Guest: Hanna Martine on Castles and Whiskey

Hi friends! So Hanna Martine and I were discussing her blog post, and she sent a description of her new book. The Good Chase just came out this past Tuesday, so we’re still in release week. Whoo! Everyone remember to congratulate Hanna on her newest book! The following explains it all – so I’ll let Hanna tell you. 😀

The email communication went something like this*:

Limecello to me: OMG the heroine in your next book is a whiskey expert? I love whiskey! Especially Balvenie.

Me to Lime: Yes, she is! I And by the way, I’ve actually visited Balvenie Castle in Scotland. Hmmm, I think I have my subject for my guest post on your blog!

*paraphrased, not quoting, haha

100% True Stories of Castles I Visited in Scotland

DUNS CASTLE

Duns Castle

As you can read in my author bio, I got married in a haunted Scottish castle. In 2001 we eloped to Duns Castle in Duns, Scotland, where the ceremony was performed in the drawing room. The butler and his girlfriend were our witnesses. That night at dinner the owners (whose family had lived in the castle since the 1500s) informed us that the ghost Sebastian inhabited the halls and had tormented their daughter throughout her childhood.

The tower we stayed in was built in 1342. Knowing a ghost was lurking about was a most excellent and romantic thing to think about on your wedding night.

HUNTLY CASTLE

Huntly Castle

I was enchanted by the remaining details in this castle—the windows and fireplaces and doorways. In the basement there was the old kitchen and storerooms, empty now. I got separated from my husband and as I was walking through the halls alone I felt a distinct chill breeze and the presence of something else. I freaked out and ran to look for him, but acted all cool and calm when I found him in another room.

BALVENIE CASTLE (for you, Lime)

Balvenie Castle

We had attended the Highland Games in Dufftown, the town where Balvenie Castle and The Balvenie Distillery are located. Satiated by beer and whiskey, our ears ringing with the sound of bagpipes, we hopped on over to the ruins of the castle for a quick walk-around. As we pulled up, so did this fancy car. Out stepped the freakin’ Baron of Balvenie, dressed to the nines in his kilt and tartan. We never got a picture. Of course.

My newest release: The Good Chase, a contemporary romance with a modern Scottish flair

The Good ChaseGleann, New Hampshire’s annual Highland Games always deliver the best of Scottish culture—rowdiness, rugby, whiskey, and unexpected romance…

Even though Shea Montgomery’s swanky bar and distinguished palate have made her a highly regarded whiskey connoisseur, she’s happiest bringing her favorite spirit to various Highland Games around New England. Her demanding ex made her wary of men obsessed with money and status, and she’s now more comfortable in the country than in the city. Still, when a gorgeous rugby player straight from Wall Street barrels into her whiskey tent, she’s tempted to change her mind…

J.P. Byrne went from poor beginnings to international high roller by using his charisma and wit, and holding fast to his dreams. A strong, independent woman like Shea is exactly what he’s looking for, only he has no idea how to prove he’s more than his three-piece suits—especially when he’s spent years doing just the opposite.

But as Shea and Byrne battle old demons, they discover together that the best remedy for past pain is a good, stiff shot of pleasure in the present…

Hanna Martine has loved stories—particularly the romantic kind—since she was very young. She writes sexy, character-driven romance novels in several different sub-genres—sometimes there’s magic (paranormal); sometimes there isn’t (contemporary). After a decade working in an office, she’s since dedicated herself to writing. She’s traveled to many wonderful places around the world, including the haunted Scottish castle in which she got married. Though she lives outside of Chicago with her family, her heart will always belong to Australia.

Connect with Hanna here: Website, , Facebook, Twitter,Goodreads.

So what do you think? Whiskey? Castles? Romance? What’s not to love right? 😀 And if you’re not tempted enough, you can read an excerpt of The Good Chase here! Or you know, buy it here 😉

3 thoughts on “Guest: Hanna Martine on Castles and Whiskey

  1. Aliquis

    I loved your stories, Hanna. You definitely need to go back and try for another photo op of the Baron of Balvenie!

    Reply

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