Recently I sent out a survey to my readers about which series they would be most interested in reading. I gave a few suggestions and asked for input. Thank you for participating!

First, a couple of disclaimers:

 

1. I do NOT tally your responses. I receive hundreds of replies, and as much as I am a number lover, it would be a waste of my time.
2. No matter what I do, I CANNOT make everyone happy. For every reader who says, “Don’t write paranormal because I’ll never read it,” there will be another reader who says, “I only want paranormal stories.”

 

Here’s what I gain from these surveys:

 

1. I look for trends in my readers. This time, I saw a new trend—more readers are saying they’ve had enough of the Grants and Ramsays. Now, for all of you Alex lovers out there, don’t panic. These readers were still outnumbered twenty to one, and we won’t be leaving the Highlands anytime soon. But it is important to listen, and this feedback gives me motivation to follow my muse, which has been encouraging me to try something a little different.
2. It was my readers who told me they loved Logan Ramsay and wanted more, which is why I have spent so much time exploring the Ramsay family in addition to the Grants. I do pay attention when readers say they want someone’s story. These surveys help me gauge the interest in various characters.

 

 

THE GOOD NEWS FOR 2020!

I already have three books written for next year! I’m not really sure how this happened, but it’s true. All three are in various stages of editing, but here’s what I can promise you’ll see in the first quarter of next year, and what I think you may see for the rest of the year:

 

1. A novella written in another author’s world featuring two of your favorites, Logan and Gwyneth, as ghosts who come to present day to protect a Ramsay descendant. This was SO much fun to write. The author will be revealed next year!
2. The second book in The Soulmate Chronicles. Catherine and Graeme are back and will be sent to Scotland again. It’s another tough road for both of them.
3. The first in my next series written around the three grandsons of Alex Grant, featuring Alasdair, Elshander, and Alick, plus Connor and Sela’s daughter, Dyna. Presently planned as a four-book series entitled Highland Swords, it won’t have many of the Grants and Ramsays you’re used to seeing, but one or two major characters will return for each book. Which ones? I won’t know until I write each book, and if this series is well received, I expect a fifth book could pop up featuring a Ramsay descendant.

The Scot’s Betrayal (#1 already written) features Alasdair and Emmalin. A primary secondary character will be Alex Grant. (I’ve told you he’s immortal!) Obviously, since it takes place nineteen years after The Band of Cousins, there will be missing characters. Death happens, especially in medieval Scotland.

This is actually a nice compromise. For those of you who’ve had enough of the Grants, you’ll find a very changed landscape.

Since this series takes place in the early fourteenth century, the enemy will be the English, which allows for some very exciting directions for these stories.

 

I hope you’ll keep returning for more. For my Regency lovers, I thought I was ready to write a Regency series, but when I stepped back into that time period to rewrite The Duke and the Dressmaker, now finished and retitled Reforming the Duke, I decided that as much as I loved that story, my muse was leading me in a different direction.

Thanks so much for those of you who said you’d follow me wherever inspiration takes me. Also know that I appreciate each and every one of you. This has been a fabulous career for me, and I’m doing all I can to stay in it!

Who, in my heart, would be the first of the remaining descendants to have their stories told?

1. Jennet—As I’ve said before, if any character is modeled after me, it’s Jennet. I had an odd curiosity about medicine and healing at a young age. I also struggled with being a nerd in school. To this day, I still struggle socially. I relate to Jennet on a deep level, so I’m looking forward to writing her story.
2. Elizabeth—Alex and Maddie’s youngest daughter is very shy, the opposite of her bold and fierce siblings. Yes, everyone wants a strong heroine, but strength comes in many different ways.
3. Steenie—He’s a powerful personality with an even more powerful personality in his pet.
4. Padraig—Quirky can be fun. If you haven’t read The Banished Highlander, this is where his personality developed for me. He’s a jokester with a heart of gold.

 

We shall see! I like to take things one book at a time. I make no promises except those that make it to my editor’s desk. What I start, I’ll finish.

Happy holidays to all and I wish you a wonderful 2020!

 

Keira Montclair

 

The last book in The Band of Cousins is here!   Get it here: HIGHLAND YULETIDE MAGIC

 

Here’s a few reminders about this special story:

1. It’s a novella
2. It’s not spicy, but just warm-warm for your heart
3. You have to believe in a wee bit of magic or spirits or just plain miracles at Christmas time

This will be available in KINDLE UNLIMITED by FRIDAY!

