Spotlight #NewRelease ~ SMOLDER by Nancy Lee Badger
Multi-published and award-winning author, Nancy Lee Badger, announces her 19th book. The author has used her love of all things Scottish, as well as years as a volunteer at a Scottish festival, to bring her readers another series. Ever since her first books were published in June 2010, she has successfully self-published a variety of novels and novellas. Smolder is the third book in the Clan of Dragon series, and is a paranormal fantasy romance. It is set centuries ago on the Scottish island of Skye, and was released on March 13th.
And now a word from Nancy Lee...
In the book, a big reason my main characters meet is because the fictional village of Morbhan will soon celebrate Beltane. Simply put, in ancient times, Beltane was celebrated around May 1st. It is an ancient Celtic religious rite to mark the start of summer. The word Beltane comes from Lowland Scots, and the Irish, and means something close to blazing fire, which makes sense since villagers would parade their animals between bonfires to grant fertility, while they drank their fill of mulled cider or ale. I incorporate a little about Beltane, the bonfire, and a lot of drinking in my book, Smolder!
Blurb from SMOLDER ~
Fiona, a white doe, searches for her missing friend across Skye. Shifting, she swims in a fairy pool, until a dragon and two humans arrive. Their conversation about a festival makes her wonder if her friend might also visit the village.
Dougal, tasked with the safety of his kin while they celebrate Beltane, shifts into a human form. He would rather fly high, or race through the forest as a red stag. Spying the white doe he has sought for months, he follows her, but pirates, a villain, and drunken celebrators keep him from his task. Will he ever find her, and make her his? A dragon-shifter in pain wants nothing more than to fly, and he sure as hell kneels to no one.
Excerpt ~
“Orin, Vika needs you,” Dougal said.
The lad turned toward Dougal, and understanding filled his young face. He bolted from the shop without another word.
“Well, will he be purchasing me wares, or not?” the smithy asked, scratching his belly. When he noticed Fiona standing behind Dougal, a slight sneer tilted his mouth. “I see you have set your sights on larger prey, lass. I do not blame you. He most likely sports a huge--”
Dougal’s fingers were around Gow’s throat before the smithy could spout another filthy word. The man gasped and struggled, and Dougal wondered why he attacked the man. He knew Gow had touched Fiona, but what was she to him? Was she more than a new acquaintance who reminded him of his dead mate? Hadn’t he been the lusty dragon of their clan? Why would he take offense now?
“Do not kill him, please. Humans be vengeful, and his death would only make things unpleasant for you and your family,” Fiona whispered.
Dougal released Gow, and stepped away. The blacksmith toppled to the floor onto his rear end, sputtering and wheezing, and glared at him. When Dougal was assured the man’s breathing had returned to normal, he backed away.
“Blacksmith, I suggest you keep your filthy mouth closed in our presence, aye?”
After Gow nodded, Dougal led Fiona out into the night. The scent of smoldering coals was instantly replaced with the aroma of baked bread, bonfire flames, and Fiona’s incredibly luscious scent. Why did she remind him of heather and spring rain?
The bonfire’s flames shot into the night’s dark sky, sparking cinders and plumes of smoke. Villagers danced with unsteady steps, while circling the pit’s edges and vendors hawked their wares. Dougal slipped behind a large tent, hoping to circumvent the crowd and arrive at the tavern’s rear entrance without any further distraction.
Buy Links ~
Also available in PRINT ISBN 978-1543171433
About the Author ~
Nancy Lee Badger loves chocolate-chip shortbread, wool plaids wrapped around the trim waist of a Scottish Highlander, the clang of broadswords, and the sound of bagpipes in the air. After growing up in Huntington, New York, and raising two handsome sons in New Hampshire, Nancy moved to North Carolina where she writes full-time. Nancy is a member of Romance Writers of America, Heart of Carolina Romance Writers, Fantasy-Futuristic & Paranormal Romance Writers, Triangle Association of Freelancers, and the Celtic Heart Romance Writers. Nancy and her family volunteer each fall at the New Hampshire Highland Games surrounded by…kilts!
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