They were the great sea lords, the legendary rulers of the waves, commanding the seas of the Hebrides and the Western Highlands in their swift galleys for four hundred years. Their roots were in ancient Ireland with its high kings, in the Isles where the Norse settled, and in ancient Dalriada, the Kingdom of the Gaels. They ruled what was essentially a realm separate from the rest of Scotland. See More.

Who doesn’t love a good pirate or privateer story? All that capturing, swashbuckling and romancing on the high seas—oh yes! Gets my blood boiling just thinking about it. Some of these do not have pirates as such, but may have a swashbuckling sea captain or a privateer. In almost every case, part of the story takes place on the high seas. See my list of those rated 4 or 5 stars HERE.

In the turbulent landscape of 15th-century Scotland, Alexander of Islay, Lord of the Isles and heir to the earldom of Ross, welcomes King James home after a long captivity in England. Yet behind the façade of royal approval lies a web of treachery. Alexander’s father triumphed at the Battle of Harlaw, securing for his son the title Earl of Ross, but Alexander must navigate a perilous court where loyalty is a fleeting shadow if he is to keep it.

The nobles defeated at Harlaw, threatened by Alexander’s growing power, whisper in the king's ear, urging him to curb the formidable Lord of the Isles. Once an ally, King James turns against Alexander, imprisoning him in the grim confines of Tantallon Castle. Yet Alexander holds the unwavering loyalty of the Highlanders and Islesmen, who will rise in rebellion for the wrongs done to their beloved lord.

In a life fraught with conflict and trouble, Alexander captures the hearts of three women—each vying for his affection. But only one truly holds his heart. As alliances shift and passions ignite, can Alexander claim his rightful title and the woman he loves while navigating the treachery surrounding him?

See the interview and learn how I write my novels HERE.

Who among us ladies hasn’t dreamed of a knight in shining armor? A valiant hero living in a time when honor prevailed and a woman of character who loved him. (I did say we were dreaming, right?) The historical novels on my Best Medieval Romances list will take you there. See it HERE.

I have read many Georgian and Regency romances over the years, so it was inevitable that I should have a “best list” for the ones I've rated 4 and 5 stars. 
The Georgian era covers the period from 1714 to 1830, with the sub-period of the Regency, 1811-1820, when George, Prince of Wales (“the Prince Regent”) reigned during the mental illness of his father George III. All these stories are set in that era. See the list HERE.

You want an adventure, an around the world trip, or perhaps an ocean voyage—without leaving your living room. And you want a good love story. But you’re tired of those set mostly in England, Scotland, Ireland and America. Well, I have just the list for you! The best ones set in Exotic Locales.

This is a "best list" of stories with a noble hero and a worthy heroine set in times when America’s future was on the line. All are good ones!

August 23, 1305 is the day the Scottish hero Sir William Wallace died at the hands of England's king, a martyr for Scotland's freedom. If you've read my novel Bound by Honor, you know how much Wallace influenced Robert the Bruce, who became King of the Scots, and his supporters, including his friend, Angus Og Macdonald, Lord of the Isles.

What do we know of this Scottish hero?

Wallace had an advanced education. He began reading at a very young age. He spoke at least four languages fluently, and possibly more, having Gaelic as his native tongue and learning Latin, French, German and possibly English from his religious education. He was an accomplished political mind, able to strategize tactically, and served overseas in France and throughout Europe as a diplomat for Scotland. He possessed strong leadership capabilities, motivating the Scottish people to place their trust in him. Raising up an army of rugged countrymen to fight against the English, his organizational and training capacities must have been astounding, especially considering the fact that he led an army that was much smaller than the English.

Wallace was a man of faith. He grew up in a prominent Christian family, and he learned early to develop strong convictions toward prayer and the importance of seeking God’s will. Prior to submitting to the call to the battle, Wallace desired sincerely to become a Benedictine monk. Having been educated by his uncles who were Augustinian priests, Wallace likely held a great deal of biblical knowledge. As a boy he was given a Psalter – and when tried for treason, he asked that that very Psalter be held in front of his face until he died.

Wallace was a man motivated by freedom. Sir James Fergusson quoted Wallace to have said, “My son, freedom is best, I tell thee truth, of all things to be won. Then never live within the bond of slavery.” Wallace desired people to treasure and protect liberty with their own lives, seeing it as the only certainty for the continuance of the church, the family and the nation. His heroic martyrdom for freedom’s sake demonstrates the intensity of his passion for freedom.

Every now and then I love a good Viking story. Not fantasy, not paranormal, just straight up historical love stories from the time of the raiding Northmen. The Viking Age was that part of the medieval period from the end of the 8th century to the middle of the 11th century, although there are Norse pirates still around beyond that. It was an age of valiant and sometimes ruthless warriors and raiders.
 
There’s nothing like a Viking raid and a strapping tall warrior to get your blood boiling, right? Well, of course, it must be well done and we want a strong heroine to give the guy some grief. And a little history thrown in doesn’t hurt either. If you like ‘em, see the list of those I’ve rated 4 and 5 stars!