If you remember Moray from Braden’s story, he lost both of his brothers over the past year, and if anyone deserves happiness at the holidays, it’s Moray.

Join Clan Grant at Muir Castle for the festivities. You’ll see so many of your favorites: Steenie, Paddy, Braden and Cairstine, Roddy and Rose, Daniel and Constance, Terric, Henry, Kilby, Brodie and Celestina, Corc and many more.

Paddy’s spirit will test them all before he’s done!

Those of you who want to wait to read it right before Christmas? Don’t wait. Read it now.

Then enjoy it again a month from now. It’s definitely a reread story.

Enjoy!

Keira Montclair

My assistant and I tried to make trees that could be seen on one page, so here’s the result. I hope you can read them!

Let me know!

Because I know how much you all love Alex and Maddie, I’ve chosen their section as your teaser:

 

“Maddie, I know that look. You wish to save that child, and we will, but the lass is surrounded by over a hundred English warriors. We cannot just walk in and demand they turn her over to us.”
“Alex, we must protect the children.”
“I understand your noble cause, but there are larger forces at work.”
“The bastards subjected a three-year-old bairn to torture. Those are the kind of memories that will stay with a child for decades. And who’s caring for her while her mother is here healing? Is she being tortured even now?”
“You’re not wrong, Maddie, but I must consider the operation as a whole. This is our chance to stop these men once and for all. We must do this for Scotland.”
“I may operate on a much smaller scale than you,” she said, meeting his gaze, “but it does not make my endeavor less important.”
“What is this endeavor?”
“I must protect the bairns of our country. You consider everyone else, but I have purpose, too, and ’tis no less important.”
“You would risk all to save this one child?”
“Aye, I would. The others will not be there for two to three days. We can save this child before that.”
He stared at her, then ran his finger down her jawline. “This is important to you?”
“Every day she goes without safety and comfort is another day of torture for her. I cannot bear to think of her in such a situation. I was subjected to a similar situation, and I was much older. I cannot think how a three-year-old lass would endure it.”
He kissed her lips. She pressed herself closer to him but did not fall under his usual spell. This was too important to her. “Alex, I would prefer for you to help me, but if you cannot, I’ll find another way.”
Still cupping her face, he said, “All of Scotland places demands on me, but you have asked so little of me over the years.”
Her voice cracked when she said, “Because I trust you, Alex.”
“Then trust me when I say I will save both Claray and Sela when we go to battle with the English.”
Her voice came out in the barest of whispers. “Nay. Claray must be saved on the morrow. Your men will be here by then to assist you. Those bastards don’t need a wee bairn around to finish their deeds. Get her out. We’ll fight them later.”
“If I take three hundred of the warriors I’ve readied for this mission, I’ll be telling the fools that we’ll be attacking with that many in the future. I don’t wish to reveal our strategy.”
Maddie considered his point for a moment. Her husband was keen at coming up with the best tactics for battle, but she could not relent. “Perhaps you’ll not need three hundred. A smaller number could handle the task. I see no reason to take all your warriors.”
He reached back and massaged her neck. “You hide why you want this, but I know. ’Tis because our youngest son is asking you. You sense it, too. There’s something between him and Sela. There is a possibility this wee bairn could become our granddaughter. Is that not part of your reasoning?”
Her heart could take no more, and so she fell against him sobbing. “Alex, we must stop those evil men.”
“For you, anything,” Alex said. He gave her a tender kiss, then mopped her tears away. “This might work. They’ll not want to risk fighting us just yet. They cannot afford to lose men. I’ll discuss the matter with Logan and our sons, but I think we can agree on a plan. If we decided to move forward, you will come with me on the morrow. Wee Claray will need more consoling than I can give.”
She smiled at her dear husband, then leaned in for a kiss, though it was one of those times when he may not notice her. Sometimes her husband was so busy strategizing against a villain that he became engulfed in his own world.
Her lips met his, and he kissed her briefly, as absentminded as she’d expected.
This time, she’d allow it.

 

HIGHLAND BRAWN

Connor and Sela’s story releases Tuesday, July 9th. Don’t miss this epic final episode of THE BAND OF COUSINS and the Channel of Dubh.

I cannot wait for you to read it!

