The Conley Corner

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

Keep scrolling for my review of Borderland Beauty!

BOOK SYNOPSIS –
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’?

BUY & TBR LINKS

Amazon Kindle Links –
Borderland Bride
Borderland Beauty
Barnes & Nobles Nook Links –
Borderland Bride
Borderland Beauty
Goodreads TBR Links –
Borderland Bride
Borderland Beauty

1.  Describe your writing process.  

Generally I wing it. Sometimes I write a vague plot but most of the time, it’s all in my head and I’ll write scenes here and there until some kind of coherent plot comes out. I write a minimum of 3000 words a day, regardless of whether I’ve figured it out or not!

2.  What motivates you to sit down and write?

Money! I’m not meant to say that am I? But I’m currently the main earner in our house (hubby quit a high paying job to do something he loves), so ultimately it is money. I am incredibly grateful to be able to do something I love for it though because I do absolutely love writing.

3.  Where does your inspiration come from?

Who knows? Generally it’s one idea and then snowballs from there. With Borderland Bride it was a desire to create some kind of communication barrier. Sometimes I’ll research a point in history and it will capture my imagination.

4.  Do you have any writers that you consider mentors?

I would say some big names have influenced me but the two biggest influences in my writing career are Em Taylor and Jayn Wilde. Em writes Regency romance and Jayn writes romance/erotic romance. We don’t necessarily share swap writing tips but they both are a huge support to me just in general and it makes the whole process easier when you’ve got some who understands you at the other end of the computer!

5.  What do you think your greatest strength is in your writing?

I’m ambitious. I’ve hit some hurdles in my writing career and become blocked at times too but my ambition outweighs any slumps and forces me to keep going. It gives me the determination to learn more, write more and produce better stories.

6.  What is your biggest challenge?

Not listening to the negative little voice inside me that inevitably springs up and tells me to give up! LOL

7.  Do you ever experience writer's block?  How do you get through it?

Yes. Or maybe not block so much as burn out. I used to just open a clean, fresh page and go from there but that doesn’t work so much so I often move onto another project and come back later. As long as I’m writing something, I don’t feel too guilty.

8.  How do you market your work?

Social networking, blog tours, giveaways. I do it all! I suffer from wanting to have a hand in everything and spreading myself too thin really.

9.  Do you have a current work in progress?  Can you tell a little bit about it?

I’m working on To Dream of a Highlander. By the time this interview comes out, I may not be far off release. It’s the next in my Highland series. It takes place at the same time as To Steal a Highlander’s Heart and features Vikings, Faeries and a couple of slightly tortured souls.

10.  Tell us about yourself, outside of writing.

Mostly I’m a mother. My twin girls are nearly eight and make the best companions. If I’m not writing, I’m usually involved in something to do with them.


This and That:  Either/Or, you have to choose one.

Beatles or Elvis 

I feel like I should say Beatles, being British, but they never did much for me so Elvis.

Cake or Cookies

Cake.

Vanilla or Chocolate

Chocolate.

Romance or Suspense

Doh. Romance.

Sunshine or Rain

Sunshine. Not that we get much of that in the UK.

The Beach or a Cabin in the Mountains

The beach – see above for why LOL

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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?”

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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.

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AUTHOR BIO

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!

My Review of  Borderland Beauty

Samantha Holt does not disappoint in this Historical Romance set in fifteenth century Scotland, a time where the plague has upset society and bands of outlaws are taking advantage.  In my own world of issues, I desperately needed an escape from reality, and Ms. Holt provided.  Her writing style is perfect, it's easy to read and devoid of obnoxious explanations and footnotes.  Her conflicts are (in this particular story) mostly internal with the characters in the first 75%, but they're artfully done, without all the internal dialogue that drives me crazy.  She utilizes an economy of words I try to emulate in my own writing.

Ms. Holt's stories are an adventure into another world, one I'm happy to dive into.  Her settings are artfully described, with charming characters, great dialogue, and no major flaws.  I love her stories for their pleasant predictability.  It's like riding a roller coaster I've ridden a dozen times already.  I know what will happen, but I still want to enjoy the ride, because it won't fail to take my breath away.

I do wish more description had been developed on the specific effects of the plage ravished country-side, but that's just me being morbid I think.  I've always been fascinated with that, for some reason.

I'm American, VERY American, and have never been to Europe.  That may be why Historical Romances set in Europe fascinate me so much.  The subtle differences in language are interesting, as well as settings so remote from my own personal experiences are delightful.  Not only do I want to take a trip to Scotland, but I also want to go back in time.  And Ms. Holt provides that sensation for me.

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