Isle of Lewis: Stornoway

Stornoway Town Hall

After visiting the three sites, Callanish Standing Stones, Dun Carloway Broch, and Gearrannan Blackhouse Village on Isle of Lewis, we got off the bus in Stornoway. With about two hours to wait for the ferry, we had time to shop and eat. I bought some things, like scarves, at a street fair. (I love scarves.) It was around five pm and since we didn't know anything about Stornoway we were unsure where the good restaurants were. Actually, we had a hard time finding any restaurants at that late hour, but finally found one in a hotel. The food was delicious.

Martin's Memorial Church

 Stornoway, on Isle of Lewis, is the largest town in the Western Isles of Scotland with a population of around 9000. Stornoway is the 3^rd largest town in the Scottish Highlands, Inverness and Fort William being first and second.

County Hotel

 Stornoway has been an important port for many years, and was likely recognized from earliest times as having a safe harbor because of the natural landscape. Two "arms" of land jut out on either side making the waters much calmer than in the minch, the stretch of water between the islands and the mainland.

Lews Castle

Lews Castle was built between 1847 and 1852 by James Matheson who had bought Lewis in 1844. The castle was built on the site of the former Mackenzie's Seaforth Lodge (The Seaforth Lodge is said to have hosted the planners of the 1719 Jacobite Uprising.) Lews Castle was luxuriously furnished with crystal chandeliers, carved panels and tapestries. Lord Leverhulme, founder of Lever Brothers soap company, bought Lewis in 1917. In 1923, he gifted the vast estate of the Isle of Lewis to the citizens of Stornoway. It is administered by the Stornoway Trust on behalf of the townspeople.

No one knows when Stornoway was settled, but it was long before the Vikings started raiding in the ninth century. Chambered cairns nearby suggest the Stornoway area was settled before the Iron Age. In addition to the safe, natural harbor, other features no doubt valued by early inhabitants include fertile soils, shallow waters of Broad Bay for fish spawning, freshwater rivers that drew in salmon and sea-trout and safe anchorage.

Herring Girl Statue

 Stornoway is home to the Western Isles Council and other educational, sporting and media establishments. Education is important on Lewis, and our tour guide pointed out many of the newly build schools.

Stornoway Harbour

Carved Viking outside the ferry terminal

 When the Vikings rowed their longships into the bay they named the place 'Steering Bay' in the Norse tongue. And this name eventually became Stornoway. It is not known whether the Vikings killed all the native residents they found in the Stornoway area or whether they intermarried with them, or maybe a little of both. The Norse ruled Lewis for a time, until 1266 when the Treaty of Perth came into effect and the Norse were ordered to leave. All of Norway's possessions on the western seaboard were ceded to King Alexander III of Scotland. But Norse influence remains, including place names and clan names such as MacLeod, Morrison, Nicholson, and MacAulay.

The ferry terminal

 After we ate, we walked toward the ferry terminal early because we didn't want to miss the ferry, the last one for that day. We watched the ferry coming into port, and noticed several police officers heading through the terminal waiting area along with a black and white sheepdog, a Border Collie. An officer put the dog to work, sniffing each of the passengers' bags. But apparently nothing was found and no one was arrested.

Boats in Stornoway Harbour

Lewis was under the leadership of the Lord of the Isles from 1354 to 1493. By the end of the 14^th century, Lewis was held by one branch of the Clan MacLeod, with Harris (which connects to Lewis) being controlled from Skye by another branch of Clan MacLeod.

You can see the Stornoway War Memorial on the hill above the town.

  In the 15^th century the MacLeod clan possessed the Castle of Stornoway. It was said to resemble Kismul Castle. It was a symbol of power and status for this ruling clan. It was also a target of attacks from the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh who wanted to curb the independence of the unruly Clan MacLeod. The castle was attacked in 1506 and 1554 but survived both sieges. But it could not survive Cromwell's Commonwealth who caused the structure to be 'broken down.' Only ruins remained until 1882 when the site was demolished and overtaken by improvements to the harbor. Only a plaque remains as evidence that a castle once stood on the town's foreshore.