Keira Montclair

I’ve received several emails and messages from panicked readers. Why? Because I’ve mentioned that Book 8, Connor’s story, will be the end of The Band of Cousins.

 

IT’S NOT THE END OF THE GRANTS AND RAMSAYS!

 

Never! I have so many more stories I can tell about them that I can’t even decide which one is next, but just know that I will continue to write about these clans. There are so many wonderful characters left: Kenzie, Jennet, Elizabeth, Brigid, Padraig, Elyse, and the list goes on. I could even tell Steenie’s story sometime in the future, though he’s a bit young so don’t look for that soon. I assure you that I will return to add stories to the clan, possibly as different duets or trilogies, although I can’t say exactly when.

 

I may choose to jump forward in time to write the trio’s story before I return to the Grants in the 1280s. You recall the three Grant heirs born on the same day—Alasdair, Elshander, and Alick—right? If not, make sure you read Highland Lies. The epic story of their birth is in the epilogue in that book.

 

But back to the present. Yes, I’m finishing the Band of Cousins with the following two books:

#7 Gregor’s story- will be released on June 13th

#8 Connor’s story -to be released by mid-July

 

These are the only two books this year that I’m certain about at the moment, although I plan on having at least two more releases.

I’m particularly excited about Connor’s story because I finally have the opportunity to finish a series. I plan to make it an epic conclusion, and I hope it will be one you’ll wish to read over and over again. It will be the culmination of all the work the cousins have done to put an end to the notorious Channel of Dubh. Yep, you’ll finally find out who the ringleaders are.

 

Here are the reasons I’m sure you’ll love Connor’s story:

 

1. He is Alex’s son, so expect to see both his mother and father involved in his happiness.
2. Logan Ramsay was beaten by men from the Channel, but don’t despair, he’ll come back with a vengeance!
3. Expect to see a powerful love story—yes, this one will have more romantic scenes than my usual.
4. Expect to see a massive group of warriors gather together to support the cousins.
5. Expect the return of the couples from the first seven books in the series: David and Anna, Will and Maggie, Braden and Cairstine, Roddy and Rose, Daniel and Constance, Gavin and Merewen, Gregor and Linet.
6. A villain you’ll love to hate.
7. And more family dynamics. 

 

It will be so much fun to see the Band put an end to the Channel of Dubh once and for all!

 

I hope you’ll read it to enjoy the conclusion with me.

 

Keira Montclair

The story of Micheil Ramsay and Diana Drummond was not one of my readers’ favorites, yet it was the beginning of two characters who readers love: Maggie and Molly.

It was also the beginning of Randall Baines, that bastard!

This is the story of Diana Drummond, whose father is dying and insists that she marry immediately to his choice of Baron Gow. She’s an only child and heir to the lairdship (yes, there was a period in history when women could inherit in Scotland by laws of primogeniture). Her father spoiled her a wee bit, so he calls upon his cousin, Alexander Grant, to come and oversee her marriage.

Micheil Ramsay happens upon the group in Edinburgh and decides to travel along simply because Diana intrigues him. When he sets eyes upon Baron Gow, he vows to help her out of the nasty situation.

Without further ado, here are my favorite scenes from that book:

1. I love how Alex, Diana’s cousin, acts as her father would have wanted him to instead of acting irrationally, the way Micheil and Diana so often do. Yes, Baron Gow is just gross, but sometimes patience wins. Alex Grant proves it, time and again.
2. Gwyneth Ramsay begins her fight for the rights of lasses, a fight that will continue through many novels. No man will best her.
3. How could wee homely Molly not grab at your heartstrings? Beaten with a switch, slapped by her next mistress, and tied to a tree in the cold as punishment—all for dropping a platter. This wee lassie shows us what she’s truly made of when she saved baby Sorcha.
4. Maggie and Molly are adopted by Logan and Gwyneth, and they prove their value many times over in years to come. These fierce lasses are two of my favorite characters.
5. While Gwyneth has fun trussing Randall Baines “like a turkey,” I was reminded by a few readers that there are no turkeys in Scotland. You caught me on that one! I just couldn’t come up with another line I liked better. I never said there was a turkey…
6. Micheil Ramsay is my idea of a knight! I fell in love with him myself because he’s so terribly patient with the Drummond lass. I adore the scene where he speaks with her sire on his death bed, only to win the man’s approval because he covered Diana with a plaid when she fell asleep.
7. I had fun writing about the jousting tournament—the ribbons, the colorful tents, and the food. Imagine swooning when a handsome knight comes for your ribbon!
8. Alex Grant and wee Sorcha…sighhhhhh…

I hope you enjoyed it, too!

