A new series coming soon (Exclusive post)

Character inspiration. Photo by: Kilted Yogis page

Hi friends! I hope you are making out okay during this "stay at home" phase of the pandemic. I've been thinking of all the people affected. My heart goes out to any/all that come down with the illness, especially the bairns. It's funny how our lives have changed in the course of a few weeks. We shall persevere and get through this. At least, that is my great hope.

I wanted to share with you news about my upcoming new series - LORDS OF THE NORTH. It's a Scottish Historical set in the late 1300's, early 1400's. Books will be coming out sometime in 2020. Here's a preliminary series blurb:

In the most northern lands of Scotland, clan rivalries are more of a concern than the king's politics. That is until family discord threatens to tear apart the fierce clans of Sinclair, Sutherland, Mackay, and Mackenzie. Clansmen murder to ensure the prosperity of their clan. Lairds must marry to make alliances to protect their clans from rivals. Family members hide their deceit, care, and secrets − all of which force the Highland Lairds to accept overwhelming situations. Family dysfunction has never been this difficult. Will love bring these handsome Highlanders peace or will it put them in further peril?

The books in this series are:

The Seduction of Laird Sinclair - HERO Callum Sinclair HEROINE Violet Danvers
Seven Lasses & A Laird - HERO Keith Sutherland HEROINE Marren Mackenzie
Making Her A Mackay - HERO Grady Mackay HEROINE Mia Malone
The Warrior & The Waif - HERO Kieran Mackenzie HEROINE Trulee (no surname)

I cannot wait to show you the lovely book covers and share the premise of the stories. These stories will have you rooting for our heroes and sighing at the situations the heroines find themselves in. I will be sharing more as I get closer to publication. Be sure to keep an eye out.

Happy Historical Reading,
Kara Griffin

Need an escape?

Hi friends! Hope you're all well. I'm praying for us all  I'm in my writing cave working hard on a new series - Lairds of the North  I'm inspired and my muse is sitting six feet from me I wanted to share... As a reader, books are my escape so I wanted to do something to help other readers. Even if we retreat from the world for an hour, two, or twenty, reading makes us happy. I hope my books bring happiness.
Love & romance xoxo https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/AuthorKaraGriffin

Author Preview & Giveaway

Readers, 

Comment on any of the excerpts posted in Sept/Oct and be entered to win a copy of the box set of the Gunn Guardsman series! 

Winner will be picked 10/31! Enter as often as you like, each comment will result in one entry. I look forward to your comments. 

~Kara Griffin

Beginnings - Warrior's Pledge (Pith Trilogy Book 1)

WARRIOR'S PLEDGE

In a time when a pledge means everything, a Highland warrior seeks justice. But he must put his quest for vengeance aside when a lovely lass asks for his help. Colin MacKinnon promises to protect Julianna and escort her to her friend’s home in Scotland. As her secrets unravel, Colin comes to care for her. There’s only one thing standing in his way—her companion, a man who aspires to be a wizard. Colin must perform a bit of magic of his own or possibly risk losing her.

Julianna Bentley cannot reveal who she really is, lest it cause danger for all. Guarding her secrets and hiding in the Highlands is the only way to assure her safety. When a handsome laird offers his help, she takes him up on his offer. She must choose between them—the arrogant laird or the misguided wizard. But Julianna doesn’t believe in magic and her choice might change her life’s path forever.

Prologue Excerpt from Warrior's Pledge Copyright @ 2019 Kara Griffin

Dover Castle, Royal Residence

August 1200

A loud clap of thunder awoke Julianna. Her eyes flew open in time to see light flicker inside the bedchamber. Monsters.

Being in the castle was fearsome enough without having a raging storm to make the shadows in the corners even scarier. Another flash came and caused her to pull the covers over her head. She pressed herself against the wall beside the large bed and hoped to hide from the horrible sounds. Brightness illuminated the chamber, but what scared her was the sound of the monsters’ growls. Thunder came every few seconds. She looked across the chamber to her protector, Bleeth, who slept beneath a cocoon of covers.

In a panicked whisper, she called, “Bleeth, are you awake?”

He didn’t budge and kept his eyes closed. With as much courage as she could muster, she decided she would nudge him, but she changed her mind when a monster shook the walls with his wrath.

