Hot forum topicsPollSex on horseback? Yeah, baby! Flip up that kilt and go! 58% No way, no thank you, NOT possible. Please dismount... 0% Who cares if it's possible?! Who DOESN'T want to read that? 42% |
Sword of the Highlands: Inspired by a Real HeroI saw a portrait of the handsome James Graham, Marquis of Montrose, and knew I had to learn more about him. Then I read his biography, and was so swept up in his story--how this dashing nobleman, learned poet, and gifted swordsman transformed himself into one of the greatest military leaders in Scottish history--that I literally wept to read of his death on the gallows in 1650. I knew then that I needed to rewrite his fate and send a woman back in time to save him.
Like Master of the Highlands, this story incorporates a great amount of historical detail. Unlike my first book, however, Sword of the Highlands, is steeped in intricate details, thanks to James Graham's prominent position in Scottish and military history. I recreated numerous battles, integrated famous quotes, and featured over a dozen real historical figures. My primary research source was Montrose, C.V. Wedgwood's engrossing and definitive biography. Wedgwood describes him: "An accomplished youth, a brilliant amateur soldier and inspired guerilla leader, a not inconsiderable poet, a man of great courage, integrity and nobility of mind, he met a horrible death with exemplary fortitude and stands out in the annals and legends of the Civil Wars of Scotland as a pattern of the epic hero." All that, and handsome too? How could a romance novelist resist?! Click around below for tons of pictures and facts from James's campaigns and life. Warning: don't read until you've finished the book! Spoilers abound! Chapter 1 - Magdalen and the painting Chapter 2 - Three fathom of rope Chapters 5-7 - The Marquis and his sister Chapter 11 - a monk's ramblings Chapters 13 and 15 - 'For God, Covenant and Country' Chapter 16 - Parley with the king Chapter 18 - Two noblemen and a groom Chapter 20 - Inchmahome Priory Chapter 21 - authorial liberties... Chapter 25 - The Battle of Tippermuir Chapter 26 - A little truth, a little fabrication Chapters 29 and 31 - perhaps the most famous bit of all Chapter 30 - "an unquiet sleep" |
