Showing posts with label Scottish. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 26, 2022

InkSlinger PR Presents: Highland Justice by Heather McCollum; #ReleaseBlitz, #ExcerptReveal, #NowAvailable, #OutNow, #TBR, #Live

Highland Justice is out now from Heather McCollum and Entangled! Check out the tour and be sure to grab your copy today!

Title: Highland Justice

Author: Heather McCollum

Genre: Historical Romance

#newrelease #contemporaryromance

#historicalromance #HighlandJustice

#HeatherMcCollum #InkslingerPR

#booklove #bookshelf

About Highland Justice:

As the new chief of Clan Mackay, Gideon Sinclair knows the importance of maintaining order at any cost. To keep the conquered clan in line, Gideon must mete out ruthless justice or risk losing their precious new peace. But from the moment he meets Cait Mackay—aye, from the moment the sweetness of her lips captures his—all of Gideon’s careful objectivity is well and thoroughly compromised.

Cait knows that kissing the brawny Highlander is a dangerous game. It was bad enough she picked his pocket to feed the children in her care, but sometimes a desperate woman must disguise her crimes any way she can. Only her act of deception has made things worse… Because one kiss with the Highland’s most brutal chief leaves her breathless and out of her depth.

Now Gideon must choose between his duty and his heart when his lovely thief is accused of treason against the king himself.

Order Your Copy!

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Powell’s | Apple Books | Google Play | BAM | Audible

Catching Up with the Series:

Highland Conquest

Highland Warrior

Exclusive Excerpt:

“That’s Fiona’s sister. They live together.” Cait smiled brightly. “I’m well treated,” she called out.

Gideon’s gaze went from Cait to Evie and back to Cait. “She thinks ye are being mistreated up at the castle?” he asked.

“Probably. ’Tis why Fiona was at the castle today.” Her gently arched brows rose. “You’d make large strides in winning the villagers over if the sisters liked you.”

“Mo chreach,” Gideon swore. He turned and waved at her, Evie staring back with her mouth agape. Gideon’s gesture looked awkward like he hadn’t ever waved before. Fiona came out to stand next to her sister, frowning.

“I treat everyone well,” he called. “I mean to say, not prisoners, of course.”

“Don’t tease about prisoners,” Cait whispered with a groan.

“Except Cait. She’s a well-treated prisoner. She’s not a prisoner. Any longer…because I am not… She didn’t…” He stopped talking, his jaw moving as if it ached. “Cait is treated well.” He turned away but then stopped, looking back. “Ye are to come to the Hogmanay Festival she is setting up at the castle,” Gideon called. “Everyone must come. Let others know.”

They started walking again. “Must?” Cait said. “As in, they will be judged poorly if they do not attend? Perhaps treated poorly?”

Gideon frowned. “Nay. ’Tis just…a way to say they should come.”

“For a man who spouts laws and rules to his people, you need to be quite careful of the words you use.”

Gideon huffed, turned on his heel, and strode back toward Fiona and Evie. Good Lord. He’d scare Evie into an early grave. Cait rushed after him.

“Excuse me, mistresses,” he said. “What I meant to say is ye both should…that ye are welcome to come to my…to the Hogmanay Festival for your village, which just happens to be up at the castle. There will be food and drink and music. Everyone is welcome, not required, but welcome to participate. And if ye choose not to come, it will not be noted.” He paused as if thinking. “Except, I would miss your kind company, gentlewomen.” Gideon paused as if going over his words. “And Cait is treated well, even though she’s working off her penance.”

Fiona nodded. “We will come,” she said, her lips pursed like they’d been most of the day as she helped Cait up at the castle.

“Very well.” Gideon forced a smile. “Good evening tide.” He turned, but then pivoted back in rapid succession. “And the bell is just a recommendation to close down and go inside for rest. Ye are welcome to…roam about all night if that is your wish. Let others know that, too.”

Cait could barely squash her smile and met Fiona’s gaze.