Leaving Isle of Lewis

On board the ferry, we found a warm comfortable place to sit inside, but I did venture outside in the icy wind a few times for some pics. Here's one of them as the sun was setting.

Thanks so much for visiting Stornoway with me! :)
Vonda
www.vondasinclair.com

Excerpt from My Daring Highlander:

Seona's horse bolted during a gale storm in the Highlands. Keegan chased after her and pulled her off the terrified horse.

He drew up beside the rocks that appeared stable enough and helped Seona slide to her feet, before he dismounted. He guided her toward the stones which blocked much of the fearsome west wind that pounded them and led Curry behind him. Keegan glanced upward, determining the stone was solid and that nothing would fall on their heads.

Immediately they were out of the wind and rain. He turned back to watch the gale rage across the moor behind them, the grasses, bushes and plants twisting and almost lying flat at times.

“There goes your horse,” he said, pointing. Seona’s mare was a distant black spot, running along the burn. The animal likely wouldn’t calm down until the gale had passed. “We’ll recapture her later.”

Following his gaze, Seona nodded.

“This is a decent shelter.” He was glad to get her out of the wind and rain.

“Aye,” she said, her breathing still elevated. Arms wrapped around herself, she shivered and her teeth chattered, though she tried to hide it.

“Come. I’ll warm you.” He took her into his arms, but he knew it wasn’t only the temperature of the chill wind that made her shiver. ’Twas also the waning of the extreme fear she must have felt taking a wild ride on that daft horse, tearing across the countryside. “’Tis all right, lass,” he murmured in her ear. “You’re safe now.”

Her body still trembled, but she nodded. He would do anything to keep her safe. Did she not know that?

His face against her cool damp hair, Keegan closed his eyes and drew in her sweet scent. She felt perfect against him, but he fought down his need to pull her even closer, to feel her body completely aligned with his.

Finally, her shivers diminished and her breathing returned to normal. Reluctantly, he removed his arms from around her and backed up a step. “Better?”

“Aye. I thank you for helping me. I don’t know what got into Juliana.”

“Juliana?” he asked.

“My mare.”

“’Tis a fancy name for a mare,” he said, unable to hide his amusement. But his main reason for smiling… he was thrilled she had not been injured.

She grinned, her dark blue eyes gleaming with happiness. Saints! He had never seen her look more beautiful.

“Did you know your eyes are the color of bluebells?” he asked.

She glanced away, but her smile widened and her cheeks turned an adorable pink, replacing the earlier paleness. She bit her lip, making him wish he could do the same.

Finally, her eyes met his again. He had the urge to tell her how incredibly beautiful she was, but he feared he might overdo it.

“You are mad to say such things,” she said. He barely heard her above the roar of the wind overhead.

He held up his hands in surrender. “I speak the truth.”

Seona felt her face burning despite the icy wind, but she forced herself to meet Keegan’s gaze. There was so much she wished to tell him, but fear held her back. He was perfect… or he would be perfect for her, at least. Simply gazing into his enchanting sky-blue eyes made her feel happy. And his grin was naught but charm and seduction. Most impressive of all, he was a strong, heroic man who didn’t fear anything.

“You are…” What should she say?

He moved his head closer to hear her better, and turned slightly so one of his ears was near her mouth.

“You are very brave and heroic. You saved my life,” she said, finding it easier to talk to him when he wasn’t looking directly into her eyes. “Twice.”

He pulled back a few inches, his lips twisting into a lopsided grin. “I thank you, m’lady,” he said. “I could never allow you to be injured.” He shook his head. “Over the past few months, I have wanted to talk to you or… dance with you but… you ken your aunt doesn’t like me.”

“Nonsense,” she said to be polite. Truth was Aunt Patience didn’t want her to go near him because she deemed him unacceptable as husband material for Seona.

“Come now, Lady Seona, you ken I speak the truth,” he said in a light tone. “Her glares are like sharp blades.”

She nodded. “My aunt is much like a guard dog.”