One of my all-time favorites is next—Jennie’s story.

Happy reading!

Keira Montclair

Usually, I post a blog around this time to share my plans for the next year with you. I like to let readers know my release schedule so you know what to expect.

I find I’m old enough that I just can’t do it any longer.

I’m going with my muse.

Life has a way of surprising you. Sometimes it’s new babies, sometimes it’s things like bronchitis or cancer scares. I had all three in 2018. I made it through very well, thank you, but it threw my schedule off completely.

Last year, I had planned to write the second in the Soulmate Chronicles, which features Catherine and Graham, but my muse didn’t accommodate me. Writing this one would have required much more research and time than I had to give. It was easier for me to continue writing in the Band of Cousins series. The next story was always right there on the edge of my mind, so I went with it.

Those are the things a novelist can never predict, at least for me. I don’t know which stories will call out to me, wake me up in the middle of night, or persist in my mind until I put them on paper. Right now, the story that has captured my attention is Connor’s tale. I’ve been planning his book for a long time. Bits and pieces keep popping into my mind about Alexander Grant’s last son, and I’m so excited to finally be able to share them with you, but first I must finish Gavin’s and Gregor’s stories.

Why? Because they’re all tied together.

Some writers can plan everything they’ll write for the next year, down to the plot, cover, and title for each book. Most of the time, I can’t tell you the title until I’ve written the book. And I NEVER design a cover until I’ve sent the manuscript off to my editor.

But that’s me.

So I wish I could tell you exactly what I’m releasing in 2019, but I can’t. Here’s what I can tell you to expect:

1. Gavin’s story in early March (would have been February if I hadn’t had all my problems in December).
2. Gregor’s story in May.
3. Connor’s story (and you are going to love it—though it might put you through the emotional wringer) should be released in July.

After that, I don’t know. That will finish the Band of Cousins at 8 novels. I may go back to The Highland Clan and tell Kenzie’s story and then Jennet’s or Brigid’s. Or I may decide to write a trilogy about Alex and Maddie’s three grandsons, born on the same day at the same time (Alasdair, Elshander, and Alick). I might also get around to writing the second of the Soulmate Chronicles.

There’s always a slim chance I’ll have to step away from historical to write another Summerhill, but I don’t see that happening until 2020.

In the meantime, I am really excited to finish up The Band of Cousins. I don’t think I’ve said this yet, but Connor’s story will be epic.

I can’t wait.

Happy reading!

Keira Montclair

SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!

I didn’t know if I could find someone who would inspire a wayfaring hero like Logan Ramsay to wed, but Gwyneth sure did, and he still loves his “Gwynnie.”

Favorite scenes:

1. THE FOOD. Gwyneth is impressive from the first, and I love when she catches more rabbits than the two guards combined. One of Logan’s most charming moments is when he heads into the woods after they sup on the rabbits to find treats for the lassies. He comes back with hazelnuts and more.
2. THE COLD.  Gwyneth and Ashlyn refuse to be near any of the men when they must sleep on the ground, but Gracie cozies right up to Logan’s heat. By the middle of the night, he shelters all three of them, and with honor. This marks Gwyneth’s first step in learning to trust Logan Ramsay.
3. THE CONTEST. Can’t help but love watching Logan lose to a lass in an archery contest judged by Loki(and it so entertains his brother!), but my favorite part is how distracted he is by Gwyneth in leggings. Did they wear them back then? I have no proof, but as in any other time in history, I’m sure there were females raised by males who opted to dress like their brothers. It wasn’t about convenience—it was the best way she could guarantee accuracy with her bow.
4. GWYNETH IS ATTACKED BY A BOAR. Not that it’s my favorite to see her attacked, but this is the first time she allows herself to be truly vulnerable. Oh, and Logan holds her when she cries.
5. GWYNETH’S INITIAL FAILURE TO KILL THE VILLAIN. Gwyneth finally has the opportunity to kill Duff Erskine, the man who killed her brother and sire, but she fails. It’s awful to see her suffer, but Logan once again proves his worth by holding her in the thunderstorm.
6. LOGAN’S GIFT. Who killed Duff Erskine anyway? Was it Gwyneth’s dagger that Logan bought her at the fair, or was it the one Logan bought for himself, coincidentally exactly the same as the one he bought Gwyneth? No one knows for sure.
7. LILY IN THE TREES. Gwyneth has to defeat her fear of heights to save a wee lassie, and Torrian’s beloved dog, Growley, assists her.

