Fresh Fiction Blog | Margo Maguire | Ah, the Wild Beauty of the Highlands

Stories set in the Scottish Highlands lend themselves to intense emotion. Without modern amenities, the environment would have been harsh. The historical personalities were strong, which made the stakes incredibly high for the highlanders. Adversity came at these people from all angles – the weather, the terrain, rival clans, and the royalists. Imagine having your clan outlawed. Or targeted for slaughter by the English crown.

In the case of Highlander’s Desire my hero, Lachann MacMillan, has already lived through hell. When he was just a child, he watched his parents die during a Royalist attack at the massacre at Glencoe, though somehow, he and his brothers manage to escape the carnage in their small village. Years later - when my story begins - Lachann is determined to protect his clan from being victimized ever again, and will go to any lengths to protect them. He is a determined man who agrees to marry Catrìona MacDuffie, daughter of the laird of Kilgorra, for strategic purposes. Once they are wed, Lachann will become laird in her father’s place. It suits his purposes perfectly.

Until he meets Anna MacIver

Anna is a maid who serves the family at Kilgorra Castle, and she captures Lachann’s interest. She is kind and funny, as well as being a hard worker; and Lachann can’t help but notice that Catrìona treats her harshly. He doesn’t understand why Catrìona feels such animosity toward the maid, who should be no threat to her at all. He doesn’t know that the two women are step-sisters, and that Anna was long ago reduced to the role of a servant in the household. He also doesn’t know that Catrìona is . . . well, her morals are seriously lacking. The Highlander’s Desire is a Cinderella story with a Scottish twist. Lachann is as wealthy and powerful as a prince, thanks to the treasure he and his brother discovered a few years back. Anna has her own agenda, and it involves getting away from her step-sister on the Isle of Kilgorra and back to her mother’s people in Norway. But she has to convince her best friend to go with her, which proves to be nearly too much of a challenge for Anna.

There’s no glass slipper in The Highlander’s Desire, and no carriage that turns into a pumpkin. But there’s a charming wee cat named Effie, and a couple of mischievous lads who wreak havoc with Lachann’s courtship of Catrìona. The Highlander’s Desire has a happy ending, of course – Cinderella always goes home with her prince.

The Highlander’s Desire is available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble and you can read an excerpt from this book here. When you visit my website, be sure to sign up for my newsletter! And visit me on Facebook for some fun!

What's your favorite romance that was based on a fairy tale? We'll choose two responders and send them each a copy of The Warrior Laird.

Comments

Wow, Congrats on your new book: THE HIGHLANDER'S DESIRE. I
have always loved Cinderella. I love to read stories about
Scotland and Ireland. I was adopted but found out that I
have some Irish in me from our family when my brother looked
me up in 1994. I love watching Highlander tv shows too so
maybe I have family from Scotland too. Beautiful looking
countries that I would love to visit someday. I would love
to win and read your book this summer. Thank You very much.
Cecilia CECE
(Cecilia Dunbar Hernandez 8:30pm August 30, 2013)

My favorite romance fairy tale was Cinderella. Going way back her. Thanks, for a great blog contest. Your reader.
(Lois Imel 9:01pm August 30, 2013)

love to find new authors thanks to fresh fiction.I'll have to go get some of your books with a gift card I have.
(Cathy Lindauer 9:04pm August 30, 2013)

I love Highlander stories! My favorite fairy tale was always Beauty and the Beast,
even before Disney made its version.
(MaryAnne Banks 9:17pm August 30, 2013)

My favorite romance fairy tale is Beauty and The Beast I
lreally enjoy seeing fairy tales written into romances
especially when they feature highlanders .Hope you have an
awesome weekend
(Wanda Flanagan 9:25pm August 30, 2013)

I think of A Wrinkle in Time as a modern fairy tale, with a strong resourceful young heroine, who learns that love - and being loved - is powerful magic indeed. And Cinderella - how many times have we read that story, and each time it is new, and each time, we hold our breaths and hope hope hope for that happily ever after that lifts the merest serving girl to true love with her Prince...
(Beth Fuller 9:35pm August 30, 2013)

My favorite fairy tale is Beauty and the Beast but if you want
one from a recent historical then Eloisa James' The Ugly
Duchess is a great read.
(Pennie Morgan 9:42pm August 30, 2013)

Thanks 4 the books. I started reading the books from your first.I have like everyone so far but have not caught up yet but I will.
(Felicia Sidoma 10:08pm August 30, 2013)