About the Author:

I’m Heather McCollum, writer of 16th century Scottish romance full of intrigue and sprinkled with humor, history, & spice. Brawny Highlanders with golden hearts & feisty heroines are my favorites! I’m a mom of 3, dog-mom of 1, & wife of a 6’4” Highlander. I love kilted heroes, dragonflies, watching birds, chai lattes, & eating popcorn for dinner on Friday nights.

Connect with the Author:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Goodreads | Bookbub | Amazon

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Monday, April 18, 2022

InkSlinger PR Presents: Highland Justice by Heather McCollum; #ExcerptReveal, #ComingSoon, #TBR, #PreOrder

Highland Justice is coming from Heather McCollum and Entangled on April 26th! Check out the exclusive excerpt and be sure to preorder your copy today!

Title: Highland Justice

Author: Heather McCollum

Genre: Historical Romance

Release Date: April 26th

About Highland Justice:

Now Gideon must choose between his duty and his heart when his lovely thief is accused of treason against the king himself.

Pre-Order Your Copy!

Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Powell’s | Apple Books | Google Play | BAM | Audible

Catching Up with the Series:

Highland Conquest

Highland Warrior

Exclusive Excerpt:

Bloody hell! What was she doing? Gideon certainly wouldn’t let a lass dupe him like Ella had tricked his oldest brother with a kiss, to escape him when they first met.

Fingers tugging his hair, she pressed her lips hard against his. The kiss was clumsy, frantic, like a virgin caught in her first storm of passion. But when her warm palms caught his face, and she slanted across his mouth, deepening the kiss, he wondered if she possibly had some experience.

She stroked fingers through his hair, her warm lips moving over his, and her frantic desperation began to calm. As the stiffness he’d felt in her faded, so did his thoughts about Ella tricking Cain and whether this soft creature in his arms was a maiden or not. Even the questions about how she got in and her ultimate purpose washed away with the growing warmth of her response. Perhaps it was the darkness, or the mystery of who she was, or the scent that plucked at his memory, but fire ignited inside Gideon. His arms encircled her, pulling her soft body against his hard frame.

Gideon lifted her, backing her against the wall. She was all womanly curves and softness. His fingers tangled in the twist of hair at her nape. Pins fell, plinking on the stone window frame next to her, and her heavy braid slipped down over one shoulder. He pressed his face to it, inhaling along the thick length as they both pulled shallow breaths. It was silky and fragrant, tugging at that memory that wouldn’t reveal itself. Who was she? Would she stay the night?

His mouth fell upon her neck, tasting the light saltiness there as he trailed kisses over her smooth skin. Her head tipped back against the wall, her breath coming in shallow rasps. He moved back to her parted lips where the kiss swept them both up again. The woman’s scent, her warmth and curves, the mystery around her… It all ensnared him. Like a siren in Homer’s Odyssey.

He held her between him and the stone wall beside the open window. Cold air had no effect on him with such fire growing inside at her response. He captured her face in his hands, feeling the mask. It was wool and tied tightly. He reached behind her head to pluck at the knot. As if the lass had been under the same spell as he, his tugging on the ties startled her into action. She gasped, turning her face away before he could free the knot. She shoved at his chest, her knee rising, but he shifted so she missed his groin.

“Hold still,” he said, but her hand whipped out toward him, and Gideon felt the sting of a blade across his arm. Surprise made him release his hold for a second. Apparently, that was all the time the lass needed to hurl herself out of his window.

“Nay!” he yelled as she disappeared, leaping to her death.

About the Author:

Connect with the Author:

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Monday, October 11, 2021

Goddess Fish Promotions Presents: Keeper Of My Dreams by Susan Leigh Furlong; #BlurbBlitz, #NowAvailable, #OutNow, #TBR, #Live, #Giveaway

Keeper of My Dreams

by Susan Leigh Furlong

GENRE: Historical/adventure romance

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BLURB:

Reid Haliburton, a skilled gunsmith, wants to control who uses his revolutionary handgun until a vicious pirate decides the gun will be his. The price of refusing is Reid’s life and those of his three young sons. Reid’s only chance to save his sons is to send them away and face the pirate’s wrath alone.

