Welcome to my First Kiss Friday blog! I’m so happy you stopped by. Today’s guest is Kara Griffin who has an excerpt from her novel Bride Takes a Scot. We hope you enjoy this first kiss scene. Happy reading, my lovelies!

Excerpt:

They had stopped by a stream, and she made use of a nearby bush for privacy. On her return, she found him resting by a tree. He had started a fire and wrapped his tartan over his body. Isabella sat across from him, disheartened that he hadn’t offered to share the warmth of his tartan. She was cold and shivered at the thought of having to sleep outside. Her cloak offered a little protection from the cold, but she suspected her husband’s body would be much warmer.

Declan unfastened his scabbard, pulled his sword free, and set it beside him. His sword was quite large and hefty given the thickness of the iron blade. She’d never seen a longsword akin to his. His sword had a cross-hilt with capped arms that ended in quatrefoils to protect his hands. There were no adornments to it such as jewels or embellishments on the blade. The wide blade didn’t appear too sharp, but thick enough to cause great injury. Isabella shook her head at the image of him using it in battle or against a foe. He likely knew how to protect them given the size of his weapon and that he frequently traveled the area. 

“Do ye wish to share my tartan? There’s a wee bit of a nip this night.”

A wee bit? It was bloody freezing. Before he might rescind his offer, Isabella hurried to sit with him. She was grateful he’d offered to share his tartan, but more pleased that she could cuddle next to him. Declan shimmied toward her and pulled the tartan over them.

“You are cold. Here,” he said and wrapped his arm around her back and pulled her tighter against him. “Share my warmth.”

She wanted to share more than that but refrained from saying so. “How is it you are warm and I’m…c-c-cold?”

He grinned and with his free arm, poked at the fire. “I’m used to the temperatures here in the north. This is a mild evening. You’ll get used to it, Wife.”

Isabella relaxed against him. She was lulled by the fire and his warmth and snuggled against his hard body. As usual, a thrill swept over her body from the places they touched to her extremities. She tilted her head back and watched his face. He seemed oblivious to her subtle signals. So Isabella reached to touch his chin and turn his face to look at her. “Declan…”

“Aye, Wife?”

“Why do you keep calling me ‘Wife’?”

“To remind myself that I’m married.”

What an unfeeling thing to say. He was a cad. She took a breath to settle her temper because it was becoming more difficult to keep from being outspoken. Isabella wanted to tell him what she thought of his inane comment, but instead, she said, “I’m so insignificant that you need to remind yourself that you married me?”

Declan leaned forward and turned to peer at her. “Ah, nay, lass, I did not mean it like that.”

“Then why won’t you at least kiss me?”

“You want to be kissed?”

Lord above, she drew in a deep breath. The man needed to be hit over the head. “Never mind. It seems my wishes don’t matter. And just so you know, I preferred to be called Isabella, not Wife.”

Declan took hold of her face, and his large hand cupped her neck. He pressed his lips on hers and then yanked her body to his. Isabella’s heart skipped several beats. His hard manly lips covered hers and he used his tongue to get her to open her mouth. She touched her tongue to his and moaned softly at the exquisite sensations swarming her body. Their kiss was much more affecting than the modest peck he’d given her after their vows. But it ended too soon when Declan pulled away.

“Now get some sleep, Wife. We will set out early.”

She scrunched her eyes in objection to him calling her wife again. “How much farther do we need to travel, Husband?” Isabella couldn’t help but pout at the thought of another long day’s ride. She wasn’t one to complain but she ached all over and was exhausted. A harrumph escaped her lips before she could stop herself.

He sighed a heavy breath and likely surmised her annoyance. “Another day or so. We should reach home by tomorrow night or mayhap the following morn. It depends on how fast we travel.”

It was probably the most he’d ever spoken to her at once and she revelled at the sound of his voice. Isabella nodded. “I shall do my best to keep up.”

She closed her eyes and relaxed, feeling protected. The sensations, tastes, and the feeling of their kiss continued to fill her thoughts. If bedding Declan was as pleasurable as that kiss, then she was in for a passionate experience.

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Bride takes a Scot: Scottish Historical Romance
(Highland Vows & Vengeance Book 1)
By Kara Griffin

Laird Declan MacKendrick, falsely imprisoned in King Alexander’s dungeon, is offered his freedom with one stipulation―that he marry a border baron’s daughter. Accused of murdering his neighbor, a Campbell, Declan means to prove his innocence and find his enemy. If he must marry to do so, then so be it. But Declan doesn’t expect his new bride to be as beautiful or beguiling as Lady Isabella.

Isabella Forrester isn’t pleased by the king’s edict that she marry a man of his choosing. She doesn’t believe in marriage for love and always knew she’d marry a man for political alliance. Marriage to a Highlander means that not only must she adjust to a husband, but a whole new way of life amongst people who won’t trust her for her Sassenach ways. Then she meets Declan MacKendrick who introduces her to a life she never could have imagined as a wife to a laird.

Her days are spent in loneliness and isolation, but the nights in his sultry embraces might win her heart’s surrender. She cannot help but be won over by the noble, seductive Scot. Isabella meets her new husband’s son, a lad of tender years who cannot hear. The poor lad is ignored by all in the clan, even his father. Isabella makes it her responsibility to see to his caring and hopes the clan eventually accepts them both.

Declan wants nothing more than to find his accuser to enact his vengeance. He suspects the Campbells are behind the claims that induced his imprisonment. Someone wants to destroy and weaken his clan. But could his enemy be closer than he thinks? When Isabella’s life is threatened, Declan must confront a trusted ally to carry out his vengeance.

Will these Highland vows and vengeance hold the promise of love and redemption for Declan and Isabella?

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DPJFSTND

About the Author:

Read a Scottish or Medieval Historical Romance book by Kara Griffin and transport yourself to the mystical enchanting realms of the Scottish Highlands and Medieval Britain. Stories of noble swoon-worthy warriors and strong but sweet heroines will have you rooting for them as they encounter dastardly villains, political upheaval, and family dysfunction. Be romanced with sweeping tales of love and honor. 

Kara Griffin has always had a vivid imagination and has been an avid romance reader since her early years. Inspired by her grandfather’s heritage, she loves all things Scottish. From the captivating land to the ancient mysticism, all inspire her to write tales that make you sigh. With heroes, heroines, villains, and romance, there’s always a Happily-Ever-After in her stories.

When Kara is not writing, she enjoys family life with her husband of 34 years, daughters, and five grandchildren. Living in the Pinelands of New Jersey, she spends a lot of time at a nearby lake, the Jersey Shore, and wooded areas of the Pine Barrons. She and her family are huge sports fans and cheer on the teams of the city of Philadelphia. 

Online & Social media links:

Website: https://karagrif66.wixsite.com/authorkaragriffin

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKaraGriffin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkaragriffin

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/karagriffin/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kara-griffin

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1428371.Kara_Griffin