Giveaway, Excerpt, and Review of The Winter Laird (Mist of Fate #1) by Nancy Scanlon

The Winter Laird (Mists of Fate #1) by Nancy Scanlon

Releasing November 17, 2015

~ Official Blurb ~

THE PRESENT

Successful matchmaker Brianagh O’Rourke believes in happily-ever-afters...just not her own. She’s convinced passion only exists in her dreams. When she reluctantly accepts a marriage proposal, Bri decides she needs a vacation―but she didn't expect it to be in 13th century Ireland.

THE PAST

Laird Nioclas MacWilliam just wants peace for his clan. The time for him to marry has come, and after waiting years for his ally to present their daughter, he’s agreed to marry another. But on the eve of his nuptials, a daring rescue brings his missing betrothed right into his arms.

And she does not want to be there.

THE FUTURE

Brianagh has to return to the future. Nioclas has to marry. He offers a solution for the both of them: She marries him and stays for three months, and they work together to convince his clan they are a love match. In return, he vows to safely return her home. But as the days turn to weeks, they both begin to see what a happily-ever-after could be. And when the time comes, does Brianagh return to the life she’s built, or does she remain in the past for a chance at true love?

“The women are spying on us from under the benches,” Aidan said as he bounced on the balls of his feet, waiting for Nioclas to finish his drink. Admiring his sword, he added, “Been there for about ten minutes or so. I give them another twenty before they get cold and head back into the castle.”

Nioclas sighed. “I’m unsurprised. Does Erin still think no one knows about her forays into the lists?”

Aidan shrugged and quickly crossed swords with his brother. “Of course. I’m certainly not going to tell her. She’ll skewer me on the end of her sewing needle whilst I sleep.”

“Are you that afraid of a wee lass?” Nioclas mocked, jumping back and just avoiding the tip of Aidan’s blade. “I don’t think Donovan has much trouble with her.”

“Oh, I’m sure Donovan has complete control over his wife,” Aidan replied, and they both grinned as they hacked away at each other. “I don’t think he’s ever been privy to the full extent of Erin’s talents, though.”

Nioclas ducked and rolled out of Aidan’s path, springing back up and crossing blades once more. “I—oof—doubt he would’ve agreed to marry her, had he known.”

“Marriage. I don’t envy you, brother. Shackled for life. I hope she is worth it.” Aidan ducked, narrowly avoiding the at of Nioclas’s blade, then spun to avoid it again. “Saints, Nick, I was only—oof— is there something you care to talk about?” he asked sardonically as Nioclas’s attack intensified.

“No,” Nioclas replied curtly, swinging his arm relentlessly.

“Hmm. I believe there’s a tale there.” Aidan plunged his sword toward his brother, who leapt backward.

“None I care to tell you,” Nioclas replied, wiping the sweat off his forehead with the back of his hand.

“Well, you’re putting on quite a show for her.” They circled each other. “Mayhap this will be a love match yet—” Aidan’s sword went flying. He watched, open-mouthed, as it soared through the air. Someone called out, and men scattered as the blade went hilt-over-tip, landing about twenty feet from where they stood.

He looked at his brother in alarm. Nioclas had never bested him by forcing his sword from his hand. That was something they’d agreed long ago was unnecessary between them. War was never far, and neither wanted the other without his sword if it broke.

“Love is for fools,” Nioclas growled before stalking off.

It was a rare thing for Nioclas to lose his temper, especially in the lists. Bemused, Aidan watched him  go, then threw a wink over to the source of his brother’s obvious discomfort.

Smirking at the feminine gasps, Aidan collected his sword and sauntered off. 

~ The Review ~

Title: The Winter Laird: Mists of Fate - Book One
Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre:Series: Mists of Fate (Book 1)
Format: Paperback; 262 pages
Publisher: Diversion Publishing (November 17, 2015)
ISBN-10: 1626817251
ISBN-13: 978-1626817258
Authors Website: http://nancyscanlonbooks.com/
Notes: I received an eARC for review purposes.




Brianagh O’Rourke was pretty happy with her plight in life. She owns her own company, which she created from scratch, and the matchmaking business is thriving. The only possible thing that was missing was someone to share it all with, but, ironically, Brianagh isn't sure marriage is in the cards for her. When her boyfriend of 6 months proposes and she says yes, she finds out something about her past that will change everything.

"It’s been said that once, a very long time ago, a curse was put on the O’Rourkes..."

Laird Nioclas MacWilliam's clan's survival depends on him forging an alliance with another clan through marriage. Years ago he agreed to marry the daughter of the Laird of clan O'Rourke, but no one has ever seen the lass. When negotiating all those years ago, he'd forgot to include a time frame for the marriage and has decided he's waited long enough and will marry another. When his betrothed finally makes an appearance, he needs to do some fancy footwork to keep her from abandoning him. For once the tables are turned on the handsome young laird as he finds himself in the unexpected position of persueer?

This was a fun debut time travel romance novel by Nancy Scanlon. I can't help but guess this one was inspired by Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. For years Brianagh O'Rourke has dreamed of a handsome young laird who makes her heart skip a beat. She's never met a man who can stir as much passion in her as her dream boyfriend does. Unfortunately, dreams are just dreams and while she longs to find a soulmate she knows dreams can't true. At least not the ones our minds conjure up for us in sleep. Pity that. When she gets engaged, however, her cousin tells her a fantastical story that she's out of her time. She thinks he jests until she finds herself in 1400's standing face to face with the man who has haunted her dreams for years. Now she finds herself in the middle of a clan war that she and the abilities she apparently possess are at the center of. The question is should she stay or should she go? More importantly, can she go?

I have to admit it took me a while to become attached to Brianagh, but she won me over by the end.
There was more to her than immediately meets the eye and we see her go from being out of her element to thriving in her new environment. I liked that even though Nioclas was the man of her dreams, she didn't instantly fall for him. He had to win her over.

Nioclas was a fun character who had to figure out how to win Brianagh over, something he never had to do with any other woman. Being a Laird and handsome, he is used to women fighting for his attention. When Brianagh shows up, he's not sure what to think of her, but quickly realizes her for the gem she is. She's not like the other women of his clan and keeps him on his toes.

Overall, I gave this one 3 1/2 out of 5 roses. It was fast paced with plenty of twists and turns to keep my attention. I kind of wish there'd been a prophecy instead of a curse/legacy associated with the brooch, but that's just my personal preference. I'm still not exactly sure what Brianagh's time traveling abilities are, but my guess is that later, in upcoming books. we'll learn the full extent of what she can do. Everyone seemed so afraid of doing something that would alter history that I surmise she has to come into and learn about her powers on her own. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a Fan rating--the temperature in the room seems to have suddenly gone up a couple of degrees and a fan would be nice. A lovely debut for Ms. Scanlon. I look forward to reading more of her books.

~ About the Author ~

Nancy Scanlon

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

Born and raised near Boston, Massachusetts, Nancy Scanlon wrote her first romance novel at age 16, when she realized that fictional boyfriends were much easier to figure out than real ones. In the time since, she managed to earn a degree in English, obtain a graduate certificate in creative writing from the University of Cambridge, and marry the man of her dreams (but she still holds tight to her fictional boyfriends).

Currently, she resides in Puerto Rico with her husband, two children, and two dogs. When not writing, Nancy spends her time reading, reviewing and blogging about romance novels, watching too much HGTV, and taking care of her family.

~ Giveaway ~

Five winners will receive a Print Copy of The Winter Laird provided and distributed by Tasty Book Tours. Good Luck!

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