“Well, she has a right to be. You’re a beautiful lady and I’m…” He shrugged. “Just a guard.”

She frowned. “You are much more than that.”

’Twas obvious he was trying to maintain his pleasant expression, but a hint of sadness crept into his blue eyes that near broke her heart.

He shook his head. “Nay, I fear when it comes to you, Lady Seona, I’m naught but a knave and a rogue. I’ve hardly been able to concentrate today because of memories of that amazing kiss.” After shoving his fingers through his windblown, damp mane, he backed away and stared out at the blowing rain. “I must behave myself,” he muttered, as if to himself, but she heard it despite the roaring wind.

She could not take her eyes off him and the stunning passion in his gaze. He was right… completely and unequivocally right. He should never touch her again. She should’ve never allowed him to kiss her the night before, but she could not have stopped him any more than she could’ve stopped breathing. Speaking of which, her own breaths were now short and shallow. Her chest ached with the need to be closer to him. To touch him.

His gaze shifted to her. “Hell. Seona, don’t look at me like that.”

She pressed her eyes closed, the moisture gathering there burning. Why did she feel the urge to cry? ’Twas insanity. She was not normally a very emotional person. She should face facts now—she could never have Keegan. Even though he had owned her heart for months.

His warm, rough fingers touched her face. Her eyes popped open and she sucked in a sharp, surprised breath.

 My Daring Highlander copyright 2013 Vonda Sinclair

Coffee, Wine, Chocolate - My Favorite Things

My favorite things - coffee, wine, chocolate. And books, of course, but that's a subject for another - or several more - posts.

My favorite flavor of coffee is hazelnut. I drink it way hotter than my hubby can stand and while I enjoy an ice capp once in a while, I've never acquired a taste for iced coffee. I brew my own half regular/half decaf blend (hazelnut, of course) in my Keurig. Ever since my little heart episode, I hate the feeling of a racing heart, even if I know it's from caffeine.

An excellent coffee shop opened up at the corner of our street and hubby and I try to get over there every couple weeks to enjoy a cup of coffee and a muffin. They offer a shot of just about any flavor you'd like and while there I'll try a different flavor each time. They also roast their own coffee there and the aroma is heavenly.

Wine is another love of mine. I'm certainly no connoisseur, but I know what I like. I'm one of those not-too-dry, not-too-sweet wine snobs. Usually a drink white merlot. It's not quite as sweet as white zinfandel and I think it has a little more flavor. But I have a new favorite wine. Apothic Rose.

And you see that little silver banner at the top of the label? It says "limited release"! Yeah, so my new favorite wine won't be around for long. In fact, over the summer I've managed to buy out my local wine store. Pretty soon I'll be back to the white merlot. And that will be okay.

And what is coffee and wine without chocolate? I could go on and on about the wonderful attributes of chocolate, but I think for our readers it goes without saying. Aside from the creamy texture and mouth-watering taste - can we say antioxidants?? I can say without reservation that I never met a chocolate I didn't like, but the favorite I keep around the house is Hershey's Special Dark.

Again, not too sweet, not too bitter. I'm that kind of girl.

And if we want to throw a book into the mix, can I say my favorite right now is, of course, my newest release, Voluptuous? I've had great feedback from readers who love reading about a plus-sized heroine getting her happy ending and I know I'm going to write some more curvy girl stories. Who knows. Some of them might become your favorites too.

How about you? What's your favorite coffee? Wine? Chocolate?

Natasha
Voluptuous - available now
Her Royal Masquerade - coming Oct 2013
Playing for Real - coming Feb 4, 2014
www.natashamoore.com

When Authors Do Too Much

Something my fellow Fierce Romance author Natasha Moore said to me over the summer sparked this blog. She told me she felt guilty about not writing while she was on vacation. It’s a comment that was backed up recently by author (and ex-agent) Nathan Bransford in a blog he titled: When It Feels Like You’re Never Doing Enough.

Writers are the only people I know of who feel guilty about taking a day off. Most people love time away from their job, but for us writers, there’s always a nagging feeling lurking in the back of our minds that “I could be writing right now,” or worse, “I should be writing right now.”