She jumped when Bleeth’s voice called out. “Julianna, ‘tis but a storm. Go back to sleep.”

“I’m scared. I want Mama.” Julianna hoped he’d get her. She didn’t want to find Mama herself. Mama would hold and soothe her, only she would make her feel safe.

Thunder rumbled again. Heavy rain pelted the window casement and made sounds like the angels in heaven clapped. At least that’s what Mama always said it resembled. Bleeth was no help, and Julianna decided if she wanted Mama, she’d have to get her herself. The floor trembled when her feet touched the stone. The rumble scared her into stillness. Another flash came. She stared through the window casement into the night. Monsters.

Mist hung betwixt the trees and the eerie sight fueled her imagination. A steam-misted cloud formed into a serpent, its wide mouth would swallow her whole. With wide eyes, she decided to be brave.

“Bleeth, I’m going to Mama. There are monsters afoot.”

“Go back to sleep, Julianna, you’re safe.” Bleeth leaned up from his pallet and reached for her hand. “I can send you to your mama.” He waved his hands in the air. “Be still.”

“Nay.” If there was one thing that frightened her more than monsters, it was Bleeth’s attempt at magic. Julianna ran to the door but took a quick glance at her bed. For a second, she almost changed her mind. She could hide beneath the covers and be safe, couldn’t she? Instead, she slunk through the door with determined steps.

“Come back here.” She heard Bleeth ramble. “She never listens.”

Having arrived the day before, Julianna wasn’t familiar with the castle. Down a long narrow corridor, the door to her mother’s rooms seemed far. She worried she wouldn’t reach the door before the monsters got her. Her little feet patted across the cold cobbles. Golden-framed portraits glared from the walls above. Their eyes seemed to follow her and propelled her to run faster. She reached the door and held the ornamental knob. To her relief, the massive door opened. She was safe now that Mama would hold her.

“Mama,” she whispered and crossed the solar to the archway which led to the bedchamber.

Something was wrong. Mama sobbed and held her cheek.

“I cannot believe you would make a cuckold of me. I should never have married you. Who is he, one of the king’s knights?” her father’s voice harsh.

Julianna couldn’t see him from where she stood. He sounded angry, but he always spoke harshly. She stole into a darkened recess beside the archway and watched in stunned silence. Cold tears trickled her cheeks when her father’s hands clutched Mama’s neck. Mama gasped for breath and struggled.

“Mama,” she wailed. “Cease hurting Mama.”

Her father’s angry face turned toward her. Julianna had to help Mama, but she didn’t know how to stop his attack. She flung herself at him and the back of her father’s hand knocked her away. Her head struck the cobbled floor. Tears flowed and the blurred vision of her father’s face waved before her. Monster. Blackness took hold and the monster receded into its depths.

Don't miss Warrior's Pledge.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006YDPX36

Loved this book. Warrior's Pledge was well written and I had trouble putting my kindle down, I couldn't wait to read on and see what happened through the book.

I'll have a medieval romance book with that cup of tea!

Readers & Friends,

One of my favorite things to do when the weather turns colder is enjoy a cup of tea each afternoon. Sometimes I even have two cups. Right now my favorite tea is Lady Grey Tea. Can't get enough of it. It's getting colder as the summer days are ending and soon it'll be time for pumpkin spice everything. Autumn is a special time for readers. It's when the craziness of summer winds down and we pick up our books and settle in for quiet, reading time. There's a wonderful stack of books I'm anxious to get to too.

I wanted to share a little news and what I've been up to. As you might have seen, I've recently taken my books off of Amazon KU and have made them available at all retailers (B&N, Kobo, GooglePlay, iBooks, etc.) Thank you, Readers, for those of you who brought them. It makes me happy to have them out in the world again. 😊

Along with that, I am making box sets of some of my series. The Gunn Guardsman series is now available. Four full-length Scottish Historicals. If you haven't read them, you won't want to miss the hunky Gunn Guardsmen. They're incredibly sexy, honorable, and loving. 💕

Starting in September and going through to the end of October, I'll be making a lot of posts here. Join me as I share exclusive excerpts from all my books and even some from books that will be released later this year or early next.

