KAREN’S KILLER BOOK BENCH: Welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench where readers can discover talented new authors and take a peek inside their wonderful books. This is not an age-filtered site so all book peeks are PG-13 or better. Come back and visit often. Happy reading!
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LACHLANN’S LEGACY
The Order of the Scottish Thistle Book 1
BY ASHLEY YORK
Blurb
Hidden secrets could tear them apart as fast as their passion drove them together
On the Moray coast in Scotland…
Ethne’s genuine and caring nature makes her invaluable to her brother as his son’s caretaker, but he and his wife treat her as little more than their servant. When she learns their tribal leader would use her chaste status for his own purposes, Ethne plans to escape and reluctantly accepts the help of Lachlann—a handsome pilgrim she only just met at the local faire.
Despite her independent spirit, Ethne feels drawn to Lachlann. Her instincts say his intentions are honorable, but can she trust him with her heart?
Raised by his godfather with few clues to his family’s past, Lachlann values his freedom and the brotherhood of his highlander kin. Disguised as a pilgrim on a mission for the priory, he encounters Ethne, a warm, intelligent maiden whose courage in the face of a loveless marriage awakens an intense need to protect her.
Unfortunately, Ethne is one of the very people he must deceive to explore the cave system containing clues to the lost treasure he seeks. But he cannot abandon her to an uncertain fate—or deny the simmering tension between them.
With religious prejudice running high and both of them facing tests of loyalty, Lachlann and Ethne may realize the only way to fight for their futures is to surrender… to each other.
LACHLANN’S LEGACY
The Order of the Scottish Thistle Book 1
BY ASHLEY YORK
Excerpt
“My thanks.” His voice still a bit hoarse, he sat up some and chewed the bread.
“Eat it slowly now.” Ethne offered a small smile.
He nodded, his gaze steady on hers. “Ah, ye’re a sight for these tired eyes.:”
When he cupped her cheek, she turned toward it, placing a kiss on his palm.
“Did I get to tell ye how beautiful ye are?”
“Oh, Lachlann, I am so sorry for all this.” Tears dripped down her cheeks, even as she tried to stay strong.
“None of that. Uradech died the way he lived. They’ll see that. Dinna worry so.”
Niall held up his hand to Aldred when he would have commented.
“I do.” Ethne shoved her hair back from her face. “They’re treating ye as if ye’ve done something and ye haven’t. I need to tell them.”
Hi Everyone, I am Ashley York. I am excited to be here today. Let’s start out with a little about me for those that may not be familiar with me.
Two things you should know about me right up front. I’m a hard-core romantic! And I love history!
I believe true love, real or imagined, should transform your life from a solitary journey into a passionate adventure. Easier said than done sometimes but writing about the infinite number of possibilities, working out the exact when and where, and developing the character’s personal journey to get there, thrills me to no end.
I love history with larger than life heroes, chivalrous knights, lords and ladies, castles, manors, battles and conquests. These are the foundations for passionate, historical romance novels. That’s what I write. There is nothing like the intense emotions sparked between a driven, hard-working medieval warrior and a feisty damsel in a quandary, often not of her own making.
It only makes sense that I use my MA in History and all those research techniques to create romantic characters from the past. Although I’m writing fiction, I like to incorporate authentic places, events, and people, embellishing the past. I use real history but with an artistic flare. I love research, especially from primary documents, and could get lost in them! You’ll discover a world of fiction wrapped around historical people and events in my stories. Some events you may recognize, some you may recognize but a little different than you remember, and some are just from my imagination.
I’m fascinated by the High Middle Ages in Scotland, England, and Ireland. There are so many world-changing events taking place here from their participation in the Crusades to the Battle of Hastings that permanently connected the islands to the continent. Before the Declaration of Arbroath, before William Wallace, before the Doomsday Book, the area was ripe for great events and they never failed to deliver. It is on this combustible backdrop that I create characters with the same desires and motivations as we have today.
When I’m not writing, I enjoy cooking. It’s relaxing and I always like to find something new and easy. On Fridays I occasionally share simple recipes with Foody Friday. Sometimes entrees. Sometimes desserts. Sometimes snacks. Always delicious.
I love Historical Romance and would love to read and review LACHLANN’S LEGACY! Thank you
Thanks. Good luck!
This book sounds wonderful! I come from Scottish ancestors, and I love reading Scottish themed stories.
Hi Diana
I’m Scottish, too! Thanks for commenting.
You will definitely love the story <3
This definitely sounds like my kind of story. I love how you use your degree to support your writing. Thank you so much for sharing your story with us.
sounds interesting
This sounds like an interesting book!
Nice to meet you….interesting introduction and excerpt….anyone who enjoys historical romance would like this….Not my cuppa so I’m not entering….love meeting new authors….thanks Karen and Ashley.
Nice to meet you <3
Good morning, Ashley, and welcome to Karen’s Killer Book Bench. I love historical Scottish stories and this one sounds like it’s right up my alley. I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for sharing your book with us today!
Sorry for my tardiness 🙁 Your website is very exciting, lots going on. Thanks for having me.
Hi, your book sounds very intriguing and I love the book cover, it is beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing about it Have a Great rest of the week and stay safe.
Looks Great 👍 Thank You for Sharing your Book with us and For the Chance to Win a Copy
I am pretty sure I have read at least one of your books through KU. I love your take on true love. I was just thinking last night about how grateful I am that my husband is also my best friend. As we work through life’s challenges, having my best friend beside me makes it so much easier. Oh – and the hubby is Scottish – even has a book about the castle of his family. Some day we hope to go there.
Enjoyed the excerpt and post today, love reading when they have accents! New author for me, sounds good!