Spotlight & Giveaway: Her Forbidden Highlander Husband by Allison B. Hanson

Today it is my pleasure to Welcome author Allison B. Hanson to HJ!

Hi Allison and welcome to HJ! We’re so excited to chat with you about your new release, Her Forbidden Highlander Husband!

 
Hi everyone!
 

Please summarize the book a la Twitter style for the readers here:

A woman who cannot trust marries a man who will never give up. Could their marriage set their clans to war?
 

Please share the opening lines of this book:

Standing outside the laird’s study, Evelyn Stewart took a
deep, steadying breath before knocking. A summons from
her father could mean anything from a request to have the
maids change his bedding, to a lecture on her shortcomings
for hours on end.

Please share a few Fun facts about this book…

• Liam’s book wasn’t planned. He was only a side character in the first two books, but he was so sweet, I couldn’t resist telling his story.
• I finished writing his book in just two and a half months.

What first attracts your Hero to the Heroine and vice versa?

Liam met Evelyn four years ago after she was rescued from some horrible men. He was tasked with escorting her back to her home. Along the way, he decided she was the one for him. In this book, he’s a grown man with a position of power in his clan and he’s going to see her father to ask for her hand.
 

Using just 5 words, how would you describe Hero and Heroine’s love affair?

Two healing hearts bound forever.
 

The First Kiss…

“Kissing is best when it’s not just about two people
pressing their lips together.”
She tilted her head. “I thought that was exactly what
kissing was.”
“No. Well, yes. But I think more than the actual kiss, it’s
the anticipation that makes a truly great kiss.”
“And have you kissed many women?”
“You have set a fine trap for me, wife, but I’ll do my best
not to fall into it.” He winked at her so she knew he was
jesting. “I’ve kissed women, but whether it was many or just
a few, none of them will compare with you.”
He studied her dark eyes as they warmed over. He stood
and moved around the table. Still holding her hand, he
helped her to her feet and was encouraged when she swayed
toward him.
When he placed his other hand lightly on her cheek, she
closed her eyes. He waited another breath before leaning
down and touching his lips to hers.

Without revealing too much, what is your favorite scene in the book?

“What if my father doesn’t give up? What if he comes
for me again? Because he likely will.”
He sat up and touched her chin. “I’ll take care of you.”
She couldn’t help but smile at his sincerity.
“I’m sure you would, but if he sent an army?”
He shook his head. “I doubt it would come to that. To
me, you’re priceless, but to your bastard of a father, I don’t
think he’ll waste many men to have ye back.”
“What if he’s so lost to his anger, he does the
unexpected?”
He let out a breath and took her hand. “Ev, when we
were in the stable and you were on your knees before me,
begging me to take you— Ow, woman.”
“That tale grows more ridiculous every time you tell it.”
“Aye.” He winced as he rubbed his arm where she’d
smacked him. “That’s how men tell stories. No one wants
to hear the telling the same way over and over, you must…
liven it up a bit each time.”
“Liven it up? I believe you mean exaggerate beyond
recollection.”
“Yes. Just that.” He laughed.
“Why don’t you ever say what really happened?” she
whispered against his lips. “That as soon as I suggested we
marry you grabbed me up and dragged me off to the first
clergyman you could find.”
He laughed and kissed her, a soft lingering kiss that had
her leaning closer so it wouldn’t end. But he pulled away
and looked into her eyes, his earlier joking gone.
“I was not a complete fool when we agreed to marry, Ev.
Yes, my heart was ahead of my mind on the matter, but I did
have time to think as we raced toward the clergyman.” His
lips pulled up a bit, but his face went back to seriousness. “I
knew your father would be displeased that I took ye. And
if he didn’t come after me to tie a rope around my neck,
he’d certainly curse me the rest of his days.” He shook his
head. “But I wanted only you as my wife. I decided I was
willing to endure the curses, and as long as I had you at
my side it didn’t matter much where we live.”

If your book was optioned for a movie, what scene would be absolutely crucial to include?