There have been weekends when I’ve sent my husband off to the movies by himself just so I could spend those two hours working on my current WIP.  There are nights when I skip sitting beside him on the couch watching Hawaii 5-0 and instead sit in front of the computer (and believe me, it’s damned difficult to give up an hour looking at gorgeous Alex O’Loughlin)!

So how much is too much? How do you find balance between a writer’s life and real life? 

I suppose it would be easier if writers could sit at their computer and just turn on a switch to fire up their Muse. If I could work a solid eight hours and get lots of pages written, I wouldn’t feel so guilty about quitting at six o’clock, just like I do at my day job. Maybe it’s because I’m a pantser rather than a plotter that being consistently productive is so uncertain for me. But really, I believe the Muse is a fickle friend. She can’t be told what to do (or when). So when a writer is ‘in the zone,’ it’s a beautiful thing and she is not to be disturbed!

Trouble is, that zone could come at any time, so we have to be ready for it 24/7. Which means family sometimes takes a back seat. Which can make for guilt all around. Guilt that you’re neglecting your most important personal relationships if you write, or guilt that you’re neglecting the creative force that drives us to write if you don’t.

So… How do YOU handle the demands of being a writer?

Jenna

www.jennaives.com

Accomplished or Strong?

I read a blog post by Anna Gunn, the actor who plays Skylar White on Breaking Bad. For those of you who’ve never seen it, it’s a show about a high school chemistry teacher who finds out he’s dying from lung cancer and, to spare his family a huge financial burden, hooks up with a hood he had in class once to sell meth and save his family from financial disaster. Skylar is the main character’s wife, and the actor’s post was about her character and how people respond to it, plus her take on it. Read it here.
            I read the post with great interest because I really like the show, but what struck me was the discrepancy between the character the actor thought she was projecting and the character that I see as a part of the story as a viewer. She seemed to think that viewers didn’t like her character because she was a strong female, gutsy and a role model for women. Her idea was that viewers couldn’t handle a strong female character and thus didn’t like her. I honestly don’t like the character, but what was so interesting is that the reason I don’t like her is totally different from what the actor perceived to be the issue. Whereas she thought it was about a strong female people didn’t understand, I felt her character was completely self-absorbed, selfish, and unsupportive of her life mate. I’m a feminist, so certainly if this “strong” character had some quality that I could translate into something I could relate to, I would. However, she doesn’t.

When Skylar's husband tells her he’s dying, it becomes all about her and their family. She never once acknowledges that what he’s done was because he wanted to take care of them, and, instead, does nothing but chastise him for bad choices and putting the family in danger. Yes, he has done this; however, he’s also protected them from every attempt made to draw them into the underworld and even risen to the top of the drug world to make sure he’d not lose them. Skylar’s view of her husband, however, is that he’s a milquetoast, and she never gives him credit for his being the badass that he’s become. So, while the actress thinks she’s projecting a strong character, the way Skylar is written feels more like a woman who liked her husband weak, which he was before the cancer, so she could be in charge. That’s not a strong woman; that’s just a controlling person who spends more time looking out for herself than loving her husband.

I tried to like this character. I really did. And there were moments she was kind of engaging. However, even when Skylar has an affair, she treats her lover just like she treated her husband. Everything is all about her and no one else. That’s not a strong woman. That’s a selfish person, no matter what gender.

So, I guess I find it fascinating that the actor who plays Skylar thinks she’s portraying some kind of poster child for the modern woman when so many people don’t see it that way. It makes me wonder about my female characters. I know for a fact that at least one of them draws the ire of readers because of her low self-esteem, which is awesome because that’s the way I wrote her. She;s not strong at all, though she’s accomplished. She’s a mess when it comes to relationships and feels unworthy of being loved. She’s annoying because of this, but in the end she takes a risk on her lover and wins. With Skylar, you get the feeling that she never has loved anyone, except herself.

