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Bio:
With
a passion for historical romance, history in general, and anything Celtic, B.J.
always has an exciting work in progress. Each story offers a blend of romance,
adventure, suspense, and, where appropriate, a dab of comic relief. Carefully
researched historical facts are woven into each manuscript, providing a
backdrop from which steamy romance, gripping plots, and vivid
characters—dashing alpha heroes and resourceful, beguiling heroines you can’t
help but admire—spring to life. A PAN member of RWA, World Romance Writers,
Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, and Savvy Authors, B.J. also writes
contemporary, paranormal, time travel, and romantic suspense.
C.S.
Lewis first captivated B. J.’s imagination in the fourth grade, and her desire
to write sprang from there. Following a career in nursing and child and youth
work, B.J. married her knight-in-shining-armor, and he whisked her away to his
castle by the sea. In reality, they share their century-old home in a small Canadian
town on the shore of Lake Erie with three dogs and a cat. When she is not
working at her childcare job, on her small business, or writing, you will find
her reading, camping, or antique hunting
Welcome, B.J. Please tell us about
your current release.
This is the
third book in a trilogy following the lives of three brothers, their dedication
to the fight for Scottish independence, and the women who impact upon their
lives and change them forever.
We meet
Alasdair Fraser in book one of the series, Highland
Legacy. The eldest of the three brothers, Alasdair is a larger than average,
outspoken warrior with a gruff demeanor, no use for women, but a strong sense
of duty to family, king and country. Despite being the oldest, he has turned
down the leadership of the clan—a duty assumed by his brother Connor.
In the
second book of the series, Highland Quest,
Alasdair and his youngest brother Bryce continue to fight with Robert the Bruce
and we get to know him a little better. His need to protect his younger brother
at all cost.
Book three
is Alasdair’s story. With both his brothers married, Alasdair continues to
fight for the cause on his own. During a break in the fighting he decides to
visit a life-long friend. The last thing he expects to find on a secluded beach
in Northern Scotland is an unconscious lass. Having no idea how she came to be
in the water and unable to turn his back on someone in need, Alasdair delays
his journey to offer aid to the mystery woman. When she awakens with no memory
of who she is or how she came to be on the beach Alasdair realizes he is in for
the battle of his life, one that pits duty against desire. The question is will
he let down the shield that guards his heart or will the secrets she remembers
and fails to disclose drive an impenetrable wedge between them?
What inspired you to write this book?
As
mentioned it is the third book in a series. When I wrote the first, I was not
100% sure I would write a series, but set the book up so I could. The response
to book one and requests for the second book helped me to make my decision. As
I wrote book two, the plot of the third book fell nicely into place and was the
logical next step.
Excerpt:
An onslaught of desire threatened to override Alasdair’s
good sense. He fought the urge to plunder Lauren’s sweet mouth with his tongue,
to lift her nightrail, to make her his own.
He broke their kiss and raised his head, knowing if he didn’t
stop himself now, he might not be able to harness the unbridled passion heating
his blood.
“Forgive me.” He forced the words out on a strangled breath.
He swept an errant wisp of hair from her brow and locked his gaze with the
wide, hazel eyes of a woman obviously shocked by his impulsive actions.
He cupped her chin, stroked her cheek with the pad of his
thumb, then brushed it across her lips. “I dinna mean tae make inappropriate
advances or tae take liberties. I—”
She pressed two fingers to his mouth to silence him. “You
have naught tae apologize for. I appreciate you staying with me, Alasdair.
After my nightmare, I canna bear tae sleep alone.”
This was the first time she’d used his name, and it sounded
as melodic as the Celtic lullabies his mother used to sing. At a loss for
words, he stared back at her and smiled, but inside, his stomach churned in
turmoil.
What to do?
He’d rather be drawn and quartered than remain on the pallet
with her lush, shapely body pressed against his side, and not sate his carnal
needs.
She’d begged him to stay, so why shouldn’t he take her? But
she also trusted him enough to seek safety in his arms. He could not betray
that trust.
What exciting story are you working on
next?
I am
currently working on another Scottish historical, but is had nothing to do with
the series. I don’t want to spoil the plot, but the title of the new manuscript
is Bedded by Her Highland Enemy and
the title is a great clue to what the book is about.
When did you first consider yourself a
writer?
I have
always loved to read and jotted down stories since I was in my teens, but the
day my first book released, is the day I considered myself a writer. Everything
prior was the steps you need to take to reach your ultimate goal.
Do you write full-time? If so, what's
your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find
time to write?
I wish I
could write full time but bills need to be paid so I work during the week as a
child care provider specializing in children with special needs. My education
background and previous careers being in Nursing and Child and Youth Work. I
also have had a small business for eight years making heat pressed items (mugs,
clocks, coasters, etc.) and doing machine embroidery. For many years I attended
local dog shows to sell my items, but of late do more private orders from
Clubs, authors etc. I also make beaded book thongs, jewelry, and key chains.
Needless to say there are never enough hours in a day.
What would you say is your interesting
writing quirk?
When I am
stuck on a chapter or faced with writer block, I run a hot bath, fill the tub
(we have the old claw foot tub) add some lavender and it is amazing how much I
can accomplish.
As a child, what did you want to be
when you grew up?
I love
animals and was always trying to help an injured bird or bringing home strays
so thought a Vet would be a good job for me. But things have a way of changing
when you get old enough to decide.
Ways to connect or find out more:
Thanks, B.J. Readers, don't forget to leave a comment for a chance at the wonderful gifts!
