Title – Borderland Bride & Borderland Beauty
Series – The Borderland Legacy
Author – Samantha Holt
Genre – Historical Romance
Length (Pages/# Words) – Approximately 150 pages
Publisher – Jupiter Gardens Press
Cover Artist – Valerie Tibbs

Blurbs

Borderland Bride
In the wilderness of 14th century Northumbria, Lady Isabel discovers just how dangerous the Borderlands can be. With the loss of her voice and her hearing, there is little hope left for her. But when a brooding knight rescues her, she vows never to become a victim again and buries the secrets of her past in the hope that those hunting her will never find her in the Borderlands.

Jake is astonished to come across the beautiful Isabel, near to death, on his brother’s lands. Bringing her back to his brother’s home, he finds himself longing for something more from the courageous woman, something that he thought he would never want again. Isabel works her way into his scarred heart and opens Jake up to loving once more. But will Isabel’s secrets destroy their bond? And with his charismatic brother, Dominic, charming her, does he even stand a chance?

Borderland Beauty
Lord Dominic is in need of a wife. With the reivers, the wild and dangerous criminals that haunt the borderlands, breathing down his neck and his brother now married, he needs a strong woman by his side. So when he finds out about an old marriage contract between him and his neighbour’s daughter, he vows to give the mysterious woman a chance. Upon meeting the beautiful, feisty maiden, he vows to make her his wife.

Lucy Montgomery wants nothing to do with the arrogant lord. She doesn’t understand his interest in her. Surely a man like Dominic could never fall for a woman like her? Hurt by the past, she refuses to believe that she is anything more than a game to him. If only she didn’t find him quite so charming.

Can Dominic persuade Lucy that she is more than just another woman to him? And with the reivers growing bolder, are there worse dangers than Lucy saying ‘Nay’?

BORDERLAND BRIDE EXCERPT

“Isabel, what in God’s name are you doing?”
“I am returning to my father,” she told him breathlessly.
“You would see yourself in that monster’s hands? Why?”
“I cannot see Thornewall suffer for my sakes. And I cannot see you or Dominic harmed. Not for me.”
“We are grown men; will you not let us make these decisions ourselves? Thornewall is strong, we have endured worse.”
Isabel shook her head. “Nay, I will not see war brought to your door. If my father fails here, then he will turn his attention to your lands. They have not the strength of Thornewall, you have said as much yourself.”
Jake squeezed her arm until he saw her wince. Damn his brutish manners. He could not let her throw herself into the arms of a murderer for their sakes. “I can defend my lands, lass. I’ve done it before and I’ll gladly do it again.”
But she was right, Greycroft was ill prepared for a full-scale war and his own castle would not hold out long against a siege. It was likely he would die defending it.
“That is what I fear,” she said softly and Jake wondered if he had spoken aloud.
Her voice took on a desperate quality and she pulled against his grip. “Let me go, Jake, for I cannot allow you to place yourself in danger for me. Not for a woman that hurt you so.”
He considered her and saw the fear in her eyes – a fear that was not for herself, but for him, his brother, and all their people. How he could ever have thought her as wicked as his wife, he knew not. There was nothing in this lass but kindness. He gulped, fighting the words he would have to say. There was no other way.
“Isabel, you do not have to return.”
“I do, Jake!” She struggled again.
“Listen…” He grabbed at her other arm and pinned her still. “Listen, there is another way. Marry…”
She ceased her struggles and stared at him.
“Marry Dominic.”
Isabel blinked at him. “What?” she whispered.
“Marry Dominic. Your father would be a fool to say nay to such an allegiance. He is one of the richest men in England. There will be no war and you will be safe.”
Safe. He clung to the word, trying to ignore the ache in his heart. It didn’t matter, as long as she was safe. In spite of himself, he urged her to say nay, to confess her love for him, but he knew it could come to nothing. He had nothing to offer Lord Henry in return for her hand.
Isabel gaped at him. “Marry Dominic? But…did he decide this?”
“Nay.” He sighed. “‘Twas my idea.”
She gulped and her eyes misted with tears as she took a deep breath. Her composure regained, she shook her head in disbelief. “Why would you suggest such an idea?”