I guess the tricky part to writing engaging female characters is to make sure to not confuse accomplished and capable with strong. It’s a struggle all writers face. What do you think as a reader or a viewer or both? What makes a female character strong? Likable? Please do share!

Top Ten Romance Heroes

As romance readers, we all have those heroes who swoop in and steal our hearts. I’m no exception. Over the years, I’ve had plenty of book boyfriends, ranging from the dominating alpha to the geeky best friend. So who are my top ten? You guys ready for this?

I’m going to start with my all-time favorite hero ever! I think I’ll have a lot of women nodding eagerly in agreement with this one. 

Jericho Barrons. Do I need to say more? Okay, okay. Maybe you haven’t heard of him. If you haven’t, all I’m going to say is you’re soooooo missing out. Jericho Barrons, or Barrons for the Fever fans, is Karen Marie Moning’s drool-worthy creation from her Fever series. We are only in this man’s POV a few times throughout the first five books, but you don’t need to be in his head for him to leave an impression! He comes storming into Mac’s life in book one and takes over. 

Gavrael McIllioch, a.k.a. Grimm Roderick from To Tame a Highland Warrior. Yet, another Karen Marie Moning hero. Grimm was my introduction to KMM and I haven’t looked back since. In fact, until Barrons came along, Grimm held the number one spot on my list. I loved everything about Grimm. He was a strong, kilt-wearing warrior, who helped a nearly blind little boy learn to ride a horse. If that’s not enough, he was also a berserker and was terrified that the bloodlust would one day cause him to kill the woman he loved, so he did everything in his power to push her away. I pull this book out at least once a year to re-read. 

Drustan MacKelter.  I swear he’s the last of the KMM heroes. I adore all her heroes, but these three have always stood out above the others for me. Drustan is from Kiss of the Highlander. What I loved about him was the contrast from the Drustan who wakes up in today’s Scotland from the one he is when he returns to sixteenth century Scotland. He was so adorable picking out clothes (purple being his favorite color) and riding in a car for the first time. But when he returns to his time, he is all Highland laird. 

Rhage. I may start a riot by mentioning any of the hot vampires from J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series. I’m sure there are a lot of opinions on who is the best hero from the series. Lover Eternal was the first book of the series I read, and Rhage stole my heart. He was a man who hated a very dangerous part of himself, a part that had the other brothers running in the opposite direction when it made an appearance. His struggles, his worry over Mary, his love for Mary, made me melt. I didn’t think it was possible for me to love another one of her heroes more until…

Zsadist. Hands down the BEST tortured hero ever written. I became enthralled by Zsadist in Lover Eternal. He was so dark and menacing, so…tortured. I wasn’t sure how J.R. Ward was going to bring him back from it. The vampire was damaged beyond repair. I devoured Lover Awakened, and I loved watching Zsadist begin to live again. 

Julian Hampton. The best beta hero ever written from Madeline Hunter’s The Romantic. No, he wasn’t one to flex his muscles or pursue his lady-love, but I loved being in this man’s head. The love letters he wrote to Penelope, the ones he never sent to her, because he knew she could never find out how he felt…just..*dreamy sigh*

Jacob Jankowski. I loved Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. Jacob went up against great odds to save the woman he loved from a brutal husband. Add in an elephant named Rosie, and you have a beautiful love story. 

Peeta Mellark. The male tribute from District 12 completely won me over with his determination to keep Katniss safe inside The Hunger Games. Besides, what’s not to love about the boy with the bread? 

Daemon Black. Daemon is an alien from Jennifer Armentrout’s A Lux Novel series. Now, Daemon was a cocky SOB at first, and I wanted to punch him a couple of times, but let me tell you, when he stops fighting his feelings for Katy, whew boy! Let’s just say, the fourth book can’t get here quick enough. I can’t get enough of Daemon Black.  