Leena Cullane Adair is stunned to find three lads hiding in her cart, and, although she only met their father a week ago, he holds her heart and her dreams, and she will do whatever it takes to keep him and his sons alive.

BUY LINKS:

Universal link: https://books2read.com/u/4Xroj7

Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Keeper-Dreams-Susan-Leigh-Furlong-ebook/dp/B0994NWD7M/

Goodreads - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58575240-keeper-of-my-dreams

Barnes and Noble - https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/keeper-of-my-dreams-susan-leigh-furlong/1139825086

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Excerpt:

With the gentleness of a great healer, Leena washed away the blood, applied salve, and wrapped both hands with strips of cloth torn from the checkered material she’d bought for the tablecloths for Marta, the cook. When she finished, he held up his red and white covered hands.

“I’m sorry you had to waste the cloth on me,” he said.

“Marta will understand. Do they pain ye much?”

“Nay,” he lied.

“Ye were verra brave when we lowered ye down the cliff.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Only a lunatic without his senses wouldna be afeared. If ye dinna think me afeared, ye must no’ think me much of a man. ’Twas a long way down.”

“Ye didna show it.”

“Fear is an odd thing. When the men were beating me in the shop, I wasna afeared. I kenned I could take it. I just hoped they didna kill me, but when my lads showed up, fear nearly swallowed me. And when I lay in bed until yer brother came, I was sick with fear that they hadna hidden in yer cart. Now that Hendrie and Ramy are safe with ye, I have fear in my soul for Willie.”

“ ’Tis because ye love them. Love and fear tangle up in each other.”

He looked away for a moment, and then turned back. He had to tell her what he felt. If he did, she might forgive him. “And I feared…I feared I ne’er see ye again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio:

Susan Leigh Furlong was born in the middle of a blinding spring snowstorm at the University of Michigan, which forced her mother to walk across campus in the snow to the hospital while in labor. Susan doesn’t remember any of this auspicious beginning, but it always makes for a good story! As a child she moved across the country six times to various big cities before the age of fourteen because of her father’s career in women’s ready-to-wear clothing. At college she met and married her love, and moved to his small hometown in southern Ohio, and you couldn’t get her out of there with a crowbar! She taught first grade and fourth grade and raised her children who did not have to change schools even once. Creating stories started early in life—as is typical of most writers—even before she could actually write. Then came handwritten pages stuffed in her underwear drawer, followed by stories created on a manual typewriter. Her first computer—a Commodore 64—was replaced by a series of computers and laptops, which her husband promised she could never fill up the storage space, but she always did. At age 32 she performed in her first community theater play—Guys and Dolls—where she quickly realized that she wanted to play ALL the parts, which is exactly what a writer does. She writes and/or directs church-related plays and sketches and also performs and sings with a music and drama ministry, LightReaders.

Her love of history led her to write two plays about her now hometown, presented in reader’s theater style by local citizens, followed by two non-fiction books about the local history published by Arcadia Publishing. She loves to do the research even though old books and documents make her cough and sneeze! Susan first discovered romance novels when she won a copy of Velvet Song by Jude Deveraux at the local bookstore. She reads all varieties of books, but historical romance is forever her first choice.

Steadfast Will I Be and By Promise Made were published by The Wild Rose Press in 2019 and 2020 respectively. By Promise Made won the NEST – National Excellence in Story Telling – for Historical Romance for 2021. Her third book – Keeper of My Dreams – a continuation of the Cullane family adventures - will be officially released on September 6, 2021.