BORDERLAND BEAUTY EXCERPT

Holding out his hand, his dipped his head and eyed her from under his brow. “Will you dance with me, Lucy?”
She hesitated, glancing around as the couples took their positions. “I know not this dance.” In truth, she knew few dances, having avoided them for most of her life.
“I will teach you.”
Dominic snatched her hand and led her to the centre of the floor. Her heart slammed into her chest at the touch of his fingers. Why did his touch always incite such a reaction? Glancing around, she realised she could hardly tear herself away from him. Many were watching them. Especially the women.
“Stand there,” he ordered as he stepped back.
Her eyes darted from Dominic to the other dancers who moved confidently around them. He motioned for her to step forward and she did so, bringing herself closer to him. The dancers circled one another and Lucy mimicked them. His sapphire eyes remained on her, bright and alert and her skin tingled under his scrutiny. Why watch her so closely?
“Now step back,” he murmured.
She did as he bid, stepping back a little later than the other dancers. Her cheeks filled with heat but she could not tell it if was because of his examination of her or her lack of dancing ability. His eyes continued to follow her avidly and she dropped her gaze. Nay, it was Dominic who was the cause of her blush.
The dancers lined up and Lucy stumbled back, her eyes narrowing as Dominic’s crinkled in amusement. A lord and lady wove between them, working their way up the line. The lady’s hand brushed across Dominic’s chest as she passed, a flirtatious smile on her lips, and Lucy clenched her teeth together. He flicked a disinterested look at the woman before securing his gaze back onto hers.
Lucy and Dominic did the same, weaving through the other dancers until they reached the end of the line. Keeping her spine stiff, she resisted the urge to peek at him as she did so, but as they faced each other one more, his blue eyes caught hers and she could do little else but stare back.
Lord, she was getting lost in those penetrating eyes.
Stepping forward hastily, her eyes widened as his hands came about her waist. He lifted her easily and her heart came into her throat. The ladies around her squealed in delight as they too were lifted and then placed down, but surprise had struck her dumb.
“Move back,” he commanded quietly, his eyes darkening.
She faltered as she retreated, her pulse beating erratically. His look of desire confused her and she pulled her chin up. She would not be toyed with like this. It was time to wrest back some control.
They repeated the first movements and Lucy stepped confidently now. “I hear tell that you are searching for a wife,” she stated archly.
Dominic barely blinked. “Aye, ‘tis true. Why? Are you interested?”
“Hardly.” She released an unsteady laugh. “I thought you were to be married to Lady Isabel of…of Greycroft.”
“I was.” He circled her, appraising her openly as he did so.
She followed him with her gaze, hoping he could not see through her bold look. “But it seems she married your brother.”
“That she did.”
“Are you not angry? Did she not wound your ego?”
He shook his head with a shrug. “Nay. Jake loves his wife very much, why would I begrudge him that?”
“You did not love her?”
“I love Isabel as a sister. She is a fine woman but she is better suited to my brother. I do not regret that she is not my wife.”
“She probably does not regret it either,” she said with the raise of an eyebrow.
They wove their way in and out of the line and they waited as the other dancers took their place.
“Isabel did not suit me, but a woman like you…you would suit me very much.”
“Ha, you think me foolish enough to fall for such talk? I have heard much of your reputation, Dominic of Thornewall. You would promise marriage just for the chance of a tumble. I would not give up my virtue to such a man.”
His hands came upon her waist. “That sounds like a challenge,” he said before lifting her effortlessly.
He placed her down and Lucy gaped at him, speechless. The people around them clapped as the music ceased but Lucy paid little attention. Raw desire glinted in his expression and her stomach twisted. Surely that look was not for her? He was teasing her, playing with her, luring her in so he could strike her down.
She curled her fists and clamped her mouth shut as she swivelled on her heel. She would not let him make a fool of her again.