Honorable mentions:

How can you not love Father Rab? I regret I haven’t included him in more novels. He does show up in a couple more, but not many.

Lady Arlene accepts Gwyneth, leggings and all, and thanks her for loving her son.

The wedding, the only time Gwyneth ever dons a gown (for Lily), and the sweet place Logan created for their wedding night. Swoon!

Did I forget any of your favorites?

Happy reading,

Keira Montclair

This book is so different from the first three books in the Clan Grant series, and it signaled a big change for me as a writer. Why? Because Caralyn isn’t a virgin.

That happens to be one of the favorite discussion topics among historical romance authors. Whenever we get together and talk about writing, someone will usually mention how tired they are of writing sex scenes with virgins.

After thirty books, I can relate.

I really enjoyed writing Caralyn and Robbie’s love scenes, and one of them—I’ll bet you can guess which!—is an all-time favorite of mine.

 

Without further adieu, here are my favorite scenes in Journey to the Highlands:

 

1. CARALYN PROTECTS HER BAIRNS. This book was meant to illustrate the power of a mother’s love. Being a single mother isn’t easy, regardless of the era, and you can imagine how incredibly difficult it was in medieval times. Caralyn is willing to do anything to protect her lassies—from suffering Malcolm’s abuse in exchange for protection and food to offering herself to a hated Norseman.
2. ROBBIE’S SENSE OF HONOR. We see Robbie’s Highlander sense of honor in so many ways. The first instance is when he saves Caralyn from a surely deadly trip on a Norse galley ship. Of course, he also calls his men out for staring at her, throws himself into the search for her two wee bairns, and on and on.
3. ASHLYN PROTECTING GRACIE. I love how protective Ashlyn is of Gracie, even to the point of giving her wee sister all of her food. She hides her oatcake in the folds of her skirt so she can give it to Gracie as soon as the warriors leave them alone. Gracie is too young to understand the sacrifice, but she’ll learn when they grew up.
4. SEX IN THE ABBEY. Yes, forbidden, but the two are hot together, aren’t they?
5. GRACIE WAVING TO ROBBIE. Gracie trusts Robbie right from the start, because wee ones seem to sense things better than adults sometimes. But the best part is when she runs from the nun at the abbey just to wave goodbye to Robbie, all while Caralyn watches from the window. When I wrote the scene, I cried right along with Caralyn.
6. LOGAN AND GWYNETH. This book marks the start of their relationship (there is an overlap with Highland Sparks). I loved watching them sacrifice their own desires to help Caralyn’s wee lassies. Logan’s recognition that lassies like to be clean is yet another sign that our favorite barreling brute has plenty of redeeming qualities.
7. GRACIE LEARNS TO LAUGH. Wee Gracie doesn’t speak or smile when we first meet her, but she blossoms at Clan Grant (wouldn’t we all?). She enjoys a game of hide-and-seek in Maddie’s beloved bathing room and, innocent lass that she is, hides in the same spot over and over again. I have two granddaughters who love to hide in the same closet and…I can never find them!
8. CARALYN’S LACK OF CONFIDENCE. Yes, this was a crying novel for me. One scene that has stuck with me is when Caralyn asks Maddie if she could make her a good mother.
9. ROBBIE SETS OUT TO PROVE HER WORTH. Robbie won’t accept Caralyn on her own terms, and instead sets out to teach her how much she is worth, although in a completely different way than either of them anticipated.

 

Other notable events:

Bairn #4 is born to Alex and Maddie, but it’s another strapping son, still not the blonde-haired lassie Alex has been waiting for, though he has wee dark-haired Kyla to spoil.

This is where we first see the cottage by the Grant loch, where the Grants will go on to swim for years.

Do you remember Sisters Donna and Ellie, plus Mother Mary? Tributes to my mother Donna and her two sisters, Ellie and Mary, both romance lovers.

 

Did I miss your favorite?

 

Happy reading,

 

Keira Montclair