KeiraMontclair

                                                           

 

If you haven’t read it yet, I’ll share the last page of The Scot’s Legacy with you: 

Torrian congratulated everyone, and as everyone rejoined their clans, he waited for the group to settle before announcing the next speaker.

“Our last speaker is my dearest mother, Brenna Grant Ramsay.” Everyone cheered Brenna on as he helped her to manage the high step. He stood behind her as she made her announcement.

Brenna began, her cracking voice telling all how important this announcement was to her, “I have a verra special announcement to make, and this comes from Logan and King Robert, who has been grateful for all the help we gave him while he was away from Scotland assisting his brother. The Battle of Skaithmuir was a decisive victory for the Scots on our land, and Sir James Douglas considers it one of his most difficult battles ever. He sings the praises of our wonderful young people who were there to help him.

“Because of this, King Robert has awarded Clan Ramsay another castle, one that you will learn more about soon enough. But we are here to announce who we, as a group, have unanimously chosen to be chieftains of this new property and the clan that will grow there.”

She stopped to mop her tears before continuing, and Torrian squeezed her shoulders in support. “This is what Quade always dreamed, to have his bloodline, the Ramsay bloodline in many clans. So now we are part of the Grants and the Drummonds and the Menzies.” She paused to mop her tears again. “And the Camerons and Mathesons. And now we will be a part of this new clan.”

Brenna stopped, dried her tears one last time, then smiled at everyone. “We’d like to call the following to come forward: Alaric Grant, Elisant Ramsay Grant, Maitland Menzie, and Dyna Grant Corbett.”

Alaric squeezed Eli’s hand and ushered her in front of him, meeting Maitland and Dyna at the dais.

Once they were there, Brenna turned the four around.

“We are verra fortunate that these four wonderful young people have agreed to start a new clan. They will decide exactly who the two lairds will be, and it is their choice. But we have come up with a new name.

“Welcome the leaders of our new ally, Clan Grantham.”

This was how The Scot’s Legacy ended. 

What does this mean for my readers?

It means that you have a whole new clan to look forward to. I haven’t worked out all the details, but know that this clan will be some distance away from their allies.

This new clan, Clan Grantham, will start fresh, bring you new people to love.

Oh, you will occasionally see old friends, but not often. I plan for this to be entirely new. Maybe an island? Possibly the Isle of Mull? I haven’t decided.

But you will see the following:

Maitland and Maeve

Dyna and Derric

Alaric and Eli.

And you just might see Logan Ramsay again.

I love each of these characters, and from what you tell me, you do too. So I think this will be a wonderful fresh start. Stay tuned in the fall to find out. I have to work it all out in my head over the summer.

And please, if you enjoyed The Scot’s Legacy, PLEASE leave a written review. It means the world to me to see if my readers enjoyed the book. 

 

 

 

 

Here’s an excerpt from Storylet #1, The Ramsay Lads, available on Reamstories starting on June 4th!

Ramsay Castle 1249

Logan Ramsay nocked his arrow and aimed for the farthest tree.

“Logan!” His father’s voice carried to him, and his arrow flew wide and off into the bushes.

“How many times must I tell ye to stop wasting yer time in the archery field? I prefer to have ye practice yer sword skills.” Iain Ramsay, clan chieftain and Logan’s father, sat his horse a short distance away. Many were afraid of Chief Ramsay, an impressive figure with his long dark hair and pensive green eyes. Their fear wasn’t just because of his sword skills or his power as chieftain, but because he had a way of seeing inside yer mind to know what ye were thinking. He’d often been called one of the cleverest chieftains in all the land. Logan, at four and ten, wished to be just like him.

“But, Da, I’ve heard tales of men fighting at night with their bows. They say ye can sneak up on a castle wall and shoot whomever ye need to inside the wall before they ever know ye are there. And I could defend our castle better with my bow than my sword.”

“Ye canno’ shoot someone climbing the wall. They’ll hug the side so if ye are atop the wall, it would be impossible to hit them. But when they come over the wall, ye better be able to defend yer castle with yer sword and yer life. ’Tis the way of it, son. Dinnae argue with me.”