Interview

Why did you decide to become a writer?

It wasn’t originally a conscious decision. I started writing as a bit of fun, more like a hobby, but when I realized it was something I loved to do and could actually make money from, I decided it should be my fulltime career. I am incredibly lucky to be able to do something I love.

Who/what are your writing inspirations?

Most romance novels are. I don’t read as much as I’d like but do try to read a couple a month. All of them inspire me to write, no matter the subgenre or, to be honest, how rubbish they might be! Anyone putting pen to paper inspires me.

What are your favorite genres to read?

I love crime, thriller and some fantasy. They used to be all I read, but now I usually read romance. Mostly because I find it helps me to stay in the headspace I need for writing. Interestingly, I don’t really get on with straight historical fiction.

What do you hope readers take away most from your writing?

I hope they come away with a smile of their face and a little love in their hearts. That’s it really.

Who’s the favorite character of yours that you’ve written and why?

In this series, I am still head over heels for Jake. He’s an alpha male in a very understated way. He’s not a rogue and is slightly tortured. I probably shouldn’t be, but I am a sucker for the tortured hero. I love that ultimately he is honourable, caring and determined to do his best for everyone, even at this expense of his own happiness.

What is your writing style? Outliner/Planner or Seat of the Pantser?

I’m a pantser mostly. I outlined my most recent book, the third book of The Borderland Legacy, but only because I came to a standstill with it. I’ve tried to plot since but had no luck so its back to the seat of my pants for me!

You have a lot of different series and books. If someone hadn’t read any of your work, where would you recommend they start?

Either Borderland Bride, as it’s the start of The Borderland Legacy—book three is due out this year and I’m excited about it—or To Steal a Highlander’s Heart, which is my latest book and the first in another series. The next book, To Dream of a Highlander is due out in February. I always feel my series’ books are stronger because I’m able to create a full, involving world.

If someone wanted to become a writer, what tips would you give to them?

Connect with other writers. Some will be jerks but you will also find some jewels amongst them. Without those friends, I would never have reached the point I’m at now. If you can find someone to bounce ideas off and help you with constructive criticism, you’ve hit the jackpot. Don’t be scared of criticism. If done right, it can mean the difference between a hit and a miss. It might take you a while to find the perfect person for you, but don’t give up. Same goes for the writing. Write a little every day and you’ll see a big improvement within a few months.

We’ve chatted around Facebook about “Americanizing” things in your writing. How much of that is done by you or is it passed on to your editor? And do you ever get any grief from your local audience for doing it?

Hee, hee, that is a real bug bear for me! One of my publishers is awesome and lets me keep my British spellings but a lot of them ask for you to submit in US English. Obviously as a Brit, I’m proud of my heritage and my use of English, so it is hard for me to let it go. I still cringe when I see a word without a U in novels set in historical England, but I’m aware my biggest audience is from the US. A few of my British friends sympathize and feel the same, but no one has ever complained about it in my novels. I wish the standard was: set a book in England, write in British English; set a book in the US, write in US English. But that’s wishful thinking and as long as people enjoy my books, I’ll try not to get too annoyed about it 🙂

As a historical romance writer, is that also your favorite genre for TV, Movies, and Books?

I adore period dramas but I am fussy. A recent historical series was so historically inaccurate that it just annoyed me more than entertained me. For pure relaxation, I enjoy comedy and action films. I don’t watch too much TV—I find most of it pretty boring—and bookwise, I enjoy traditional romance most of the time. Curling up with a cheesy 80’s Harlequin is my idea of heaven.

About the Author

Samantha lives in a small village in England with her gorgeous twin girls and husband who is a trained bodyguard and ex-soldier (Yes, seriously!). She traditionally writes historical romances involving chivalrous knights and hot highlanders, but occasionally dabbles in contemporary romance. When she reluctantly leaves her computer, she enjoys exploring old ruins and indulging an early midlife crisis. Adrenaline filled suggestions for the bucket list are always welcome! Blog / Facebook / Twitter
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