My favorite romance based on a fairy tale would be Beauty and the Beast. It has been awhile since I've read your type of books, so thank you for this chance to win as I would like to read one of yours. Wishing You All The Best.
(Esther Somorai 10:36pm August 30, 2013)

My favorite is Eloisa James' A Kiss At Midnight, a new spin on the Cinderella
story.
(Barbara Elness 10:37pm August 30, 2013)

Eloisa James has a whole series that are based on fairy tales and I have loved them all!
(Betty Hamilton 11:23pm August 30, 2013)

I've never read any of this author's books. I'm adding them to my reading list. Something so sexy about Scottish men! I adore a Scots accent.
(Lucy Pinto 11:49pm August 30, 2013)

I think my favorite story based on a fairy tale is Enchanted.
I'm not sure if it's a book or not. I also like Beauty and
the Beast.
(Amy Kincade 08/30/2013 at 11:50pm)
PS -- Thanks for sponsoring this blog sweepstakes.
(Amy Kincade 11:51pm August 30, 2013)

Eloisa James has written some of my favorite fairy tale retellings. The Ugly Duchess (ugly duckling) is my favorite.
(Cheryl Castings 11:00am August 31, 2013)

Congratulations Margo for your book Highlander’s Desire!
My favorite story was based on Rapunzel which is Lila DiPasqua's book UNDONE. I would love to read and review The Warrior Laird! If your story is a Scottish adventure, it will add it to my TBR list. Thank you [email protected]
(Nicole Laverdure 11:21am August 31, 2013)

My husband is Scottish and we have been to Stirling Castle, the gateway to the Highlands, as well as Aberdeen.
Romance based on a fairytale - are we allowed to say Shrek!
Otherwise the Irish tale of Oisin and Niamh is beautiful and tragic.
(Clare O'Beara 1:08pm August 31, 2013)

One of my favs is Enchanted by Claire Delacroix... it is like a Beauty & the Beast story!
(Colleen Conklin 1:09pm August 31, 2013)

I would LOVE to go to Scotland. Someday I hope!
(Vicki Hancock 1:51pm August 31, 2013)

I love Scottish stories and my favorite fairy tale is Cinderella.
(Cathy Phillips 3:15pm August 31, 2013)

Beauty and the Beast is my all time favorite. I also love Swan Lake.
(Kai Wong 4:14pm August 31, 2013)

My two favorites are Beauty and the Beast, and Cinderella. Both of those
resonate with me.
(Margo Maguire 4:28pm August 31, 2013)

Eloisa James has written a series of great books based on fairy tales. My favorite fairy tale is Cinderella.
(Carol Woodruff 6:18pm August 31, 2013)

I loved Beauty and the Beast. What a dear, love story! Thank you for the post. Highlander's Desire has peaked my interest!
(Melanie Backus 6:23pm August 31, 2013)

There are so many that I really like, especially based on my favorite Beauty and the Beast. I think I'll go with the classic A Rose in Winter by Woodiwiss for my favorite.
(Janie McGaugh 9:23pm August 31, 2013)

I always liked Sleeping Beauty. As for books, I've read so many, and a title isn't coming to me at the moment. The Snow Queen was a good book. Eloisa James has written a lot of great books, too!! My main concern is getting my hands on yours now, to start off my Fall reading. It sounds like a wonderful book, and I'm looking forward to reading it. Whomever did the cover outdid themselves, too!! Wow!! Congratulations!!
(Peggy Roberson 11:22pm August 31, 2013)

My favorite is The Beast by Judith Ivory.
(Maureen Emmons 6:53am September 1, 2013)

Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite. A Rose in Winter by
Kathleen E. Woodiwiss had a similar storyline. I like when characters look
beyond what's on the outside. I guess I always hope that people in real life
will do the same. Congratulations on your success and thank you for the
chance to win!!!
(Linda Brennan 1:34pm September 1, 2013)

Scottish and Irish books are my favorites, I can't wait to read this one!
(Mariah Oyondi 4:31pm September 1, 2013)

I have traveled thru Scotland & visited my ancestorial home. Scotland is such a beautiful country. I can picture in my mind where some of the locations are as I read about them, & I love reading the stories. I can never get enough. Thank you.
(S W 7:04pm September 1, 2013)

i love story with a twist time travel romance
(Ann Unger 8:57pm September 1, 2013)

