Pages

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Book Blast, Giveaway & Author Cage: Mark of the Highlander by @skypurington

Mark of the Highlander Banner 450 x 169

 

blast

 

clip_image002Mark of the Highlander

The MacLomain Series

Next Generation

Book 1

Sky Purington

Genre: Time Travel Fantasy Romance

Date of Publication: April 8, 2014

ASIN: B00JK4TMJW

Number of pages: 246

Word Count: 79,000

Cover Artist: Tamra Westberry

Amazon Barnes and Noble Kobo

Book Description:

Up and coming novelist sensation, McKayla never could have imagined that the medieval Scottish Highlands she wrote about were anything more than pure historical fiction. But little did she know that her Broun ancestry would prove an irresistible pull for one very remarkable highlander.

Colin MacLomain, skilled assassin and fierce warrior, is ready to make right his jaded past. Newly seated as chieftain, he's determined to win over his clan and one true love. But when she's pulled back in time will McKayla, his unknowing best friend, be able to see past his shaded history to the man he's determined to become?

Find out in Mark of the Highlander.

Coming soon- Vow of the Highlander (Book 2) and Wrath of the Highlander (Book 3)

excerpt

Though they stood a good foot apart they might as well have been entwined with all the attraction crackling between them. He arched a brow and though he didn’t move toward her, his words certainly yanked her back against him. “More muscles. Far more strength. A tireless perseverance that I promise will make you weep.”

“Tireless,” she whispered.

“Perseverance,” he promised. “Determination.”

She licked her lips and tried to look away. Impossible. He looked so bloody good standing there in a plaid with the mountains cheering him on and the highland wind working fully to his advantage.

“You have no idea how hard it was for me to transform my feelings into something platonic. But I did. This. You.” She made a loose gesture in his direction. “Reignites old wounds.”

Colin nodded and instead of continuing to undress her with his practiced eyes he grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him.

“So let’s start over, Kay, sorry, McKayla.” He squeezed her hand. “I promise not to call you that until I earn back your trust. I dinnae deserve that level of closeness. Not yet. But I promise you one day I will. I want to earn back not only what I lost when I ended our relationship but what I lost because of all the lies. While I beg for my clan’s forgiveness, allow me to ask for yours as well, a thousand times over.”

A small shiver rippled through her. Did he really crave her forgiveness as much if not more than those who raised him? His very family? It was hard not to be humbled because she knew he was being truthful. She wasn’t being naïve, not this time. He meant it. Regardless, he wasn’t getting off that easy. “Let’s work at rebuilding the friendship and not worry so much about the relationship, okay?”

Colin nodded and led her into the forest. “Seems like a good start.”

That sounded like he intended the friendship to be a mere formality and for them to pick up where they left off. If he thought she was jumping back into a relationship, he was in for a rude awakening. “Friends, Colin. That’s all I want right now.”

“Aye,” he agreed. “Friends. Once earned.”

Again, something about the way he said it made her think he was a lot more arrogant than he thought he was.

 

Authorcage

 

Did you always want to be a writer? If not what did you want to be?

I always wanted to be a writer but there were a few years in there that I almost pursued my love for Interior Design. Now I’m a devoted author with a soft spot for HGTV.

When did you first consider yourself a “writer”?

I would have to say when I completed my first novel in 2006. Though I’d always loved writing before there was something about a full manuscript completed that made it all seem real.

How long did it take to get your first book published?

Longer than I would’ve liked but I know most authors would say that. I still have the rejection letters and intend to save them for my son. The point? I want to teach him to never give up on his dreams.

What is the name of your latest book, and if you had to summarize it in less than 20 words what would you say?

As I’m already promoting Mark of the Highlander (Book One) today I’ll summarize the one I’m nearly finished with, Vow of the Highlander (Book Two). In a nutshell… Womanizing medieval Highlander meets sharp-tongued modern day woman and sparks fly!

