THE ENEMY IN HER BED
Lady Amelia Templeton would rather die than surrender to a man like Duncan MacLean. He is the fiercest warrior of his clan—her people’s sworn enemy—and tonight he is standing over her bed. Eyes blazing, muscles taut, and battle axe gleaming, MacLean has come to kill Amelia’s fiancé. But once he sees the lovely, innocent Amelia, he decides to take her instead…
THE LOVER IN HIS ARMS
Stealing the young bride-to-be is the perfect revenge against the man who murdered Duncan’s one true love. But Lady Amelia turns out to be more than a pawn of vengeance and war. This brave, beautiful woman touches something deep in Duncan’s soul that is even more powerful than a warrior’s fury. But when Amelia begins to fall in love with her captor—and surrenders in his arms—the real battle begins…
~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~
So pretend for one minute that you are a romance author, and you are looking for your next story idea. Where does it come from?
I am going to wear my heart on my sleeve today and confess that I have a thing for Gerard Butler. He won me over duringhis first scene in Phantom of the Opera, where he portrayed the ultimate tortured hero and lured the innocent young heroine into the private depths of the theater and seduced her with his music of the night.
The way he played that character was an inspiration for one of my older books, PORTRAIT OF A LOVER, which was about a shunned son of an aristocrat who lived outside of society, perceived by some as a monster.
Skip ahead a few more years, when Igo to the movies and salivate over Gerry’s sword-swinging prowess in 300. I am simply compelled – COMPELLED I tell you – to write a hero who embodies all the savage, courageous, brutal, yet honorable qualities of such a man.
Hence, a Scottish Highlander trilogy is born. I tossed aside my customary“English gentleman hero in a top hat” to embrace the savage beauty of man like Gerry.
Please, Hollywood, I beg of you. Make a movie out of my book, CAPTURED BY THE HIGHLANDER, and send Gerard Butler to Nova Scotia to consult with me about the deep, soulful aspects of Duncan MacLean, the lead character in the book. Gerry, I won’t ask you to supress your Scottish accent. You can be yourself, and you can film the movie in your home country, and wear a kilt. I will even come to Glasgow and have lunch with your mum, tell her what a great job she did bringing you into the world, and share a few laughs.
Here’s a brief excerpt from the first book in the trilogy – just for you, Gerry – but if you decide you prefer the hero in Book 2 or Book 3, I’m am totally flexible. They were all based on you anyway. You can look at the covers for all three books on my website at www.juliannemaclean.com, and make your choice.
In the meantime, here’s a taste of what you have inspired in this warm-hearted and hard-working romance author. And thank you from the bottom of my heart for being such a desirable Highlander and stirring the passions of my muse. I fulfilled an entire three-book contract thanks to you.
From Chapter Three of CAPTURED BY THE HIGHLANDER…
Amelia sat on the floor of the cave, fighting against an overwhelming sense of defeat. No matter how hard she tugged and wrenched at the thin ropes binding her wrists, she could not free herself. She was trapped like a helpless fawn in a wolf’s den, and soon her captor would return and do what he’d wanted to do to her all along, since the moment he’d crept into her fiancé’s bedchamber.
Then suddenly he was there before her, kneeling down, pulling a knife from his boot. Terror exploded within her.
“Please,” she said, tugging harder and more desperately at the bonds. “If you possess the smallest shred of humanity, you will let me go. You must.”
He raised the knife in the dim light, and just when she thought he was going to cut her throat, he sliced through her bonds instead. They dropped lightly to the ground.
“You’re a fighter, aren’t you?” He took both her hands in his and held them up to inspect the undersides of her wrists. “I admire your tenacity, but look what you’ve done to yourself.”
A thin trail of blood was dripping down her arm. He reached for a cloth, dipped it into the pot of water that hung on a hook over the unlit fire, and touched it to her wrists. Gently, he washed the blood away.
“Are you going to kill me?” she asked, glancing uneasily at the sword he carried. “Because if I am to be put to death, I wish to know.”
He remained focused on what he was doing. “I’m not going to kill you.”
She was grateful for the information, certainly, but was still a far cry from feeling calm and reassured.
“What about the other Highlander?” she asked. “He doesn’t seem to like me very much.” She glanced toward the mouth of the cave.
“You’re right. He detests the very ground you walk on.” The Butcher folded the cloth and continued to wipe her forearm with the cleaner side of it.
“Why? Because I am English? Or is it because I am engaged to Colonel Bennett?”
He paused. “I reckon both those things make him want to murder you where you stand.”
The cloth touched a tender spot, and Amelia snapped her hand back.
He looked at her intently, and somehow without a single word, he persuaded her with his eyes to endure the discomfort without complaint. She found herself responding, as if she were being lured into a comfortable obedience…
~~~*~~~*~~~*~~~
Many thanks to Julianne for joining us today!
