In Your Wildest Scottish Dreams---by Karen Ranney

In Your Wildest Scottish Dreams

Karen Ranney

In Your Wildest Scottish Dreams is a fabulous second chance romance novel. The author touches upon social and political issues in this story of passion, forgiveness and intrigue which takes place in Glasgow, Scotland in the 1860's.

The effects of the American Civil War reach across the Atlantic impacting the two main families of the novel. Lennox Cameron heads Cameron and Company, a successful boat building enterprise. Lennox's best friend and neighbor, Duncan MacIain owns MacIain Mills. Because of the Union blockade, there is a short supply of cotton, resulting in the near closing of the mill. It is rumored that Lennox's new ship, the steel-hulled Raven is being sold to the Confederate Army. The Raven is fast enough to run the Union blockade. As the ship nears completion, security at the ship yard increases because several unexplained accidents and fires have occurred. Can Lennox's Raven run the blockade and return to Scotland with cotton to keep his friend's business out of bankruptcy?

Glynis MacIain has returned home to Scotland after the death of her husband, British diplomat Richard Smythe. She attends a party honoring her neighbor William Cameron where she sees Lennox Cameron, William's son. Glynis left Scotland six years ago after a misunderstanding with Lennox.. Within a month, she met and married her husband. Seeing Lennox effects Glynis deeply. She regrets her impulsive decision to leave Scotland and wonders if Lennox still has feelings for her. There are unresolved feelings between the couple and the attraction between them sizzles off the pages.

Lennox Cameron resembled a prince and a devastating Highlander and he'd been the hero of most of her childhood dreams. No longer, however. Too much had happened in the intervening years

Karen Ranney has created a complex heroine and an honorable hero in this story. Lennox comments to Duncan that Glynis has changed. He mentions that she seems different and he is determined to find out why she is not herself. After spending several years as a diplomat's wife, Glynis has learned to mask her emotions, paint a smile on her face and side -step the truth. I loved seeing how this passionate pair interacted in the story. The author does a fabulous job telling what happened to Glynis during her marriage. The reader learns how and why Glynis' experiences shaped her personality and her choices. Lennox observes Glynis speaking to American Matthew Bauman and wonders how Glynis knows him? And how well does she know the man who many believe is a Union spy?

  

Each of the secondary characters in the book play an important part in the story. I loved Gavin Whittaker and his English wife Lucy. The couple planned to set sail on the Raven to bring goods to the Confederates and return with cotton for the mill. Lucy hated everything about Scotland, including her amorous husband! Matthew Bauman provides the reader with insight about the political scene in Washington ,D.C. as well as the background of Glynis and Richard Smythe. Richard is an excellent villain. His death occurred before Glynis returned home to Scotland. But, his presence is felt during the story as memories of him and his actions haunt Glynis.

The last few chapters of In Your Wildest Scottish Dreams were fabulous . The two well-written parallel storylines added to the suspense and romance. Glynis and Lennox's passionate love story captivated me. I wanted to figure out who was behind the mischief at the boatyard and who was behind the espionage. There were several surprising plot twists in the final few pages of the novel. I  LOVED the ending!

I am looking forward to the next book in the series! 

Reviewed by Susan Gorman This review was published on January 24, 2015 on freshficton.com. You can read the review here.

Earls Just Want To Have Fun (Covent Garden Cubs Book 1) by Shana Galen.

I loved Earls Just Want To Have Fun, the first book in Shana Galen's new Covent Garden Cub series! The novel has all of the elements of a regency romance that are important to me; memorable characters, great dialogue and a believable storyline.  Ms. Galen is well known for writing fast paced adventure novels with glamorous heroines, dashing heroes and nasty villains. Earl's Just Want to Have Fun includes the author's trademark writing style plus a new element. The book touches upon society's view of the poor and provides a preview of England's rising social awareness. 

Sir Brook Derring has asked his brother, Maxwell Derring, the Earl of Dane to borrow his coach.  Dane was sitting in the carriage thinking about a speech he'd given at Parliment about the poor when his brother hurried into the carriage with a woman. Brook explains that he believes that the woman is Lady Elizabeth Grafton who was kidnapped when she was five years old.

Dane glanced at the woman again. He didn't know who she was, but she was not the daughter of the Marquess of Lyndon. She was some sort of street rat. The smell of her alone was enough to prove bathing was not a luxury she frequently, if ever, enjoyed. And her language. no lady knew words like those she spewed at Brook. Dane didn't even know some of the curses. And the dirt. He'd have his valet clean these breeches immediately.

Sir Brook and Dane decide that they can't bring the young woman to the Lyndons and decide to bring her to their family home.  Brook is called away on business and he instructs Dane to clean, feed and keep Lady Elizabeth safe. I enjoyed the next few chapters of the book as the girl , known as Marlowe , and Dane form an uneasy alliance. 