"Heart's Blood" by Juliet Marillier - it's inspired by BEAUTY
AND THE BEAST. Quite a superb read.
(Mary Preston 9:02pm September 1, 2013)

"Lover Awakened" by J.R.WARD, which is basically, "Beauty and
the Beast". I love this type of pair up, with the hero having
some sort of secret (like turning into a beast" and the
heroine is the only damsel that can tame him.
(Lazydrag0n Puff 11:03pm September 1, 2013)

A long time ago, I read a book called "The Glass Slipper." There are a lot of books with similar names, but I've never found the original with a slightly dotty kleptomaniac who was the fairy godmother. I've read a lot of romances based on fairy tales, but honestly, I've always wondered how they faired AFTER the happily ever after. I mean, did Prince Charming snore and spend all of his time watching jousting?
(Marcia Berbeza 11:36pm September 1, 2013)

cinderella is my favorite or snow white
(Denise Smith 12:31pm September 2, 2013)

I've got to say that the movie Enchanted is probably my favorite... old school meets reality.
(Donna Holmberg 1:12am September 2, 2013)

I'm a fan of Rapunzel/Cinderella type stories. I like the
escape/transformation aspects of a few stories. Sandra Hill and Catherine
Anderson have a few stories that fit this theme. I don't want to run upstairs
to find the titles.
(Laura Gullickson 1:36am September 2, 2013)

It is Beauty and the Beast but I have to say that Snow White has been given a twist with modernization with "Once Upon A Time" and another twist written by Neil Gaiman. It really has made me think about the Snow White character far from the Brother Grimms and Disney's versions.
(Kai Wong 1:54am September 2, 2013)

Romance set in Scotland, what more could you ask for!
(Tabitha Keener 2:21am September 2, 2013)

Beauty and the Beast. Just love the Disney animated movie!
(Sue Galuska 9:37am September 2, 2013)

Cinderella is still a favorite of mine. I read one kinda romance set in Scotland and about the Loch Ness Monster. Nessie did not show the day I was in Inverness.
Appreciate the giveaway.
(Leona Olson 10:36am September 2, 2013)

Cinderella. I love that little story!
(Bonnie Capuano 10:53am September 2, 2013)

THE UGLY DUCHESS by Eloisa James.

I also love the beauty and the beast trope.
(Marcy Shuler 2:56pm September 2, 2013)

MY FAVORITE ROMANCE FAIRY TALE WOULD BE ROBIN
HOOD LOVE THE STORY!!!!!!!!!
(Shelly Caggiano 3:44pm September 2, 2013)

I have always been fond of Cinderella stories. The one that comes to mind is my favorite
movie not a book, Pretty Woman. I love that movie. I've read several books based upon
that fairy tale but I can't tell you which because I didn't catalog them in my mind that
way... Oh and I'm fond of Beauty and the Beast. I've read two lately that the beauty was
the male character - Love having it turned on it's head! Thanks for the giveaway.
(Lenna Hendershott 4:35pm September 2, 2013)

Aaahaa!! Hot man and an ordinary woman. Maybe there is
still hope.
(Kay Nix 5:42pm September 2, 2013)

The movie , Sabrina with Audrey Hepburn, as the ugly duckling.
(Deb Pelletier 7:42pm September 2, 2013)

This is a new one for me, but from reading the portion listed I can tell it Is one that I don't want to miss. Thanks for the tease just enough to wet the curious in me
Barbara Swavely
(Barbara Swavely 8:21pm September 2, 2013)

Don't recall any books I have read based on a fairy tale, but have enjoyed a few of the movies. Enjoyed reading your blog.
(Sheila True 9:51pm September 2, 2013)

I love stories sbout the Scottish Highlands. They seem to touch a place deep
in my soul. It's hard for me to list a few fairytales I love because there are so
many but Beauty and the Beast would be one. I love Tangled and Brave, even
though she hasn't yet met the man of her dreams , though the relationship
between her parents is quite cute. Merida's father is a hilarious version of a
strong highlander! Lol! I do love that movie!
(Lisa Glidewell 1:53am September 5, 2013)

i dont know a romance based on a fairy tale but my for my favorite fairy tale id have to say sleeping beauty

thank you for giving me the chance to be a part of this contest

krissy
krissysbookshelf(at)yahoo(dot)com
(Krissy Malott 7:57am September 21, 2013)

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