CONTACT AND SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Susanleighfurlongwriter@gmail.com

Twitter - @FurlongLeigh

Facebook – facebook.com/SusanLeighFurlong

Website – www.SusanLFurlong.com

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GIVEAWAY INFORMATION:

Susan Leigh Furlong will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a

randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Monday, May 27, 2019

Author's Pal Presents: The Wicked Viscount by Heather McCollum; #BlogTour, #NowAvailable, #OutNow, #TBR, #Giveaway

Meet the Author:

Heather McCollum is an award winning, historical romance writer. She currently has seventeen published novels and is a member of the Ruby Slippered Sisterhood of 2009 Golden Heart finalists. She is a 2015 Readers’ Choice winner and a member of Heart of Carolina Romance Writers.

The ancient magic and lush beauty of Great Britain entranced Ms. McCollum’s heart and imagination when she visited there years ago. The country’s history and landscape have been a backdrop for her writing ever since.

When she is not creating vivid characters and settings, she spends her time educating women on the symptoms of Ovarian Cancer. She has recently slayed the cancer beast and resides with her very own Highland hero and three spirited children in the wilds of suburbia on the mid-Atlantic coast.

Connect:

Site | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

About the Book:

1685, Scottish Highlands

Cat Campbell knows all about Nathaniel Worthington, fifth Viscount of Lincolnshire. The determined Englishman is never far from Finlarig Castle, where his sisters train women to do more than read and write. And thanks to the fiery kiss they shared nearly a year ago he is never far from her thoughts. No one ever trained her how to forget an irresistible man.

Nathaniel knows he should keep his distance from the fierce Scottish lass, but when an urgent letter from Queen Catherine calls Cat to London, he can’t resist volunteering to escort her. The tension between the two has simmered for months, but the long journey in close quarters creates a raging wildfire that could burn them both.

Secrets of their past and the treachery lurking at court put both their future together and their very lives at risk.

Purchase:

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Add to Goodreads

Excerpt:

“An ache has plagued me from the moment I sat in that damnably cramped carriage across from a temptress for two bloody long days.”

Cat’s breath stuttered to a halt. She swallowed, rubbing her lips together. Lord, how she wanted him, and here he was before her, locked away from the rest of the judgmental world. A vision of Esther Stanton stopped her from reaching for him. “I am sure there are others who would like to help ye with your ache,” she whispered.

Nathaniel lifted one of her curls, inhaling it as if he was starving and the curl was a delectable treat. He touched a finger to her forehead and traced a light line down her nose, touching her lips and chin before continuing down the naked skin of her low-cut neckline. Chill bumps speckled her entire body, her nipples peaking against the linen of her smock under her gown. “Damn,” he closed his eyes as if struggling. “All day I have met with old acquaintances and dry, pompous men. Listening to philosophy and political theories and business ventures.” He opened his eyes. “The whole time, I could not stop thinking of you, Cat Campbell.”

Her breath caught in her chest as she watched him. She drew in a shallow inhale. “Me?” He looked tortured. “I was searching for no other tonight, Cat.” Nathaniel dropped his hand, shaking his head. “Tell me to leave,” he said. “There are things that we have not discussed yet.” He glanced upward at the ceiling, a tightening of pain over his face. “And we must keep your reputation above reproof so that you can move in the duchess’s and the queen’s circles.”

“The king has already seen us together,” she whispered. Her voice sounded different, as if she didn’t have enough breath. She couldn’t stop her hand from reaching to rest on his strong arm. “And right now…we are just a man and a lass. Not English and Scot. Not Viscount and peasant.” His gaze slid from her eyes to her slightly parted lips and then up again to her eyes. The strength of the wall at Cat’s back was the only thing holding her up as her knees weakened. She breathed evenly despite the racing of her heart and the heating of her blood. He had an ache, but could it be as torturous as the one she’d been trying to ignore all night?

“If ye think of me and no others, and we are alone now in my room with the door locked, why must ye stay away from me?” Cat’s hand slid up to his shoulder, her fingers curling into the weave of his tailored jacket. She pulled herself up onto her toes to press her lips against his, stopping any paltry answer he might give. Parting to look at him, she let the desire coursing through her reflect in her gaze and pressed her softness against his hardness, marveling in the contrast. “Believe me when I say that I ache, too.” She let her gaze drop to his strong jaw. “From the blasted moment ye kissed me, incoherent with fever.” She looked back up to his eyes. “Ye damn Englishman.”