Ramsay land sat at the edge of the Highlands, west of Lothian, and the clan had built one of the finest castles in all the land. Few dared to attack, but when they did, their chieftain chose to follow Highland tradition when it came to doing battle—man to man and sword to sword.

“Two more, if ye please, Da?” He couldn’t explain to his father why he got so much joy when he hit a target. It just felt oddly different and uniquely satisfying.

“Aye. Two more. Then ye will come inside for supper. Ye can practice yer sword skills on the morrow.”

His father turned his horse around and headed back to the keep.

to be continued…

You’ll find out even more about young Logan along with Quade and Micheil. Come join me at Reamstories for the summer! I’m hoping to build a community where readers can discuss their favorite characters and books. 

What exactly is Ream? 
Ream (or Reamstories) is a platform that can be used for various reasons. Many authors use it as a subscription platform for their novels. 

NOT ME! 

I am not writing my novels as serial fiction. I am using this platform to help build a community around my books. Readers tell me they love my characters and wish to discuss my books with others. 

This is your chance! 

Each month I will publish a new storylet (my term) of around 10,000 words. This will be all new material bringing you more of your favorite characters. And when you finish reading, you can chat with others about the storylet.

And there’s more! 

• I’ll post community questions for you to discuss with each other. 
• You’ll have the chance to text with some characters
• There will be giveways-audio codes, signed paperbacks, special gifts. You’ll see! 
• At the top tier, you’ll get the chance to chat with me! Hear about my newest venture. See the covers first! 

I am going to offer this for 3 months. If there is little or no interest, I will end the subscription. If you are loving it, we’ll keep it going! But if you wish to try it out, DO NOT wait!

I am offering this so my readers can have a FUN summer chatting with each other. My goal is to grow a community of Clan Grant and Clan Ramsay lovers. This is NOT for new readers. 

There are three tiers of subscribers. You choose which you wish to join. The minimum for any tier is $3.00/month. So my lowest tier is $3.00, the middle is $10.00 and the top tier is $25.00. You choose!

I will offer a few free month subscriptions so stay tuned! 

This will NOT affect my writing. This is in addition to my novels. 

Click here to see what it is all about:  REAM

I’m giving everyone a few days to join before I launch the first storylet. That will release on Tuesday, June 4th.And you will LOVE reading about The Ramsay lads-Storylet #1. 

And one more teaser from Storylet #1: 

“We did it,” Quade whispered.

Logan nodded. “That we did, brother. We’ll make a fine pair in battle.” He was about to clasp his brother’s shoulder when a soul-wrenching voice carried to them from inside the keep.

“Arleeeeene…Avelina! Lads, where are ye? Ye must be here somewhere.”

“Da! He’s inside.” Logan cleaned his sword and took off inside just as a slew of Ramsay warriors came around the outside of the keep. “Quade, you explain to them. I’ll see Da and let Mama out of her hiding spot.”

Logan dashed inside, chasing his sire up the staircase, sheathing his sword as he went. The man was frantically calling for his wife and daughter.

“Where are they? I canno’ lose ye, Arlene. My boys, my sweet lassie.” He fell to his knees at the landing, covering his face with his hands.

“Da! I’m behind ye.”

“Logan?” Iain whipped his head around to stare at him then stood. “Logan, ye are hale?” His eyes took in the state of his son.

Logan followed his father’s gaze, just noticing all the blood on his tunic and trews. It did look bad. “I’m fine, Da.”

“Ye are hurt? Look at ye. Ye are covered in blood. What the hell happened? Where is yer wound? Where did they strike ye? Where is yer Mama? Yer sister? Yer brothers?”

Logan could see the man had been crying. He’d never seen tears from his sire before, and he knew he’d never forget the sight.

Join us on Reamstories! You’ll love it there!

I’ve asked my readers before which books are their favorites. Are they the same as mine? 

Let’s see!