These chapters had a My Fair Lady theme and it was interesting to see how both Dane and Marlowe changed their behavior and mannerisms to blend into the social situation at hand. I loved the banter between Dane and Marlowe and enjoyed reading when Marlowe spoke in "flash ken". By having Marlowe use a different dialect throughout the story, Ms. Galen provides her readers with subtle examples of the  many differences between the poor living in the Seven Dials sections of London and the Mayfair aristocracy. 

My favorite scene in the novel is when Dane and Marlowe waltz at the Duchess of Abingdon's ball. Dane is mesmerized at the change in Marlowe. She is stunning in her violet ball gown.  As the couple dances and then kisses, Dane realizes that his upper class sensibilities are meaningless and that he is starting to care for Marlowe.  

While in the terrace, Marlowe is surprised by Satin, the leader of her gang. Satin threatened Marlowe and wants her to help him rob Dane's townhouse. Satin threatens Marlowe and disappears before Dane returns. Dane knows that something has frightened Marlowe and asks her to trust him. Marlowe needs to decide if she can trust Dane with the truth before Satin puts his plan in action. The last few chapters of the book are fast -paced and both intrigue and emotions run high. There are several plot twists that held my interest .

Will Dane and Marlowe trust each other enough to work together and outsmart Satin and his crafty crew? Is Marlowe the daughter of Lord and Lady Grafton?

Congratulations to Shana Galen for an excellent start to a new series! Am looking forward to The Rogue You Know which will be available in September, 2015! 

Reviewed by Susan Gorman 

Lady Celeste gives  Earls Just Want To Have Fun a sixpack!

Do you want more of Shana Galen's Covent Garden Cubs?

Read Susan Gorman's review of Viscount of Vice .

Review of You're So Fine by Kieran Kramer plus an Interview & Giveaway!

Last summer, I read author Kieran Kramer's book Sweet Talk Me and fell in love with Ms. Kramer's sweet talking charming hero Harrison and True, his modern day southern heroine. Sweet Talk Me holds a special place on my keeper shelf. I am THRILLED to report that I loved both Beau and Lacey the main characters in Ms. Kramer's You're So Fine but, the character who stole my heart was Henry, Lacey's adopted son. 

Lacey Clark leaves California and her dreams of becoming an actress and travels to the east coast with Henry, her adopted son.  Her ex-boyfriend's agent handed her the keys to a lighthouse located in Indigo, South Carolina. Lacey has six weeks to find a job and day care before the lease expires. Her first night at the lighthouse is interrupted by a knock at the door. Seems that Lacey's ex-boyfriend has leased the lighthouse to actor Beau Wilder, who is filming a movie nearby. The fun begins when Beau recognizes Lacey for a role in the movie Biker Aliens which was so bad it was released only to video and calls her Greta. Lacey and Beau decide to share the lighthouse.

The following excerpt is one of my favorite scenes from the book. It's a perfect example of Ms. Kramer crafts her dialogue to fit the characters and each scene in the novel. I love Henry's role in the conversation and it made me laugh out loud.

Henry stared back, and his jaw stopped working so fast.'I gotta run and get my magnifying glass." 

Beau almost spit out his bacon. 'You do?" 

Henry nodded. "How'd you get in that man's body? Nathan Ritter told me that real men live inside Pluto and Donald Duck at Disneyland. And now I know a dog can live inside a man." He swung his head to look at his mom. "Mom, can we call Nathan and tell him?" 

"Henry,' Lacey put her hands on the edge of the table. "You're not making any sense." 

"Where's your magnifying glass?" Henry asked Beau. "Let's go get it." 

Beau stopped chewing completely. Karma was such a bitch. 

"Are you alright, Mr. Wilder?" Lacey asked him.

 'Fine," he croaked like a dweeb. Here he called her Greta--really rubbing it in; God, he'd been stupid...and drunk--and now, now.......

 'He's Dudley the Dog Detective," Henry said to his momma.'And I am so glad that out of everyone in the world, he's decided to come live with us." 

I loved the three main characters of Beau, Lacey and Henry and enjoyed watching them grow and change during the novel. At first glance Beau appeared to be a smooth talking, spoiled actor who was used to getting what he wanted. Lacey has suffered many personal and professional disappointments and has put up a 'NoTrespassing Sign' when it comes to men. She has decided to focus on being a good Mom to Henry and to get a job to support her family. Henry is adorable and I loved the scenes when he and Beau looked for clues. Beau knows how to talk to Henry, but can he charm Lacey?

Ms. Kramer has the ability to draw the reader into the novel with her witty dialogue and well-defined characters. It's easy to identify with the characters because their day-to-day issues and family relationships are realistic. Mike, the film director, was very direct with Beau. He challenged Beau to step outside of his action adventure movie star personna and relate the character of Evan.  I loved the scenes with Lacey's mother Sheena and her husband Walt because they provided insight into Lacey's upbringing and past choices. Does Lacey push Beau past the point of no return at dinner with her parents?

 Beau and Lacey are attracted to each other and their chemistry sizzles!  I enjoyed how their relationship progressed as the story unfolded. Will they act on their feelings or remain friends?  The last few chapters surprised me as  there were unexpected twists in the storyline. I loved the ending and found it to be very rewarding.