For a chance to win a copy of CAPTURED BY THE HIGHLANDER, leave a comment below. Good luck! 😀
😛 wow !!! Its captured my heart ** grins ** take me take me instead lol. !!!! would love to read it and I must say Gerald butler is one of my many loves !!!
thanks for the insight !!! Im now intrigued !
kat
kittee_cat@bigpond.com
I agree that there is something beautiful in the fierce and rough nature of really Alpha men. They may not be GQ pretty boys but they exude strength and raw energy. I would prefer a rougher man to one who was metrosexual any day.
I would definitely go see that movie. I would love to read this book.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
I love Gerard Butler. Have seen all of his movies…. Dracula 2000, PS I Love You, The Bounty Hunter, Timeline, Phantom, 300, Law Abiding Citizen, Gamer, Dear Frankie, Nim’s Island… I have a little problem… okay, an obsession… But who could blame me?
As for the movie version…. Count me in, regardless of who is cast, but if it could be Gerry… I’d probably see it at least a couple of times. Maybe in IMAX…
Hi Katrina and Stacie! Thanks for stopping by to join me in my ode to Highlanders 🙂
I, too, Love Gerard Butler and his accent. He would be the perfect person to play a Scottish Highlander.
I look forward to reading Captured by the Highland.
This book looks like a fantastic read and the cover is just YUMMY! I agree, Gerard Butler would be perfect! I fell in love with him after I watched P.S. I Love You. He’s just BEAUTIFUL!
I do love those gruff, Scottish warriors. I have quite a few on my keeper shelves. I will add the trilogy to my book list.
I hope Gerard’s next movie provides as much inspiration for you!
Count me in as another who can see Gerard Butler in this role. Thanks for sharing!
‘if you decide you prefer the hero in Book 2 or Book 3, I’m am totally flexible.’
LOL!
Thanks, Gerry, for helping Julianne deliver a hero that will join readers’ All Time Fave Hero list within the first few pages.
Ok I admit, Gerard has a very sexy quality to him. As does Adrian Paul (Highlander tv series) and yes…Russell Crowe. Harrison Ford was a long time favourite but he is just…too soft. I guess I tend to like to read a man who is forceful (within reason of course!) and turns the angry hating female into unbidden trembling honey at his feet. I for one cannot wait to read your books, Julianne. You seem to hit the mark in yum-yum eye candy to use as your men to write about!
I have a suggestion to make…one that to this day is one of my fave genres to read….why not a ..uh…girl who reads a lot and thinks she knows it all, be brought back in time and to what she thinks she knows so much about…only to find out she is not as knowledgeable about the Highlanders as she thought she was!??!!
Oh Julianne, this made me laugh! Such an honest, heartfelt plea!
And I started chapter one last night.
Definitely want to read this trilogy…….I love Highlanders!
My heart goes pitter patter just thinking of Scottish Warriors. sigh… I love Highland Historicals. Thanks to the excerpt and cover I am definately adding this to my tbr.
I can not wait to read Captured By The Highlander. I love Gerard Butler. I think he’d be perfect for just about any Highlander part! I actually have him as the wallpaper on my lap top!
You’ve provided such an appeal for highlanders for me. lol When I read the story I can’t help but imagine Gerard Butler in that role, along with his accent just oozing with passion. I’m enjoying the good read and I’m not in a hurry for it end. Thanks.
Ohh and don’t forget about Beowulf & Grendel! Not exactly a highlander but a warrior none the less. Now I really can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of Captured by the Highlander.
H-m-m- Gerry Butler standing over my bed, battle axe gleaming. Oh, yeah, I could like that.
I’m glad to see I’m not alone on the GB fan boat 🙂
I think I may rewatch PS I Love You. It’s been a while since I’ve seen that one.
just looking at cover makes me want to read the book…LOL
Thank you, Julianne, for reminding me of all the reasons why I love Gerard Butler!
Please enter me in contest. I would love to read this book. Tore923@aol.com
I am new to your books. I have downloaded The Rebel and Captured By a Highlander on my Kindle. I can’t wait to get started. With my arthritis, it is easier to read this way. But, I would love to have an autographed book.
If I had the money, I would download some more. Amazon had some wonderful reviews. I loved the story lines. I enjoy reading books that pull at emotions. Those are the kind I don’t forget.
I am glad to be a new fan,just by word of mouth.
I love Gerard Butler too. Your book sounds amazing. Love those Highlanders. 🙂
Oh I do love me some highlanders, there is just something about them, they are so strong and handsome. Please enter me.
Hi Julianne!
I agree with you Gerard Butler won me over as well in Phantom of the Opera… love that movie! Your Highland trilogy sounds great and I’ll definitely have to add it to my wishlist:)
yadkny@hotmail.com
I’ve been reading everyone’s comments with great pleasure. Thanks for stopping by, each and every one of you!!