Your faves: 

1. Rescued by a Highlander-Alex and Maddie’s story is definitely a favorite of my readers. (Not mine)
2. Loki-Everyone fell in love with the wee homeless (but far from harmless) urchin adopted by the Grants in Love Letters from Largs. And he stayed a favorite.
3. Highland Sparks – Readers love Logan Ramsay and his love story with Gwyneth. They fell in love with him in Healing a Highlander’s Heart, and they still love him in book # 58. 
4. Highland Brawn– Connor and Sela’s story was a powerful one. But was it because of the spiders? I’m not sure! ( I agree with this one!)
5. Bethia-Definitely a reader fave.
6. The Scot’s Quest-Dyna and Derric are faves. Maybe because of something that Derric treats like gold? Or is it her love for her grandfather? 

My faves: 

1. Highland Brawn– This book goes on my list for the one I wrote the fastest. If I could write all my books that quickly, readers would see many more. Loved Connor and Sela. 
2. Love Letters from Largs – I enjoyed writing about the Battle of Largs. It is probably one of my books that is heaviest in true history, though much of it is fictional, and I enjoyed delving into that battle. And yes, there was a true warrior whose horse was in chain mail. (He died in battle, Alex did not. Whew! Good thing it’s fiction). And Loki and Alex at the end? Another one that I cried monster tears while I wrote it. 
3. The Curse of Black Isle-I always enjoy writing about healers, and this story was no different. It was fun to travel to Black Isle (or The Black Isle), especially when I found a true faerie pool there. And the Matheson men were great additions to the clan. 
4. The Scot’s Betrayal– I loved Alasdair and Dyna’s relationship. This is the book that wins the award for making me cry the hardest while I was writing. 
5. The Scot’s Deception-Some of you hated me for this one, but it was the right ending. Yep, cried writing this one too.
6. Highland Secrets- It’s always fun to write with Emma Prince and Cecelia Mecca, but getting the chance to write about seasoned lovers instead of virgins? So much more fun. 

That’s it for now! Did I miss your favorite one? 

 

 

 

So what about 2024?  

1. Look for Ysenda and Lewis’ story to be released by next Friday Jan. 26th. 
2. Book #7-Thea’s story will be released probably mid April 
3. Book #8-Alaric Grant and Elisant Ramsay- guessing late June. (Notice how the last book marries a Grant and a Ramsay. Hmmm…Did I plan that?)

And that finishes Highland Hunters. Then what? 

I’M NOT SURE! 

Two important thoughts to pass on. 

1. I’m working on some short stories about various Grant and Ramsay characters. I’m not sure yet how I will get them to you. Could be in a book of short stories. Could be in some subscription model. Not sure yet. I have lots of unanswered questions. The first one I’m working on is about Logan, Quade, and Micheil in their younger days. And you will find out why Logan insists on banging doors! I call them storylets. 
2. I’m taking the summer off to decide what I’m going to write next. I’m just not sure yet. It could be another historical Scottish romance with all new characters or another genre. Historical mystery? Suspense/thriller? Another Summerhill? I just don’t know yet. 

It’s a little vague, but just know I’m still writing! And always listening to my wonderful readers. 

I thank you for sticking with me. 

Keira Montclair

I hope you enjoyed Maitland and Maeve’s story. It’s always nice to have a touch of Alex and Maddie back again, isn’t it? 

I came up with that plot last April when I was very sick with Covid. I loved it and I hope you enjoyed it too. 

I’m looking forward to a new year! 2024. Can hardly believe it. I have many things planned for the new year. 

• Finishing Highland Hunters
  • Ysenda’s story- The Scot’s Warning. This will release the end of January
  • Thea’s story
  • Alaric Grant’s story will be book 8. Lots of surprises planned for this last book. Don’t miss it! 
• A new trilogy in a new genre. Haven’t decided all the details yet. 
• The start of something completely new. It’s meant to make my readers happy with a method of giving you Scottish storylets- small bits of the lives of the characters you already know and love. Tough to explain but you’ll see! This will begin in March (anticipated). 

Happy holidays and Happy New Year to all! Thanks for your loyalty. 

Keira Montclair

 

The good news for my readers is I will be writing over the summer this year. I have many stories left to tell, so I better get at it! Who will you visit with this year? 

1. The Scot’s Protector-Cadyn and Tryana’s story releasing June 23rd or thereabouts.
2. Highland Healers #4-Ceit and Brin’s story. A Ramsay marries a Cameron. Should be lots of fun! 
3. Highland Healers #5-Maitland and Maeve’s story. It’s time for the last of the Grant bairns to marry. And Maitland lost his wife, so he has to learn to love again. A second-chance silver fox story.