Her breath caught as Nathaniel’s powerful arms lifted her against him. One of his hands spanned her back, the other holding under her backside. “God, Cat,” he murmured against her lips. “I cannot get you out of my blood.”

“I am quite bloodthirsty,” she murmured back as he fitted her snuggly against him. She tried to lift her legs and remembered that she wore a full gown, the stays encircling her as if in iron. “And I have way too many clothes on.”

Giveaway:

$15 Amazon Gift Card

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Friday, February 8, 2019

Loving The Book Presents: Valentine Countdown Blitz; #CountdownBlitz, #NowAvailable, #OutNow, #Giveaway

An avid gardener, artist, musician and writer, Emily-Jane Hills Orford has fond memories and lots of stories that evolved from a childhood growing up in a haunted Victorian mansion. Told she had a ‘vivid imagination’, the author used this talent to create stories in her head to pass tedious hours while sick, waiting in a doctor’s office, listening to a teacher drone on about something she already knew, or enduring the long, stuffy family car rides. The author lived her stories in her head, allowing her imagination to lead her into a different world, one of her own making.

As the author grew up, these stories, imaginings and fantasies took to the written form and, over the years, she developed a reputation for telling a good story. Emily-Jane can now boast that she is an award-winning author of several books, including Mrs. Murray’s Ghost (Telltale Publishing 2018), Queen Mary’s Daughter (Clean Reads 2018), Gerlinda (CFA 2016) which received an Honorable Mention in the 2016 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, To Be a Duke (CFA 2014) which was named Finalist and Silver Medalist in the 2015 Next Generation Indie Book Awards and received an Honorable Mention in the 2015 Readers’ Favorite Book Awards and several other books. A retired teacher of music and creative writing, she writes about the extra-ordinary in life and the fantasies of dreams combined with memories.

~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~
~ Website ~ Twitter ~ Blog ~

There are so many possibilities that affect the course of history. One change, one small item overlooked, can make a world of difference, not only in a person's life, but in the history and well-being of an entire nation. And then there are those multiple scenarios of what if? What if King James VI of Scotland didn't succeed in amalgamating Scotland with England? Would Scotland have remained free and independent and a nation of its own well into the twenty-first century? And would Scotland, this independent version, make its own decision to join the European Union when its southern neighbor was choosing to pull away? And, what if there was another heir to the Scottish throne?

In Queen Mary's Daughter (Clean Reads Publisher), author Emily-Jane Hills Orford presents another plausible timeline, one that incorporates both historical fact and fiction with the endless possibilities of time travel.

~ Universal Amazon Link ~
~ Goodreads ~

Character Casting:

I’m not sure I’d be very good at casting. The only character I can truly associate with an actor is Mary Elizabeth’s grandmother.

I think Jane Seymour would fit the grandmother’s
role perfectly. All the women are strong characters, passionate, believing
strongly in their cause, in their purpose in life. This is definitely a
powerful woman’s story.

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page Part 1

and Official Event page Part 2

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Monday, October 15, 2018

Audiobookworm Presents: How To Steal A Highlander by Olivia Norem; #AudiobookTour, #NowAvailable, #OutNow, #Review

Author: Olivia Norem

Narrator: Greg Patmore

Length: 8 hours and 55 minutes

Publisher: Olivia Norem

Released: Aug. 31, 2018

Genre: Historical Fiction; Mystery

Rating: 4 Stars

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Olivia Norem. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

A modern thief

Katherine Goldman is a professional with world-class skills, but the expertise of the family firm doesn't lie within the scope of legitimate commerce. Goldman & Associates steals priceless treasures and delivers them to the highest bidder - and business is good.

When Katherine lands in Scotland to boost some relics, nothing in the experience of this notorious thief prepared her for a collision with a dark, rakish man wearing plaid...who happens to be trapped inside an ancient mirror.