Gerald Butler caught my eye in the Ugly Truth, The Bounty Hunter, and PS I love you. I haven seen 300 but thought it may show up on cable again. But I call him a manly-man. Hmm, but Russell Crowe is my favorite; another manly-man. Both yummy with accents! LOL
Oh my, love me some Gerry! This book sounds hot! I have added it to my wish list! Thanks for sharing with us today, great post!
Hi Julianne! =)
Ooh! Thank you for sharing this page! Gerard Butler + anything…works for me! =D “Phantom of The Opera” is *still* his BEST yet! This home contains *huge* phantom fans! (Though I confess; the bedroom scene in the beginning of “P.S. I Love You” was absolutely delicious!)
“Captured By The Highlander” was GREAT Julianne! I can’t wait for “Claimed…” in 21 days! Thank you so much for releasing them back to back. Oh but October for “Surrender…???” =( No! Your agent has that wrong! It should be released in April. *LOL* =D (I know. We’re such ingrates aren’t we? *gRiN*)
You need to forward this article/page to http://www.gerardbutler.net/
Gerry would be tickled pink I think to read about this from a Historical Romance author. And I know the girls would love to post another article of his.
Cheers! And happy writing! =)
Cali
P.S. “Captured By A Highlander” was 5*/1-Nighter for me! =)
Cheers! =)
Cali
Loved this Julianne, I will be looking for this book! Coming to Nova Scotia to visit family in a couple of weeks, so let me know if Gerry takes you up on your offer! I can almost picture him in a kilt, in the highlands of Cape Breton…*sigh*
Sounds like a fun read, I like the idea of a historical romance novel being on film …. will he be dueling too?
Oh I am definitely adding this book to my list… loved reading the excerpt and blurb! 😀
Hahahaha This is awesome! How wonderful that one of my favorite actors was also the inspiration for one of my favorite books!!! I DO SO hope he hears your cries, Julianne! It would be the role of a lifetime! (:->
I just love bride-stealing highlanders 😀 They make my heart jump every time
Gotta love a yummy Highlander! I’m writing these down on my TBR list!
I would love to be entered to win this one. it sounds really good.
I would LOVE to win this book…I love Highlanders and this book sounds fantastic!
I’ve added this book to my list too! And I would definitely see this movie, especially if it had Gerard Butler in it.
I love Highlander stories!
I can’t wait to start this series. I love yummy highlanders.
Really, what’s better than a Highlander? Sounds great!
(Email in profile.)
I loved the excerpt and has added this book to my must have list.
Also, thank you for the Gerard Butler eye candy…drooool.
I can’t resist a Highlander story. There is just something about those sexy Alpha Males in kilts. I love their fierce loyalty, protectiveness, and possessiveness. Gerard would make a perfect Highlander in a book or movie!
YUM! I love Highlanders, and this book sounds awesome!! I would love to win a copy!
susanmik@gmail.com
Oooh this sounds like such a good rea, count me in!
Saw a wonderful review about this book, Julianne, and want it even more! If I don’t win, I’m heading to Walmart. The excerpt makes me want it NOW! Congratulations.
This book sounds fantastic! The movie idea sounds great too!
Oh the excerpt is great! I’m really looking forward to this trilogy. Can’t wait!
Thanks for sharing about your book…. and the pictures of Gerard Butler 😉
Can’t wait to read this trilogy!
I can’t wait to read this one!!!! I’m going to have to watch The Ugly Truth again now. Thanks for the inspiration!!
I love highlanders this book sounds great .Very nice cover
I love Highlander books! Their accents…yum!
Oh yes, seeing the movie 300 gave me all sorts of ideas. Congrats on turning your ideas into a book! Sounds fun.
sounds like a great movie that would be a big hit — who doesn’t love a good story about a highland warrior 😉 congrats on the latest release & good luck with the movie deal
I’m with you Julianne, I’d love to see Gerard Butler play Duncan MacLean. I love Highlanders and I know I’ll love Captured by the Highlander.
I can’t wait to read all three books.
I can’t wait to read your books ! And you are a new for me author 🙂
Julianne, you are a girl after my own heart. I have a HUGE crush on Gerry Butler! Loved him in Phantom and 300. I MUST read these books. 🙂
Oh, Gerald Butler, a kilt, and a breeze….what a nice thought! LOL 🙂
I have to read these books. I love Highlanders and yours sound great!
Great excerpt! Would love to win a copy.
Can we ALL go thank Gerard Butler’s mum?
I so been waiting for these to come out Julianne and its finally here! Oh any of your books would do fab with a hollywood movie but to see these highlanders as one would so rock! Even that scene you put up from excerpt of your book would be so exciting!
Would love to be in the contest!!
cathiecaffey @ gmail.com
Thanks for leaving all these great comments everyone! You guys are the best!!
I love highlander books! Julianne is a new author to me, and I would love to read Captured by the Highlander.
angeldream3[at]gmail[dot]com
Have never read this author. It sounds like I would enjoy it. Would love to read it. It is now on my wish list.
Sounds like a great read, would love to read this. Thanks for the chance
Sounds like a great book. Great contest.