouth dropped open, frozen, as he gazed past Beck. Beck pivoted on his boot in time to see… Eliza? The woman wore sailor’s clothing. No petticoats, but the breeches that she’d worn under her skirts. Tall boots hugged her shapely legs up past her knees. She wore a longish coat of wool and leather with an intricate braid trim, a white tunic, and a floppy hat over her hair. A crossbow swung by her side. She charged across the deck, Alice, who was also dressed in trousers, hurrying behind her with a lantern. “Holy Lord,” Rabbie said next to him. “Beck,” Drostan yelled, pointing at Eliza. As if he hadn’t seen her. Half his men had stopped to stare at the lass as she…

Cynthia Breeding | Title Challenge: HIGHLAND HERO
Author Guest / June 16, 2021

When her life is in danger, Juliana Caldwell must trust Rory MacGregor—the one man who annoys her to no end—to save her. H is for “haggle”…      which Juliana and Rory do continuously I  is for “ignite”…        easy since both of them are like dry kindling G is for “gale”…          the force with which they clash H is for  “hachet”…     neither of them can bury it L is for “launch”…      the barbs they throw at each other A is for “adventure”…one they were not anticipating N is for “navigate”…   finding their way through more than stormy weather D is for “daunting”…  a task much bigger than a single rescue * H is for “hazard”…     of which there are many E  is for “eddy”….      the love/hate relationship flows R  is for  “Rory:….     Rascal, Rogue, Rebel, Rake O is for “odyssey”…  what a journey it has been * When Juliana Caldwell is abducted by Neal Cameron—who intends to make her his bride, willing or not–Rory MacGregor is summoned to find her and bring her back unharmed.  He is the best tracker Clan MacGregor has, but he is also Juliana’s nemesis.  If one of them declares the sky blue, the other will argue that…

Eliza Knight | Title Challenge: TRULY MADLY PLAID
Author Guest / December 30, 2020

Hi all! I’m Eliza Knight and I’m so thrilled to be here with you all sharing a wee bit about my new book TRULY MADLY PLAID with the Title Challenge. When Annie is tasked with healing her brother’s best friend of his wounds, she knows it’s a forbidden love she should not want… Yet she cannot stop the deep yearning for the man she knows she could never have… T is for true love of course <3 What romance is complete without it? But also, for temptation for Annie is the forbidden fruit Craig cannot want to have… R is for romance, sigh… And the happily ever after that comes from it. U is for Up-all-night, which is what every writer secretly hopes their books keep you, lol L is for loyalty, which Annie and Craig hold to a high standard. They are in this fight for their country and intend to win. Y is for YES, as in Craig knowing he shouldn’t want his best friend’s sister, but oh yes does he want her… * M is for MacLean, as in Craig MacLean, Highland hottie and hero of this book! A is for Annie, our badass heroine who is…

Heather McCollum | 20 Questions: THE HIGHLANDER’S UNEXPECTED PROPOSAL
Author Guest / October 21, 2020

1–What’s the name of your latest release?  The Highlander’s Unexpected Proposal  2–What is it about?  Adam Macquarie needs a bride to re-establish his dying clan, and Lark Montgomerie needs an escape from her horrible life, but they are both hiding secrets that could ruin everything for them and Wolf Isle. 3–What word best describes your heroine?  Determined 4–What makes your hero irresistible?  Sense of honor (not to mention his biceps!) 5–Who are the people your main characters turn to when they need help?  Lark finds a friend in Lady Ava Maclean. Adam has four brothers, but the second oldest, Beck, is the one he turns to first. 6–What do you love about the setting of your book?  The western isles of Scotland are rugged and beautiful with mountains, lush valleys, and stormy, dramatic seas. I love it all! 7–Are you a plotter (follow an outline) or a pantster (write by the seat of your pants)? Definitely a pantser. I’m trying to plot more, but even when I do, my characters decide where we will be going each day when I sit down to write. 8–What is an ideal writing day for you?  Waking up early before everyone else. Sitting down…

Kerrigan Byrne | Exclusive Interview: ALL SCOT AND BOTHERED
Author Guest / September 23, 2020

Welcome back to Fresh Fiction, Kerrigan! Can you give us a little bit of background on the Devil You Know series and what you’re most excited about in book 2, ALL SCOT AND BOTHERED?   Hi! I have to say this is one of my favorite places in the world to virtually be! Here at Fresh Fiction with you guys. The Devil You Know Series follows three rebellious, red-headed girls who demand the same privileges, freedoms, and education as men. So, in finishing school they formed a society called “The Red Rogues” where they dressed in trousers, read banned books, drank like they weren’t supposed to, and promised never to marry. Of course, they meet the man who entices them to go back on their word! Now, what I love about All Scot and Bothered is that it might be the most fun I’ve ever had with enemies to lovers and opposites attract. Ramsay (the hero) is the opposite of the anti-heroes I’m used to in that he never bends the rules. He’s a perfectionist. He’s grumpy, critical, dangerous, and it was OH SO satisfying to watch as Cecelia unravels his entire world and makes him lose control. At a surface level, Cecelia…