Reviewed by Susan Gorman

Lady Celeste loved You're So Fine  and had a few questions for Kieran.

Both of your contemporaries feature strong female heroines. Are the characters based on anyone? Mother, Aunt, Friend? Both True and Lacey's lives did not turn out the way they planned. I loved that both characters made the best of their situation and "carried on."


My women are always a little bit Scarlett O’Hara, a little bit me, and definitely take inspiration from the rest of the females in my family—all of whom are strong, colorful gals—as well as friends of mine. But True and Lacey are also their own selves. A handful of magic fairy dust goes into the creation of each of my characters!

One of my favorite scenes is when Henry listens to Beau talking at the kitchen table and realizes that Beau is Dudley, his favorite cartoon character! What inspired that scene? I love your sense of humor.

That scene with Henry and Beau is one of my absolute favorites!!! I have no idea how that happened…suddenly, Beau was Dudley. Afterward, I realized that my favorite heroes are those with hidden nuances like this—something funny or even humiliating that they own up to. Note that Beau brings up the fact that Brad Pitt used to dress like a giant chicken to earn money before he was famous.

I find real men sexy! And men who love kids and who are willing to make fun of themselves are my favorite of all….

Three things you loved most about You're So Fine!

1) I love the lighthouse. We have a family friend who owns one. There are actually many privately owned lighthouses in the US.
2) I love my secondary characters, like Dickey, the pathological liar, and Mike, the film director. I grow very attached to all the people in my stories.
3) I love the sexy ease--coupled with respect--that Beau employs to work himself into Lacey’s life. I love Lacey’s prickly defenses and her love of makeup.

I know that you have written historical novels and are now writing contemporary novels. Why the change? Do you like one genre better than the other?

I’m one of those people who has so many interests, it takes someone to strap me down to stick to one thing for long. But I have to say that I feel that writing contemporary novels suits me best. I LOVE the Regency period of England for a lot of reasons and plan to get out more books in that time period, but my Southern sensibility just fits right into the genre I’m writing now. I love the Lowcountry and the South so much, I could write about it the rest of my life.

Do you have a writing schedule? Words per day or pages per day? No, I’m the antithesis of counting, organizing, etc., LOL! I’m a great big-picture person, however, and I see what I have to do--and wing it!!! I’ve noticed that it can be very stressful to live like that , so if you come into my office, you’ll see calendars, plotting boards, etc. But the real Kieran is all about waking up and figuring out the day as it comes.

Any advice to someone who is thinking about writing a book??
Yes. Stop talking about it, and write one double-spaced page a day for 365 days. That’s a book. And stop putting this dream on a pedestal. We tend to idolize our dreams to the point they are no longer in the realm of the practical and real (I read this somewhere and can’t remember where, but it has stuck with me). Our dreams are shimmering up there in the ether, and we’re so “starstruck,” we become too afraid to grab hold of ‘em.
You’re not perfect, and neither will your book be. It’s an extension of who you are now in all your messy, vibrant glory. Once the book’s done, you can polish it then, but right now get OFF the perfection train and just damn well sit down with a laptop or a yellow legal pad and write!
And be nice to yourself along the way. Stop punishing yourself if you get discouraged or quit for a while. This is a journey. Just pick up your pen or keyboard and get going again.

How do you balance your writing career with family time?
It’s hard!!! My family always comes first, even when I’m under deadline. I work to live, not live to work. I’m a professional and turn books in on time, but I’m always aware that life is fleeting and I want to spend as much of it as I can focusing on loving, helping, taking inspiration from, and laughing with my loved ones.


Any hints on your next book? Title, subject, available date???
Yes, ma’am! It’s called TROUBLE WHEN YOU WALKED IN, and it’s already up on Amazon (I think without the cover), but the cover reveal was on Heroes and Heartbreakers just this past week. I love it! It’s a contemporary romance that takes place in the Great Smokey Mountains. I used to live in Hickory, NC, and traveled up to Blowing Rock and Boone quite a bit. All my contemporaries could easily become series. I had Biscuit Creek, SC, in SWEET TALK ME; Indigo Beach, SC, in YOU’RE SO FINE, and now Kettle Knob, NC, in TROUBLE. But I tend to write stand alones. That goes back to question #1 where I said it’s hard to pin me down!!! LOL!!!

Lady Celeste and I are looking forward to When You Walked In!  

US Giveaway!

What are three things you love most about romance novels?

To enter, please answer the question, provide your name and email address.

Kieran has offered a paperback copy of You're So Fine  & a Love Conquers All koozie to one lucky commenter.

Winner will be drawn & notified on February 7, 2015.

USA Today bestselling author Kieran Kramer currently writes fun contemporary romance for St. Martin’s Press. A former journalist and English teacher, Kieran’s also a game show veteran, karaoke enthusiast, and general adventurer. She lives where she grew up-in the Lowcountry of South Carolina-with her family. Find her on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and at www.kierankramerbooks.com.