Excerpts will include:
Beginnings - clips of the beginning of stories (first meetings, character insights, villain's intentions)
First Kiss - clips of the hero/heroine's first kiss
Dark Moments - clips of moments that are perhaps sad, dangerous, or disparaging
Sexy Scenes - clips of moments when hero/heroine come together in love or lust
Friends - clips of scenes with friends (clansmen, women friends, servants, children)
Pets - clips of scenes with pets (I love putting animals in my stories and will share moments)
Author Notes - I always include author notes in the backs of my books and will share them here as well, and expand on some of the research, timeline adjustments, or creative inspiration

Be sure to visit my website to see the latest inspiration from Pinterest and Instagram. And I'd love it if you followed me on any of your favorite sites or those you visit frequently.

Now to the new stuff! I haven't shared much about these books, but wanted to give you a sneak peek.

The Seduction of Laird Sinclair (book 1 in a new Scottish Historical Series/title TBD) The lairds of Scotland in late 1300's have a difficult time with the winsome, unabashed women who set out to win their hearts.

Mystic Maidens of Britain series - book 2 The Good Witch & The Warrior will feature Sawyer from book 1 Pendragon's Princess in the return to the Anglo-Saxon period.

Get ready for an exciting series - The Balladeer Society  A collection of sexy, romantic, historical medieval books about charming bards who are famous, not for performing in the lord's court, but for their debauched carousing in the towns they visit. The Bards don't have an easy time of it in winning their loves.

In addition, I've started the Keepers of the Kingdom series which takes place right after William the Conqueror conquers Britain. In order to keep the kingdom he's fought for, he'll need help to secure its borders and who better than a group of knights, The Keepers of the Kingdom. These handsome, fearsome knights must win over the ladies whose lands they've captured, but can they capture the women's hearts. We shall see.

I cannot wait to share these wonderful tales with you and look forward to discussing the excerpts, story ideas, and inspiration. Please don't be shy and comment. I love interacting with readers and am one myself. I'll be posting exclusive giveaways here too, only for those who stop by. Be sure to follow. 💞

Happy Historical Reading,
Kara Griffin

It's A Spring Thing!

I'm celebrating the finale of the Legend of the King's Guard series. If you haven't read this medieval Scottish series set during the Wars of Independence, you might want to snag them. They're available for a limited time for 99 cents on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MHTT7R5

And be sure to stop by my website and enter the monthly giveaway. This month, a signed copy of Conquered Heart, the first book in the Legend of the King's Guard series is going to be given to a lucky winner. Only US residents only.

https://karagrif66.wixsite.com/authorkaragriffin

Let me know what you think of the new website design. I love the one-page feel of it and hope you do too!

Thanks!!
Kara Griffin

A little history goes a long way

Adding intrigue and history to romance ~

One of the things I love about writing fiction is that you can pretty much improvise wherever you wish in the book. BUT and that's a big but, historical romance readers often know their history and adding things in the story that really couldn't have happened, can often bring some negative comments from readers. I know as an author, I want to ensure the accuracy of the historical elements that I add. I will sometimes tweak them to suit my character's needs, but will remark on it at the end of the book in an author's note.

I absolutely love research. Some authors may hate it, but for me it inspires. I often get ideas from reading historical webpages, books, and articles. Doing this research helps to flavor the story with an accuracy of the time, which is extremely important to the reader.

In One & Only - Gunn Guardsman Series (book 1), the king, King William of Scotland was reputed to having many bastards. I of course used that to my advantage by making the heroine one of them. And I wanted William seen in a good light, so I had him be caring and thoughtful of the child. I think William is one of the most wonderful kings of Scotland and I enjoyed my research of him.

In On A Highland Hill - Gunn Guardsman Series (book 2), the king, King Alexander (in my research) I learned he was the first to use a standard of Scotland (flag). That fact inspired me to have the heroine's sister create a pinsel for the young Alexander. The king did indeed have some rough years there and I weaved that in, along with the creation of the pinsel to bring about a little mystery.

