Synopsis
A Highlander’s vow...Scottish spy Gerard MacMasters never expected to be playing bodyguard in his mission to catch a killer. Stunning English beauty, Lady Evelyn Hunt, has witnessed a merciless assassin’s escape—now, she’s in danger, and it’s up to him to keep her alive. Yet, he is drawn to the tempting woman. Passion flares, but he knows better than to fall for her. He’s already lost one woman he loved—never again will he put his heart on the line.
She shields her heart...After a crushing betrayal at the altar, Lady Evelyn wants nothing to do with love. Kissing a gorgeous rogue is one thing, but surrendering her heart is another matter. When she stumbles upon a mysterious crime, nothing prepares her for the dashing Scot who charges into her life. The hot-blooded Highlander may be her hero—or her undoing.
She shields her heart...After a crushing betrayal at the altar, Lady Evelyn wants nothing to do with love. Kissing a gorgeous rogue is one thing, but surrendering her heart is another matter. When she stumbles upon a mysterious crime, nothing prepares her for the dashing Scot who charges into her life. The hot-blooded Highlander may be her hero—or her undoing.
Author Spotlight
Three Favorite Movie Romantic Couples by Tara Kingston
Thank you for inviting me to your blog today. As a writer of historical romance, I love reading books and watching movies that include a great romance. I especially love a story with a bit of adventure and a hero and heroine who are strong and challenge each other.
There are many movie couples that I adore. I’d like to share three of my all-time favorites:
~ Sherlock Holmes and Irene Adler in Sherlock Holmes (2009) ~ Portrayed by Robert Downey, Jr. and Rachel McAdams, Sherlock and Irene have such magnetic chemistry. It’s a joy to watch Irene hold her own and match wits with the brilliant Sherlock. This screen couple helped to inspire the hero and heroine of WHEN A LADY DECEIVES, the first book in my Her Majesty’s Most Secret Service series.
~ Indiana Jones and Marion Ravenwood in Raiders of the Lost Ark ~ Portrayed by Harrison Ford and Karen Allen, Indy and Marion have a compelling chemistry, an intriguing backstory. I loved watching their verbal interplay. And of course, Harrison Ford is so very sigh-worthy!
~ Rick O’Connell and Evelyn Carnahan in The Mummy ~ Portrayed by Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, Rick and Evie are a fantastic couple. Both are bold and courageous and so much fun to watch together. Their happily-ever-after is well deserved. This is one of my all-time favorite movies, and the chemistry between the hero and heroine is a huge part of that appeal
Now it’s your turn—which to-die-for hero and spirited heroine are your favorite movie pairings?
While writing my new release, LADY EVELYN’S HIGHLAND PROTECTOR, I tried to keep the chemistry of my favorite movie couples in mind. Gerard MacMasters and Lady Evelyn Hunt are both bold and love to challenge each other. Their attraction is strong from the first, but they resist falling in love...until their feelings are too strong to deny. I loved writing Gerard and Evelyn’s happily-ever-after.
You can read Gerard and Evelyn’s love story in Lady Evelyn’s Highland Protector. Here’s a little about the story and an excerpt:
A Highlander’s vow...Scottish spy Gerard MacMasters never expected to be playing bodyguard in his mission to catch a killer. Stunning English beauty, Lady Evelyn Hunt, has witnessed a merciless assassin’s escape—now, she’s in danger, and it’s up to him to keep her alive. Yet, he is drawn to the tempting woman. Passion flares, but he knows better than to fall for her. He’s already lost one woman he loved—never again will he put his heart on the line.
She shields her heart...After a crushing betrayal at the altar, Lady Evelyn wants nothing to do with love. Kissing a gorgeous rogue is one thing, but surrendering her heart is another matter. When she stumbles upon a mysterious crime, nothing prepares her for the dashing Scot who charges into her life. The hot-blooded Highlander may be her hero—or her undoing.
Excerpt
“How could I consider myself a man if I didnae look out for my kin?”
“Quite so,” she said, considering his words. What would it be like to have a man such as Gerard MacMasters watching over her—protecting her?
His golden-brown irises darkened as he studied her face. “Ye’re a lady. Dinnae ever let anyone tell ye otherwise. Ye deserve to be treated as such.”
“A lady? Indeed…” She tilted her head, taking him in. “Some might say a lady would not have indulged in a scandalous kiss.”
“If ye were not a lady, I might’ve pressed my case for more. A kiss is only the beginning.”
Her mouth went dry. Devil take it, the promise in his words was far too enticing.
Pulling in a low breath, she clung to her fragile composure. “I assure you, your efforts would’ve been for naught.”
“A man could interpret that as a challenge.” He reached out, sweeping away a curl that had rebelliously escaped the confines of her chignon. “I could change your mind.”
“You might try,” she teased. “But you would not succeed.”
A knowing grin lit his eyes as he leaned back, settling his powerful body against the tufted upholstery of the Chippendale chair. “Damnable shame these bones of mine are weary tonight, or I’d put that challenge to the test.”
It was her turn to hike a brow. “Am I to infer you are not up to the task?”
“Nay, lass.” His voice had lost its undercurrent of humor. “Seduction isnae a task. Seduction is a pleasure to be savored—all through the night.”
Review
It's an absolutely amazing book which kept me intrigued right from the very beginning. It started with lady Evelyn witnessing something she shouldn't have, which put her in danger and thus Gerard MacMasters becomes her protector. Although she doesn't trust him completely, rightly so, but she does find him interesting. They are both keeping things from each other, as well as, falling in lust. ;) But will their mutual attraction leads some where or not is an entirely different question.
Lady Evelyn's is in the Highlands to attend a wedding. She is also running from a scandal that has left her ruined but amazingly quite free. This is the first time she feels that she can do anything without society's censure, so in a way everything ended well. So it felt like a good idea to visit a bookstore without chaperon, unfortunately things didn't go as well as she'd expected and now she is stuck with one very sexy highlander, Gerard MacMasrters.
Gerard is following a very dangerous killer. He has better things to do then protect an English Lady who unwittingly witnessed the very person he has been tracking for quite some time. The said killer remains elusive. It's possible that their paths will meet again and may be this time he won't be side tracked. He just hopes that no one else dies before it happens. For now he must deal with his attraction for a woman he is supposed to be protecting
I loved this book because it's not simply a romance rather there is mystery and thrill of the chase involved and that has made it quite a story. It's really good and characters are quite well-developed. If you are a historical fiction fan then this book is perfect for you and even if you're not a fan I still recommend it, because this book might change your preference for historical romance novels. Personally, I love historical romance and highlanders even more so this one was just perfect for me.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book.
To purchase Lady Evelyn’s Highland Protector:
About the Author
Award-winning author Tara Kingston writes historical romance laced with romantic suspense and adventures of the heart. She lives her own happily-ever-after in a cozy Victorian with her real-life hero and a pair of deceptively innocent-looking cats. When she’s not writing, reading, or burning dinner, Tara enjoys movie nights, cycling, hiking, DIY projects, and cheering on her favorite football team.
You can connect with Tara on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and at her webpage, www.tarakingston.com. If you’d like updates on new releases, historical romance, and contests, please sign-up for Tara’s newsletter.