Mari came out and took the children. She glanced at
Liam and turned red again. He felt the flames licking at his
neck.
When she was gone, Cam crossed his arms. “What was
that about?” he asked, his brows creased.
“What was what?” Liam looked away.
“What did you do to my wife?”
“Nothing! I mean, we spoke on some things. Personal
things I came to speak to ye about, but she offered and—
Christ—I don’t think I’ll be able to look her in the eye the
rest of my days.”
Cam still looked angry but relaxed a bit. “What was it
you wanted to know?”
“Mari suggested I let Evelyn control things between us.
In our bed.”
Cam’s eyes went wide in surprise. “You spoke to my
wife of bedding?”
“As I said, I wanted to speak to you of it, but she insisted
she could help. In truth, she did help a great bit. But I wasn’t
able to ask her the most important part, for I was afraid our
embarrassment would be such that the house might burn
down around us.”
“What was the part you still want to know?” Cam’s
shoulders relaxed but his arms were still crossed.
“It’s fine. I’ll figure it out.”
“Liam, you must be desperate if you took to relying on
Mari for answers. Just have out with it.”
“You’ll make light of my situation.”
“Probably. But do you want to know or not?” Cam
grinned at him and smacked his shoulder.
Yes. He did want to know. “It’s just, I may not have
another opportunity with Ev if I don’t do it right the first
time. She’s skittish and even if she’s in control, I’m not sure
she would care do it a second time if I do not give her reason
to enjoy it. Do you ken what I’m saying?”
“Aye. You want to know how to please her.”
“Very much so.”
“I’m sure you have your own…ways of doing things.”
“I do, but I’m certain they’re not good enough. Mari
pointed out how women don’t like it to be over fast, and I
may have been rather hasty in the past.”
“Christ almighty, you spoke to my wife of such things?”
“Nay. She spoke to me of them.”
“Go slow,” Cam barked.
“Aye. I got that part already.” He definitely needed to
apologize to a number of the maids for his error when he
saw them again.
“When you do something, if she makes a good sound
about it, do it again.” Cam scratched his head and looked
away. Were his cheeks turning pink?

Readers should read this book …

…if they love strong women who will do anything to protect those they love; and sweet, sexy heroes whose patience and kindness can help heal the deepest wounds.

What are you currently working on? What other releases do you have planned?

I’m working on A New Earl, a Regency historical from my new Widows and Rogues series.

Thanks for blogging at HJ!

Giveaway: Highlander Gift set! Enjoy your morning beverage with a kilted hero and other fun treats! (For US residents only)

To enter Giveaway: Please complete the Rafflecopter form and Post a comment to this Q: Do you love cinnamon roll heroes? (Tough around the edges, but warm and sweet in the center)

 
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Excerpt from Her Forbidden Highlander Husband:

Liam flopped onto his bed and reached out across the
empty space, smiling despite the emptiness beside him.
He now had a bed and a position that might help change
the man’s mind, for he’d already given Evelyn Stewart his
heart. He wanted to give her his name. Rather the name
he’d taken, since he didn’t have one of his own.
It was time to take fate into his own hands. He got up
and went to the laird’s study. He hovered by the open door,
appraising the man’s mood. Lachlan MacKinlay was playing
with his newest son, Andrew. The boy had been born hours
after they’d returned from defeating the McCurdys. The
babe stared up at his father adoringly.
Not wanting to intrude on the moment, Liam made to
step out but bumped into Kenna in the doorway as she came
up behind him and entered the room.
“Are you coming or going?” the laird’s wife asked with
a smile as she went to her husband and took the lad.
Liam bowed. “I can come back another time.”
“Come in. What’s on your mind?” The laird of the
MacKinlay clan waved him closer.
Lachlan was like a brother to him, though much older.
Liam remembered following him and his cousins around.
Kenna gave Liam’s arm a squeeze as she walked by. He
remembered when her hand would have circled his forearm,
but now at twenty, he was much too large. Still tall and lanky,
he’d filled out to the point he was nearly as wide as the laird.
Liam cleared his throat and stepped closer. “As you
know, my laird, we approach a year since we took Baehaven
and I became your war chief.”
“And as you know, I’ve asked you many times since to
call me Lach.”
“Yes. Lachlan—I mean, Lach,” he corrected quickly as
the other man frowned. He was making a hash of it. “Very
well. And a good day to you.” Liam turned to leave.
“Liam?”
“Aye, my laird?” He squeezed his eyes closed but didn’t
attempt to correct his blunder yet again.
“I believe ye forgot to tell me the purpose of your visit.”
“Of course. Perhaps another time.” He bowed to the
man he respected more than anyone. Nine years separated
them, but Lachlan was a man while Liam often felt like he
was still the boy chasing after him.
“Liam, take a seat,” Lach ordered when Liam had almost
made his escape. Once seated, the man waited a full minute
before letting out a breath. “A laird and his war chief need
to be partners. To strategize and plan together to protect
the clan and ensure victory. We need to communicate with
each other.”
Liam knew himself to be a formidable warrior and a
skilled war chief. He’d spent much of his life practicing,
drilling, and studying battle plans. Aside from eating, it was
all he really knew. In the few raids and battles he’d led over
the last year, the laird had approved of his strategy.
Liam nodded in agreement but remained quiet.
“Will you tell me what you wanted to see me about?”
Lachlan asked finally.
“Yes.” Liam shifted uneasily. He’d never needed to ask
anyone for something so personal before. “Last year, when
the clan was joined by the Stewarts to defeat the McCurdys,
I asked the Stewart laird for his daughter’s hand—Evelyn.”
Even speaking her name made his heart flutter before
dropping into the pit of his stomach.
“Aye. Bryce had mentioned it to me.” The laird gave no
hint as to what he thought of this.
Liam went on. “The man turned me down, she being a
laird’s daughter and me being a nameless bastard.”
“He said that to you?” Lachlan’s hands tightened into
fists on the top of his desk.
“Nay. Well, not exactly like that, but it was really no
surprise, and I don’t take offense. It’s true enough, I’m not
worthy of her.” He swallowed. “However, I still think of her.
It’s been more than three years since I’ve last seen her, but
the burning in my chest is no better after all this time.”
Lachlan fought a smile, but Liam caught it. “Ye wish to
petition him again?”
“Aye. My hope is he’ll allow it now that I’m a war chief
and hold a more honorable position with my clan.”
“I’ve not met a man more worthy than ye, Liam. I’d
recommend you as a fine husband to my own daughter if I
had any, and they were of age to marry. But, alas, my wife
provides me my own army of male progeny.” He smiled and
Liam knew his complaint was in jest. The laird was proud
of his four boys and in love with his wife. “Hugh Stewart
would be a fool not to approve of you. For no one would
treat his lass with more respect and honor.”
Liam appreciated his laird’s praise; however, it wasn’t
Lachlan’s nonexistent daughter Liam wished to marry.
“You wish to ask my permission to go speak to him
again?”
“Yes, my laird—Lach.”
“I’ll do so, if you will take a letter with you and present
it to Hugh on my behalf.”
“Of course.” Liam stood and bowed.
“Do you wish any of your men to accompany ye?” It
was a kind offer, but Liam didn’t need any of his warriors to
witness another rejection if it came to that.
“Nay. I’ll be fine on my own. Thank you.”
Lachlan gave a nod. “I’ll have the missive ready when I
see you off at dawn tomorrow.”
“Thank you, truly. I hope the man accepts my offer this
time.”
“As do I.”
Liam knew his chances were slim, but he needed to
try once more. He’d never be more than war chief. If his
position wasn’t enough to impress the Stewart laird, he’d be
forced to give up.
He’d thought of no one but her in all these years. While
he didn’t know her well, it didn’t keep him from imagining
what their marriage would be like. Her shy smiles and sweet
disposition. She was an angel sent to Earth just for him.

Excerpts. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Book Info:

Liam MacKinlay is certain that when he asks for Evelyn Stewart’s hand in marriage, the third time’s the charm. For hasn’t he risen to war chief of the clan MacKinlay, a seasoned warrior, and an honored member of the clan that took him in as a child? But once again, her father denies Liam the lass he lost his heart to years ago.

Daughter of the Laird of the Stewart clan, Evelyn is expected to perform her daughter’s duty, including marry for the better of the clan…. even if that’s against her will. But upon learning her father plans to trade her to an unknown clan in exchange for cattle, she will do almost anything to escape the future set out before her— including running away and marrying Liam MacKinlay.

Liam’s discovering that beneath Evelyn’s sweet disposition is an iron will to match any warrior. But now their marriage may start a war between the clans and Liam must fight for his new wife and his family. Even if it means raising his sword against those he calls “kin”…
Book Links: Amazon | B&N | iTunes | Goodreads |
 
 

Meet the Author:

One very early morning, Allison B. Hanson woke up with a conversation going on in her head.  It wasn’t so much a dream as being forced awake by her imagination. Unable to go back to sleep, she gave in, went to the computer, and began writing.  Years later it still hasn’t stopped.

Allison lives near Hershey, Pennsylvania. Her contemporary romances include paranormal, sci-fi, fantasy, and mystery suspense.  She enjoys candy immensely, as well as long motorcycle rides, running and reading.
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