A Highlander In Peril - Gunn Guardsman Series (book 3), I loved reading about court life in Scotland. It probably wasn't as vicious a place as England's court, but ladies did have to be careful. Our heroine (must like myself) wouldn't want to be embroiled in the political drama. Again, King Alexander makes a showing, and must ensure the villain is the culprit before enacting his punishment. Although I think the king probably would've just had him hanged or beheaded without proof, I trust that King Alexander was a reasonable king.

In In Love With A Warrior - Gunn Guardsman Series (book 4), I take you to Wales. The rich and wonderful history of that country filled my heart. I am sure going to have to consider writing a series there! Llwyelen Iorwerth, the unofficial king of Wales, one of the Princes, was a great leader and did indeed meet in battles against Sir William Marshall's (the greatest knight that ever lived) son. I would've loved to have made the younger Marshall more villainous, but I couldn't do so. He had to have taken on some of his father's gallantry and so how he deals with our heroine must be considered. The Wales king was indeed one that I enjoyed getting to know.

So readers, when you're immersed in a historical romance, please know that many of the fiction your reading is woven with some historical fact. I know many historical authors take pride in ensuring the places, time, people are as accurate as we can make them.

Happy Reading,
Kara Griffin

HERO DAY!

HERO DAY AT CASTLES & KISSES

Question for readers & writers ~ Who is the greatest hero you've written or read?

We all love to read about our dashing heroes and see him develop through the story. He may start off brash, cross, filled with angst. He may be a tortured soul or a man whom no one understands. He may be charming, but hides his heavy heart. It takes an amazing woman to deal with such a man, but he is the essence of the romance we love to read.

My answer:
For me, my favorite hero I've ever written has to be Douglas Kerr from Claimed By A Charmer. There's so much going on with him. I don't think I ever fully wrote the entire complexity of his character. He still nudges me from time to time, and I just smile because his story is written and that is that. And yet I wonder if I was able to make him truly happy with my choice of heroine for him. Isabel certainly gave him some surprises. With a man like Douglas, he needs a woman to keep him on his toes. Don't they all?

Claimed By A Charmer

(2nd book in the Pith Trilogy series)

In CLAIMED BY A CHARMER, Isabelle Calvert hopes to win the heart of Douglas Kerr by being the sweet, coy woman all men want. But what Douglas doesn’t know is Isabel’s true nature.

Lady Isabel Calvert hides her true spirit from everyone, especially her best friend's brother, Douglas, whom she secretly admires. Isabel'solder brother attempts to do the unthinkable and one night he almost succeeds. After the incident her father's superstition nature induces him to send her to an asylum. She must escape, her only hope—Douglas Kerr. Isabel is no shrinkingviolet, but she intends to be the timid woman all men want, in hope that Douglas will love her.

Laird Douglas Kerr is forlorn at his mission to find a wife. He was charming, wasn't he? At least that's what everyone teases him about. Douglas thought he'd found the woman of his dreams, but she turned out to be a harlot. He's asked by his sister to retrieve her friend, Isabel, the fiery, red-haired, cat-eyed, temptress he'd met when he escorted his sister home for their father's burial. When he meets the woman again, he doesn't find the hellion he believes her to be. Nay, she's a sweet, coy woman who intrigues him. As Douglas' life becomes complicated with mysterious happenings, he also find the love he's been missing all his life.

Can this dagger wielding woman win the heart of the Charmer?

Please do share your favorite character, whether you've read or written him. We would love to read your thoughts on the greatest hero!

~ Kara Griffin

Ebook Week 3/4 to 3/10!

Next week (March 4-10th) is "Read an Ebook" week! Get Claimed By A Charmer at 50% off at Smashwords!

CLAIMED BY A CHARMER AT SMASHWORDS

I hope you enjoy this story, it's one of my favorites. Kara

Dashing Heroes

When it comes to creating heroes, I always have a certain image in mind. For my new story, One And Only, I see Grey looking like this. Forimidable, yet beautiful. My heroine certainly doesn't mind that he's attractive.

I always try to make each hero individual, giving them traits unto themselves. Grey is like a lost soul. He is dedicated to the extreme and when he loses his love, he won't love another. His traits were easy to come up with mainly because he just sort of came alive with each tap of my fingers. He wants to be the kind of man that is kind, caring, and considerate -- yet he can when called for it, be quite intimidating. Grey would like nothing better to settle down and give one woman all his attention.