A man imprisoned in time

Centuries before, Simeon Campbell had no idea the woman he charmed was a witch of unspeakable power. When Simeon refuses her gift of immortality, he quickly learns there is no wrath like a woman scorned.

Cursed to spend eternity within the bonds of her enchantment, Simeon is lost time and nearly bereft of hope. Until he's accidentally released by a lass with questionable motives, in a century he could never have imagined....

One wicked curse

As the pair plunge into a journey where danger trails them at every turn, this man of honor is determined to stop at nothing to save the woman he's sworn to protect. But Katherine stubbornly knows better than to clash with an enemy face to face. If Simeon is determined to defeat ancient evil at its source, he's going to need help. He's going to need a thief.

This feature answers the question "If this title were being turned into a movie or television series, who should be cast as its characters?"

When I’m in character development for my books, I begin my process with extensive research of actors and roles, looking for inspiration to guide me in gestures, body language and expressions. Of course, I think every author dreams of seeing their work on the screen one day, so here is my dream cast for How To Steal A Highlander.

It goes without saying we have an unlimited production budget and every actor is able to bypass nerve-wracking negotiations and scheduling conflicts, and simply says “Yes!”

Hey, it’s a “dream.”

Main Characters:

Simeon Campbell - Aaron Taylor Johnson would be my top pick for Simeon, our alpha male highland hero. From first being introduced to him in the Kick Ass movies, I saw unlimited potential for this very talented actor. I can absolutely see him bring dynamism to an expressive and emotive performance dressed in a kilt.

Katherine “Kat” Moira Goldman - Yvonne Strahovski for Kat, our world-class jewel thief. I fell in love with Yvonne’s performance as Sarah Walker in the Chuck television series and confess she was largely an inspiration for Kat’s character.

Supporting Characters:

Ian Goldman - James Franco. Ian adds levity and expressiveness to even the most tense situations. James would rock this role, just as Ian does in his appearances.

Murray Campbell - Michael Parks. Murray’s character was largely based on Fagan from Oliver Twist and I harken back to Kill Bill vol. 2, where Michael Parks played dual roles of Earl McGraw and Esteban Vihaio, which blew me away when I read the credits. He has amazing range.

Sofia Campbell - Hayley Atwell. I believe Hayley would bring just the right amount of tough and sweet in her performance of Sofia, who should be stealing screen time in her appearances.

Isobel - our evil witch. I’ve wrestled with this one. While Helen Bonham Carter seems a likely choice, I’d love to see Zoe Saldana in this role.

In our initial meetings between myself and narrator Greg Patmore, his impression of Isobel’s voice was evil, chocolate, sex. I couldn’t have described her better. When I first previewed the audiobook of How To Steal A Highlander, Greg brought a nuance to Isobel which reminded me of the witches in Macbeth. Zoe hasn’t played this type of role yet and I believe it would be an unforgettable performance - along with the advanced pyrotechnics at the climax of the book.

Uncle Alastair - Kristofer Hivju. He’s the perfect man for our burly 17th century Scottish warrior.

Gerhard Bernd - Greg Patmore. Yes, he’s our narrator, but he is also an accomplished actor. He’s amazing at accents (the audiobook will attest) and he looks wonderful in a suit.

Brice - James McAvoy. It’s a small role, but he’s a sexy wedding guest bent on seduction. Who wouldn’t want to be seduced in an authentic Highland castle by James McAvoy?

Since Olivia is old enough to remember, she devoured books and stories and became enchanted with the worlds the authors created. Imagination, unforgettable characters, and the swoon-worthy, alpha males have made a huge impact on her writing style.

Olivia is known for strong, sassy characters who are always ready with a quip of humor, despite their situations. Born in the Chicago area, Olivia moved to the sunny shores of the Tampa Bay more years ago then she cares to admit. Olivia writes full-time, and enjoys her "C" hobbies: cats, cigars and classic cars.

Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Goodreads⎮Instagram⎮Pinterest

Greg became an actor in his mid 40s, fulfilling a lifelong ambition when he trained at Arts Educational Schools, and has enjoyed a varied career on stage, screen and in the voiceover studio ever since.
As a Voice Artist, Greg is an accomplished narrator of audiobooks, a regular in audio dramas made by the award-winning Big Finish Productions and has appeared as a voice artist in major movie and TV productions including The Gunman and Ripper Street, not to mention appearances in main roles such as Good 'Lias Hatfield in Hatfields & McCoys.
He has also voiced E-Learning projects including the instructional guide for Amazon's Kindle Fire.
Greg specialises in accents being expert in regional British, regional American and European. He is an accomplished musician and when not working is happiest of all on a boat!

Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook

Narrator Interview:
When did you know you wanted to be an audiobook narrator?

I’ve always loved books, total bookworm as a youngster. And I messed around recording things for years, just for fun. Eventually I became an actor. I was hired to record an audiobook one day and just fell in love with it, to the point that now I frequently turn down acting work that interferes with my audiobook work!

Did you find it difficult to “break into” audiobook narration? What skill/tool helped you the most when getting started?

Yes, my theatre training and experience is vital to my vocal technique, stamina, dramatic portrayal, text work and pretty much everything.

How do you manage to avoid burn-out? What do you do to maintain your enthusiasm for narrating?

Good books are easy to enjoy, and really once I fall into the world of a book, the enthusiasm comes on its own. I’ve always been good at maintaining focus and I enjoy the discipline needed to record both creatively and efficiently.

Are you an audiobook listener? What about the audiobook format appeals to you?

I LOVE audiobooks. I love. that you can share a book with someone in real time, enjoy it together. I also love how it makes long journeys short!

Is there a particular genre you feel unsuited for? Have you ever declined a project because you didn’t think you were right for it?

I don’t like textbooks. There needs to be art in it or I’m just working for pay, and that has never motivated me.

What about this title compelled you to audition as narrator?

Very closely during preparation, agreeing character traits, important Ryan’s themes, style of delivery and details of the Writer’s ‘world’ and any areas they feel strongly about.

Do you read reviews for your audiobooks?

Yes, sometimes. I’m not obsessive about it.

If so, which ones stand out to you most, positive or negative?

It’s nice to get a positive ‘I love Greg’ review. It hurts to get a ‘I hate this I hate that’ review, but to be fair, neither really make too much difference.
A review which shows clear understanding of the crafts of storytelling and in particular audiobooks, even if it points out negatives, if it’s constructive then you can learn from it. And I like that most.

What do you say to those who view listening to audiobooks as “cheating” or as inferior to “real reading”?

Ok. Listen to some. Then let’s talk ;)

This was a pleasant surprise. It's been a while since I listened to a historical book. It's not really a romance per se but more of a historical adventure. But it's also a current adventure since we start in the present before traveling back to the past. On top of that we get a little of a paranormal mystery. What happened to Simeon Campbell to bring him to this point in time? Was it meant to be that Katherine Goldman would be the one to set things in motion?

Our author gives her readers a little bit of everything. Some would think that it would be confusing but she makes it all seem believable. Katherine is an interesting woman who on one hand can't understand what's going on but is willing to accept what's happening - eventually. Simeon isn't quite sure what's going on but he's a strong man that's willing to take a chance to find a solution.

No offense to Mr. Patmore but when I started listening to him I thought of Sean Connery. I had no trouble thinking of Simeon with a younger face of Mr. Connery. He helped to carry me back to the Highlands and the people that live there. He also helped me become apart of the present mystery and how Katherine is going to go about solving it. Mr. Patmore may not have the best female voice but that didn't bother me. He did a great job in getting me to like this story and looking forward to more.

I look forward to seeing what else Ms. Norem has written. I want to see where else she is going to take me and what my next adventure is going to be. I may even see what other books Mr. Patmore has narrated. He did a great job in transporting me out of my living room and taking me to the Scottish Highlands.These two made a great pair.