Thursday, June 26, 2014

Blog Tour - Made the Grade: Crimson Heart by Heather McCollum | Review & Novel/Gift Card Giveaway

Today I'm turning my blog over to Heather McCollum, with a review of her latest novel "Crimson Heart," which is the 3rd book in her Highland Hearts Series!!

ALSO -- Be sure to check out Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post to be able to sign up for this blog stop's GIVEAWAY(s)!! [Blog Tour will run from June 24 - July 4, 2014]



- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 300; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1354 KB | Release Date: June 24, 2014 | Publisher: Entangled Publishing : Edge | Obtained: Sizzling PR

"Crimson Heart" [The Highland Hearts Series, Book 3] by Heather McCollum

Author's Book Description : Elena has spent her entire life hiding her family name while walking the thin line between lady and servant in a Protestant household. She has kept the secret of her lineage for years, but with a new, fiercely Catholic queen on the throne, Elena's Protestant caretaker is being targeted. And when Bloody Mary discovers Elena's true identity, she must flee to Scotland to save her life.

Highland warrior, Searc Munro, has secrets of his own. In a family of healers, his dark, killing magic must never be known. When his father's life is threatened, Searc unleashes his lethal power to save him. With his clan's suspicious glances and whispers plaguing him, he sets off alone, only to find another use for his magic in saving a beautiful lass being attacked in the forest.

Teaming up as exiles, Elena and Searc head toward Edinburg to find refuge. Yet, with a series of ritual killings haunting the city and a traitor attempting to assassinate Scotland's regent, suspicion turns to Searc. As word of another British heir reaches the country, the two must learn to trust each other before it's too late.

My Book Review : 3 out of 5 stars, this fictional non-fiction romance keeps you in suspense the whole way through!! Based in 1554 Scotland, during a time when Mary I of England (also known as “Bloody Mary”) was coming into her own as Queen and not long after Marie of Guise became the Regent of Scotland. This novel is based around and with some historical characters while still bringing you the “paranormal intrigue” and Highlander hotness for which I believe this series is known!

I liked this novel, with its fun lead characters, many twists, and multiple storylines. I fell in love with this series ever since I read "Captured Heart," book 1, so when I read the Author's Book Description I really wanted to read this novel too! Yet, I hate to say that I am a bit disappointed. Even though I liked this novel, the first half of it was hard for me to get through. I mostly felt that way because of how slow the buildup of the storylines were, so whenever I would end up pausing within the novel my mind would wander and have me interested in looking up these historical characters to find out their own back-stories, which made it very slow going.

Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the last half of the novel and its wrap up. It’ll be interesting to see where this series will take us next!

I recommend this series and novel to anyone who likes historical romances and doesn't mind a little paranormal qualities thrown in!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here :

My Previous Review(s) for this Series : Book 1

My Previous Mention(s) of this Author's Books/Characters : Best Book Couples -- Happy Valentine's Day 2013

Author's Novel Extras : Crimson Heart - Overview

Author's Series Extras : Highland Heart - Overview | Captured Heart - Overview | Tangled Hearts - Overview | Untamed Hearts - Overview | The Day the Words Stopped | A Writer’s World | UNTAMED HEARTS novella Releases! | CRIMSON HEART Releases!

Book Teaser(s) :
“Searc?” came a whisper beyond the window bars and he pivoted, reining in the churning magic. “Are you there?” Elena.
In one stride he was at the window. Wack! A stone hit him in his forehead, making him grunt. “I’m here, lass.” He rubbed the spot where a knot would appear. “No more stones.”
“Sorry,” she whispered.
“What are ye doing here?”
“Breaking you out.” ~ within Chapter 3

~ within Chapter 16
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Heather, then please check out her website.



About the Author :

Heather McCollum is an award winning, historical paranormal and YA romance writer. She earned her B.A. in Biology, much to her English professor’s dismay. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Ruby Slippered Sisterhood of 2009 Golden Heart finalists.

The ancient magic and lush beauty of Great Britain entrances Ms. McCollum’s heart and imagination every time she visits. The country’s history and landscape have been a backdrop for her writing ever since her first journey across the pond.

When she is not creating vibrant characters & magical adventures on the page, she is roaring her own battle cry in the war against ovarian cancer. Ms. McCollum recently slayed the cancer beast and resides with her very own Highland hero, rescued golden retriever & 3 kids in the wilds of suburbia on the mid-Atlantic coast. For more information about Ms. McCollum, please visit www.HeatherMcCollum.com.




Giveaways!! :

  • A $25 Amazon or Starbucks Gift Card along with copies of both Book 1 & 2 of this series to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Soo .... COMMENT on this post, LIKE on facebook, & TWEET on twitter!! And you could WIN!! =0)

ALSO -- Be sure to follow the tour around the other blog sites!



Find Heather McCollum :

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