How long does it usually take you to write a book, from the original idea to finishing writing it?

Typically two to three months for a full novel.

What can we expect from you in the future? ie More books of the same genre? Books of a different genre?

My goal for 2014/2015 is to complete The MacLomain Series- Next Generation. Unlike The MacLomain Series- Early Years and the original MacLomain Series, the next generation follows one main storyline with many of the characters reappearing in all five books. I’m nearly finished Vow of the Highlander (Book 2) and expect its release in early June. Wrath of the Highlander (Book 3) will be available in early autumn. Faith of the Highlander (Book 4) and Plight of the Highlander (Book 5) will be available in early 2015.

What genre would you place your books into?

Time-travel fantasy romance with a twist of paranormal.

What made you decide to write that genre of book?

Even before I was a romance reader I was an avid Fantasy Fiction reader. I love world-building and magic. When I first began writing romance it was with the intention of my Highlanders being simple mortal men. Two chapters in I knew that was never going to happen. Soon witches and wizards slipped under the radar and became a constant. As to the paranormal aspect, I’ve always been a huge fan of vampires, werewolves, ghosts and all of those other creatures of the night. It was impossible not to include them in my work as the years went on.

Do you have a favorite character from your books? And why are they your favorite?

To date my favorite character continues to be Ferchar MacLomain from Destiny’s Denial. There’s just something about a troubled, black haired, blue eyed man who possesses dark magic that gets me going. *grins* I have a feeling that Malcolm MacLomain from Wrath of the Highlander will come in as a close second.

Do you have a certain routine you have for writing? ie You listen to music, sit in a certain chair?

I LOVE to listen to music when writing. Bagpipes and New Age for my Highlander books. Dark, techno or rock for my paranormals. However, when editing I need absolute silence.

Do you choose a title first, or write the book then choose the title?

Typically, the title occurs to me within the first half of the book and is often based on one of the main characters emotions or goals.

How do you come up with characters names and place names in your books?

The place names are always legitimate locations. In my Highlander books it was a little bit trickier as most of them take place during or before the thirteenth century and many locals have changed. As to characters, I stick with names appropriate to not only the country I’m writing about but the era.

Do you decide on character traits (ie shy, quiet, tomboy girl) before writing the whole book or as you go along?

I usually like to flesh out character traits ahead of time so that I stay consistent to their personalities. In addition, it helps me get an idea of what to aim for when it comes to character growth.

Which format of book do you prefer, eBook, hardback, or paperback?

I’m a total eBook girl now mostly because I live on my various electronic devices. Half the time I’m reading books on my cell phone! However, I still adore a paperback book and on occasion continue to add them to my bookshelf. There’s just nothing quite like the feel and smell of a print book.

Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is you favorite/worst book to movie transfer?

Honestly, I’ve made a point of steering clear of reading books before the movie comes out mostly because everyone always says it’s a total fail. When reading, we all see characters differently so I imagine it’s a tall order to get the casting right never mind everything else that goes into a book.

 

  giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

  abouttheauthor

clip_image004

Sky Purington is the best-selling author of nine novels and several novellas. A New Englander born and bred, Sky was raised hearing stories of folklore, myth and legend. When combined with a love for nature, romance and time-travel, elements from the stories of her youth found release in her books.

Purington loves to hear from readers and can be contacted at Sky@SkyPurington.com.

Interested in keeping up with Sky's latest news and releases?

Visit Sky's website, http://www.skypurington.com to download her free App on iTunes and Android or sign up for her quarterly newsletter.

 

 

Love social networking? Find Sky on Facebook and Twitter.

Website: www.skypurington.com

Blog: www.skypurington.blogspot.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/skypurington

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sky-Purington/260484263999780

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/skypurington

2 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for hosting me today! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  2. As a quarter of the blood coursing through my veins runs Clan Ross red, I do love highlander stories and will be seeking out Ms. Purington's work. Thanks for the intro and giveaway!

    ReplyDelete