Elvis Zimmerman.  Elvis isn’t the actual hero of Julie Moffett’s Lexi Carmichael Mystery series (though I’m counting on an Elvis/Lexi hook-up soon!). These books mostly follow Lexi and her adventures. Elvis is Lexi’s hacker friend. I fell in love with Elvis in No One Lives Twice. Yes, he’s a geek, he’s pasty white, and he’s surrounded by the likes of Finn the drop-dead gorgeous lawyer and Italian secret agent Slash, but even with those panty-dropping men surrounding him, I was/am pulling for Elvis. I adore this character. Adore him! 

Who are your favorite romance heroes?

Abby

My Notorious Highlander Excerpt

I've been hard at work on my latest WIP (work in progress) entitled My Notorious Highlander. I thought I would share a brief excerpt with you today. For those who have read My Brave Highlander (Dirk and Isobel's story) you might remember when Torrin and Jessie first met. Torrin was instantly ensnared by Jessie's beauty--her bright blue eyes and flaming red hair. Before he left Dunnakeil, Torrin asked Jessie's older brother for her hand in marriage. Dirk had to refuse this offer because he wouldn't make his sister marry someone she didn't wish to. But Torrin isn't giving up.

During supper at Dunnakeil Castle, one of the guards approached Lady Jessie MacKay at the high table. "We have visitors, m'lady," he said, raising his voice over the roar of conversation in the candlelit great hall.

Halting her knife in the midst of cutting a piece of venison, she glanced up at him with trepidation. Please don't let it be Haldane. She couldn't deal with her outlaw younger brother. Although Dirk hadn’t exactly left her in charge of the castle, she was the next oldest of her siblings and of the highest rank here. Dirk's sword-bearer, Erskine, and the guards were to handle defense. But if they had noble visitors, she was the one left to entertain them… along with her other brother, Aiden. But his method of entertainment was music. She would have to deal with everything else.

"Who is it?" she asked with dread.

"Chief MacLeod and Chief MacBain," the guard informed her.

"What?" Jessie's mouth hung open. Noticing a few people staring at her, she snapped her mouth closed and tried to contain her shock. Those were two names she'd hoped to never hear again. "Are you certain? Torrin MacLeod and Gregor MacBain?"

"Aye."

"What on earth are they doing here?"

"They would not say, but they're requesting entrance."

"How many men with them?" her younger brother, Aiden, asked beside her.

"Just over a dozen."

"I'll see what they want." Aiden stood.

"Wait." Jessie grabbed his slender arm. "I'll go too." Why couldn't Dirk have been here at a time like this? He and around twenty-five had left, traveling south, a few weeks ago. They'd been planning to stop by Munrick Castle, Torrin MacLeod's keep. He knew Dirk wasn't here. Was that why he'd come? To harass her about marrying him? "Where is Erskine?" she asked. Her older brother's sword-bearer would ken what to do if conflict broke out.

"Outside," the guard said. "But he wanted your permission before we allowed them entrance. We're fair certain the MacLeods are allies, but we don't ken about the MacBains since… eh…" The guard's face flushed.

"Aye." Since her handfasting with him had gone sour three years past.

"I don't think Torrin MacLeod wants to wage war with you, sister." Aiden smirked, his boyish face taking on a pixie charm.

She rolled her eyes. She could guess why Torrin was here, but MacBain? The man whose castle she'd spent a year and a day at. She'd hoped to never see him again. Of a certainty, at the time, she'd fallen for him, but since being away from him, she'd come to realize what kind of knave he truly was. He cared for no one but himself. Gregor MacBain was incredibly selfish and changed his mind as often as the changing weather in the Highlands. He'd entered into a legal marriage with another woman. Jessie had naught to say to him.

After pushing herself up from the table, she crossed the great hall on shaky legs. But never could she let either of the men outside see a smidgen of weakness from her. They would circle and close in like hungry buzzards.

Stepping into the courtyard, she saw that gloaming had settled over the land with a purple light just after sunset and a brisk breeze blew in off the North Sea. She, Aiden, and the guard moved toward the iron portcullis.

Erskine joined them, his short brown hair ruffled by the wind. He wore leather armor and carried a sword at his hip. But he did not appear overly concerned. "M'lady." He gave an abbreviated bow. "Both MacLeod and MacBain appear to have come in peace. They wish to speak to you."