The rest will be 2024 probably:

1. Ysenda and Lewis-Gavin and Merewen’s daughter to a Matheson guard, also a friend of Grif’s
2. Tevis-Son of Torcall and Riley
3. Thea-Daughter of Bethia and Donnan
4. Alaric-Son of Kyla and Finlay

I don’t know what order the last four will be in, but you will see all four of them. You’ll also get to meet Will and Maggie’s two children-Willum and Wenna. And for those of you who have been waiting for a Menzie story, stay tuned for Maitland’s wedding. You’ll see them all again. 

Happy reading! 

 

 

The Scot’s Conflict is here! 

First in my latest series of the 3rd generation of Clan Ramsay, Highland Hunters. 

Here is a tree of the patrol formed for this mission. Book 1 is Isla Matheson and Geoffrey MacGriffin (Grif). He was raised to believe women were inferior. Isla’s plan is to teach him how wrong he is. 

Sparks will fly! I think you’ll love them together.

 

I thought to update you on what’s coming. The big news is YES, I’m still writing! Here’s what you can expect to see in the next year:

1. The last book in the Highland Healer series. This is Riley and Torcall’s story. It’s a novella and will be released for the Christmas holiday season. I plan to put this on preorder. Title: The Gift of Black Isle
2. A stand-alone Scottish medieval romance. I thought this book would be about Alex Grant in the future, but it’s not. It’s a story about a man who thinks he’s lost everything. Clan enemies, battles, bargained betrothals, all the usual you expect in a Scottish medieval with the HEA you all expect! This is with my editor now and since this is a new editor, I can’t say for sure when it will release. I’m going to guess early November, but if I can get it to you earlier, I will. 
3. NEW SERIES– I am plotting out the next series. Since I am not finished, I’ll just say this. It is the third generation of the Ramsays. Similar to Highland Swords, which focused on the third generation of the Grants, it starts in 1315 with several descendants of Logan and Gwyneth, Brenna and Quade, and one Menzie that you will fall in love with. I’m hoping this will build to a 6 or 8 book series. Look for this series to debut in Jan, 2023.

That’s all I can say for now.  And I think you will love the direction I’m taking in the new series. You’ll see when you read the Christmas novella. 😉

Happy reading! 

This is the kind of year when I never know what I’m going to write next, so I thought I would update you as far as what I think is coming: 

1. The third and final novel in the Soulmate Chronicles will be out late June. Catherine and Graeme go back to Scotland to try to earn their angel wings. Will they be successful?
2. I’ve started a Christmas novella intended to be book 5 in Highland Healers. It will be Riley’s story. You know the man she falls in love with. Who do you think it will be? I hope to have this up for preorder in October to release mid-November.
3. The next series. Hmmm. I haven’t written it yet, but I just finished plotting the first book. The setting is Scotland in the late 1300s. The story begins with a man in a dungeon in Scotland, a man who watched his father killed and has no idea where his brother and sister are because he was knocked out in battle. He’s lost the clan castle, almost everyone he loved, and his honor. Why is he still alive?  Because his captor wants the treasure that he has hidden somewhere, the treasure of legends. 

            His captor wants the golden helm and a sapphire sword.  Will he give them up to save his life? 

           A man named Alexander Grant escapes his captor and heads deep into the Highlands to rebuild his life with a dilapidated castle and a handful of clan members who survive. He hopes to find his brother and sister if they are still alive. And he searches for a mysterious woman who appears in his dreams. 

The challenge for the reader is that some characters will be a reincarnation of a character in my early books. Alex is the only one who keeps the same name. Can they rebuild Clan Grant to be the clan it once was? Who will its allies be? Some will be obvious, others will not. Some will be exactly the same, some will change. 

It opens up a whole new world for me and I’m excited to see where it takes me! 

This book will not be released until October or later. 

I’M TAKING THE SUMMER OFF THIS YEAR. YAY! No new releases in July, August, or September in 2022, though I will continue with the translations. 

Happy reading!