A Hundred Breaths by Jean M. Grant (VNBtM, guest post, excerpt, and GIVEAWAY) GFT

I am delighted to share a guest post by author Jean Grant, who answers my question (and reminds me why I read romances, lol)...

ELF: What do you think is the strongest attraction about the genre(s) you like to write in?

JG: HEA. Happy ever-after. It’s what drew me to romance. Certainly, I enjoy the romance, the slow burn, and the conflict…but it’s the hope, and the redemption and resolution at the end that really bring me back to romance. When we are surrounded by much heartache in the world, romance is an escape. I’m also a sucker for historical books that sweep me off to another world. A place and time long ago. Granted, those times were also filled with strife, illness, and devastation and I like to learn about those elements, too. No place is all sunshine and butterflies. I like the rich layers of a deep plot, emotional journey, and historical accuracy. Well-researched historical books are history lessons! With a HEA, of course. :)

I also write women’s fiction, and though not all these stories end on a happy note like romance does, they can be captivating stories filled with an emotional journey of a female protagonist(s). Heartache. Reconciliation. Healing. Hope. I’ve read both historical and contemporary, and I do enjoy a good tear-jerker that also causes me to reflect on grand life questions, controversies, and concepts I might not usually pursue. This is a growing niche, and I have a few of my own ideas percolating. They make great book club reads, too.

To date, I’ve published two historical romances (third in the trilogy is being written), one contemporary romance, and one contemporary women’s fiction. What’s next? A balance of all three. Though historical romances have always drawn me in, I am eager to explore a few more contemporary romances and women fiction stories.

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A Hundred Breaths

by Jean M. Grant

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GENRE:   historical romance

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BLURB:

1263, Scotland

Simon MacCoinneach’s vengeance runs deep. The blade is the only way to end the blood-thirsty Nordmen’s reign upon Scottish soil. His soul might be lost, but the mystical Healer he kidnaps from the isles could be the answer for his ailing mother…and his heart.

Isles-born Gwyn reluctantly agrees to a marriage alliance with this heathen Scot in return for the sanctuary of her younger brother from her abusive Norse father. Her brother’s condition is beyond the scope of her Ancient power, for larger healings steal breaths of life from her own body.

As Simon and Gwyn fight to outwit her madman father and a resentful Norse betrothed, Gwyn softens Simon’s heart with each merciful touch. Gwyn’s Seer sister foresees a bloody battle—and an end to the Nordmen—but Simon will also die. Will Gwyn save Simon on the battlefield even if it means losing her last breath?

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EXCERPT

“I’m your wife, and still I am guarded?”

Simon shrugged though she couldn’t see. He’d given up on excuses. “What must I do to prove I won’t flee? I signed your marriage contract. I said my vows.” Her voice broke on those words.

Was she crying? He laid the tray of food on her table and approached. He didn’t touch her, as much as he wanted to link his arm within hers as they’d done during their walks. He reached inside his ganache and withdrew her small, simple dagger. Unadorned with jewels or carvings, it possessed a bone hilt and a blade worn from use. Likely from tree limbs, flowers, and household use. His smith had sharpened it and cleaned the hilt.

“Here,” he said, placing it in her lap. Gildy had retrieved the sheath from Gwyn’s laundered gown.

Gwyn stared at it, her fingertips dancing butterfly wings hovering over the hilt. After a moment, she drew her hand around it and pulled it from its leather sheath. She rose and whirled on him, the dagger pointed out before her, barely pressing into his chest.

He didn’t retreat as he met her fiery, misty gaze.

She made no move to remove the dagger’s tip.

“A smidge to the center, Gwyn, and you’ll be square over my blackened heart.” He held her glower. The heat blazed in her entrancing blue eyes like the devil. He fought a smile.

Buy links:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Jean’s background is in science and she draws from her interests in history, nature, and her family for inspiration. She writes historical and contemporary romances and women’s fiction. She also writes articles for family-oriented travel magazines. When she’s not writing or chasing children, she enjoys tending to her flower gardens, hiking, and doing just about anything in the outdoors.

Social Media links:

Website

Twitter   

Facebook

Goodreads 

Bookbub 

Amazon Author Page  

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GIVEAWAY


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The tour dates can be found here