Jessie's stomach knotted worse than the ropes used on the galleys. Saints! She gave a brief nod, though she did not want to face either man, but for different reasons. She took a deep breath and placed a hand upon the hilt of the foot-long dirk in the scabbard on her belt. She was never without it. Not that she expected to have to use it on either man. But it gave her more confidence.

As they approached the gate, her breathing grew shallower and her sweaty hands more fidgety. She clasped them before her.

Remain calm.

Her gaze landed on Torrin MacLeod first. A wave of panic and something far more disturbing washed over her. The man was just as striking and attractive as the last time she'd seen him, mayhap more so, with his compelling green eyes, long chestnut hair and tall, lean frame. He was one of the few men who towered over her. But looking into his eyes filled her with a mixture of dread, fear, and something she didn't want to think about.

She quickly switched her gaze to Gregor MacBain. His black hair was much longer than it had been the last time she'd seen him and a scruffy short beard covered the lower half of his face. His dark-brown eyes had once completely bewitched her, but now she could hardly tolerate the sight of him.

"Lady Jessie," Gregor said in a cheerful tone, then bowed deeply. His conciliatory smile annoyed her greatly. "I'm so glad to see you, lass."

"What do you want, Gregor?"

Torrin snorted, one side of his lips kicking up in a half smile as he watched her with pronounced interest.

Heat rushed over her and she immediately felt even more edgy than before. No matter how disconcerting she found him, she simply needed to ignore Torrin, but remain ever vigilant around him for he was a dangerous man. She had seen firsthand what kind of lethal warrior he was.

"Is that any way to greet your husband?" Gregor cajoled.

"You are not my husband," she stated firmly, sending him what she hoped was a cutting glare. "You married another woman."

"Aye, but she passed giving birth to my son. I made a mistake. I never should've left you for her. I ken you must have missed me."

"You're wrong. I hardly remember much about you. And our marriage was not a legal one, so you were never my husband, in truth. 'Twas only a handfasting." She detested the Highland practice of trial marriage for a year and a day, to see if the woman would conceive a bairn, before the legal marriage took place. This, of course, benefited the man, usually a chief who needed an heir. She would never willingly enter into one of these arrangements again. She'd much prefer to remain unmarried and be of service to her family and clan.

Gregor sighed. "A storm is blowing in off the sea. Will you not let us in and feed us supper? What of Highland hospitality?"

"I have no hospitality or sympathy for you," she said, only now noticing the strong wind whipping her hair and cooling her overheated face.

"Allow me to talk to the lady alone." Torrin's tone was low and deep, but most disturbing of all, he never took his eyes off her.

My Notorious Highlander copyright 2013 Vonda Sinclair

Voluptuous Pin-Up Girl

vo·lup·tu·ous [vuh-luhp-choo-uhs]

adjective
1. full of, characterized by, or ministering to indulgence in luxury, pleasure, and sensuous enjoyment: a voluptuous life.
2. derived from gratification of the senses: voluptuous pleasure.
3. directed toward or concerned with sensuous enjoyment or sensual pleasure: voluptuous desires.
4. sensuously pleasing or delightful: voluptuous beauty.
From dictionary.com

Is there a better word for full-of-sexiness? I don't think so! My Curve Appeal story from Ellora's Cave is titled Voluptuous and it released last Friday. Meredith is a curvy girl and I had a lot of fun researching plus-sized models and other voluptuous images while I was writing the story. I came across this article and I loved these pictures so much I wanted to share it with our Fierce Romance readers.

America's Forgotten Pin-Up Girl

What do you think? Isn't Hilda one of the best pin-up girls you've ever seen?

Oh, and a little heads-up for our Fierce Romance readers. This Thursday is my birthday and I just may have a little surprise contest over on my Facebook page. If you haven't "liked" my author page yet, you still have time.

Natasha
Voluptuous - available now
Her Royal Romance - Oct 2013
Silken Canvas - print coming Nov 2013
Playing for Real - coming Feb 2014
www.natashamoore.com