I hope you've enjoyed this little foray into Grey's character. Look for more character insight to come.

Happy reading,
Kara Griffin

We all need to cool off

I'm happy to share a snip of my work in progress - One And Only. This is one hell of a romantic story. And I have to tell you, I'm in love with Grey and envy Albrey.

Here's a preview.
Please note this work is copyrighted by Kara Griffin 2010.

Excerpt:

Grey led her to a densely wooded area on the opposite side of the stream and found large boulder to sit on. He motioned for her to sit and then joined her.

“You make me nervous.”

“I do, lass? Why?”

Albrey folded her hands in her lap and smiled. “You’re very tall, and well...handsome. Have you married, Laird Gunn?”

“Grey, lass, and no.”

“Haven’t you ever wanted to marry?”

“Not for a long time.” That was about as much as he would admit, but then let out more. Grey took her hand and tried not to look so severe. “There was a lass I was betrothed to, and I loved her with all my heart.”

“What happened? Why didn’t you marry her?”

Grey felt old emotions coming upon him. “I can’t...don’t want to talk about it. Tell me what you remember, go back as far as you can.”

Albrey pulled her hand from his. “I only remember seeing my mother’s face and then being taken to the kitchens for a bath. Cait was there. She took care of me.”

“You don’t remember the men who took you there?”

“No. Mayhap I suppressed those memories. I didn’t want to remember where I’d come from. All I knew was the lady was nice and the baron treated me with kindness.”

“That is honorable for an Englishman. You don’t remember your father or mother?”

“Grey, no, I don’t remember. I want to know how you know me. Did you really know me as a child?”

“Aye, you were always getting into trouble. My father, Laird Mikal, put me in charge of watching you when you came for a visit. You always brought me gifts. It destroyed me when you disappeared.”

“I’m sorry, Grey. I sense a deep sadness in you. I would never cause anyone such distress.”

Grey shook the emotions away and stood. “Let us take a dip in the stream and cool off.”

“It is unbearably hot tonight. Do you think we’ll have a storm?”

He led her toward the stream and found a few people mulling on the opposite side. Though it was wide, it wasn’t very deep, perhaps two or three feet. The clear water was cool from the mountainous runoff.

“I doubt it. There’s a good many stars starting to come out,” he said, pointing to the sky.

Albrey lifted the hem of her skirt and wadded into the water.

Grey pulled off his plaid and removed his shirt. He walked into the water and started to splash water on his chest. Albrey stood a few feet from him and as if he’d traveled back in time, he stood staring at her.

Jarred from memories, he felt the water splash him. She kept up the attack and he chased after her, lifting her in his arms. She squealed with laughter, a delightful sound that made him grin. They were both wet now and as he looked at her face, he realized how much she meant to him.

His lips sought hers, only for a light touch, but Grey couldn’t tamper the flames and found himself kissing her like he’d never kissed another. He used his tongue to will her to return his desire and when he felt the timid touch being returned, he moaned.

Breaking off the kiss, he smiled, knowing how good it was going to be between them.

“You make me forget myself.”

“I’ve forgotten enough for the both of us.” Albrey didn’t move away when he set her on the ground. “I’m much cooler now, thank you for bringing me here, Grey.”

“I’m hotter.”


~Stay tuned for more. I hope you enjoyed this little peek into Grey and Albrey's life. Happy Reading.

Kara

Defining Historical Romance

Definition: Historical Romance
a. A long medieval narrative in verse that tells of the adventures and heroic exploits of chivalric heroes: an Arthurian romance, and of ladies who succumb to their will.
b. A long fictitious tale of heroes and extraordinary or mysterious events, usually set in a distant time or place.
c. The class of literature constituted by such tales.

That's what Castles & Kisses is all about - telling the adventures of two people who come together, triumphing over all obstacles and life's impositions. With Chivalric heroes, who may not own up to love right away or misguided heroines, who have no choice but to admire the men who set out to rescue them. These stories tell of the anguish of love: love hurts after all. In the end, there's no way around it -- a hero always gets what he wants.

I hope you enjoy taking these adventures with me and like me come to adore the times when a warrior, though passionate about many things, can find love too.

Happy Reading,
Kara Griffin