Inspiration For the Series and Seeker (from Jean M. Grant)
In early 2022, a group of seven authors got together through Zoom to talk shop, and one thing led to another…and a magical Mortar & Pestle was born! A few of us were in writing slumps. A few were looking for something new or fun to write. Our intention was to talk the biz, and instead, we left, our fingers itching to write a new romance! Each story has a bit of magic and is novella-length, spanning time from 900 AD to modern day. The series takes the reader on an adventure with Vikings, Highlanders, pirates, treasure hunters, vampires, healers, and artists.
I already had a series set in medieval Scotland, so I dipped into that world and came up with an adventure that revolves around a yearly clan tournament. I chose two secondary characters from another one of my books in my historical trilogy. I wondered: Wouldn’t Aileana and Brodie’s story be fun to write? Aileana is the spirited, independent, younger sister of the hero in A Hundred Lies. She is an adventurous archer and a very non-typical noblewoman of a magical family, for she lacks the mystical powers her family members possess. Brodie is a reserved, beta-hero who excels in strategy games. He has a health condition that prevents him from being war chieftain to his bullying older brother. Can these underdogs bring peace to their clans before it’s too late? Find out in Seeker.
FULL BLURB:
Nock, draw, release. Her bow is always ready, and if her arrow hits its mark, she will secure her destined soulmate.
Aileana Montgomerie’s bloodline holds valuable gifts of foresight and healing, but with each honor comes a curse. Even though she is descended from the mystical isles’ folk, she lacks the ability of the Scottish Ancients and wonders if she belongs in a magical family. Aileana just wants a purpose. What good is her bow and arrow if she is denied the right to fight for her clan?
Brodie MacDougall is ordained to be the next war chieftain of his clan. The title is a privilege as long as his brother, the future laird, doesn’t expect him to lift a sword and charge into battle. Chronic pain and nervous vapors force him to spend his days alone. Can his strategic skills keep him one step ahead of his conspiring brother?
Through a magical Mortar & Pestle, Brodie finds his heart’s desire. But there’s a catch. The seat on his brother’s council is no longer dependent upon his health…but on Aileana’s strength. With rumblings of unrest among their clans, will their love foster an alliance or be a step toward war?
Series BLURB:
A wisp of smoke, a swirl of promise, a breath of destiny…a message within the Mortar & Pestle for those who want to believe.
Throughout time people have sought heir heart’s desire. But true love is often elusive.
Carved with Ancient Norse runes, the Mortar & Pestle shows paths to happily-ever-afters.
Once you capture the Mortar & Pestle’s scent of magic, you’ll want to read all seven individual romances.
5 Fun Facts About the Series:
- Each book has a paranormal element or thread—selkies, gifted heroines, healers, vampires…a bit of magic and a whole lotta love!
- The Mortar & Pestle plays a role in each book to bring true love upon an unsuspecting couple in unique ways. Whether it’s used for grinding food or herbs, hitting an adversary’s head [hey, that bowl is heavy!], making medicines, mixing paints, or being uncovered in an archaeological find, the magical bowl finds its way into each of the stories.
- The Mortar & Pestle transcends time. Originating with the Norse/Vikings, it is passed on to medieval Scotland, across the sea to 1700s Caribbean pirates, to North American WWII treasure hunters, and lastly it joins with three contemporary couples just trying to find their path, including an emotional vampire, a healer, and an artist.
- Each book can be read as a standalone, out of or order, in order!
- Each romance is low-heat (= PG to PG-13/behind closed doors or fade to black – whatever you like to call it!) and some of the authors are offering extra bonus spicy scenes or graphics! Check out their websites for more info.
Excerpt:
He stepped out of the tent, inhaling as clearly as the day after a storm passes. Threads of lavender, an eerie reminder of the colorful smoke they’d seen rising from the mortar, now wove through the evening sky.
He bent over, laughing, gasps hitching as tears filled his eyes.
“Brodie? What under the heavens is wrong with you? Are you daft?” Aileana said in a concerned whisper.
People were looking. Let them. I’m done lurking in the gloom.
William, probably fatigued from being on guard, rose from his stool. “Ye all well, sir?”
Brodie waved him away. “As well as the sun shines!”
The man crinkled his feathery eyebrows, but seeing Aileana hurry to Brodie’s side, he stepped back to his post.
“People are looking, Brodie.” She wrangled his arm and urged him back toward the tent flap.
For a lass who drank attention like it was ambrosia, her skin was flushed a vivid shade of pink as stares went their way, her blue eyes wide. “Do I need to get my mother?” She squeezed one of his remedies in her hand, her slender fingers white-knuckled. “Here, take this! Don’t you die on my charge, Brodie MacDougall!”
He wiped his eyes. Her touch on his upper arm was firm, pleading. He pulled himself upright. “Nay, nay. I’m…I’m not puckled.” He stressed his words.
“I didn’t mean for you to be a foolish man when I suggested you emerge from this-this cocoon.”
“I am to be a butterfly?”
She shot glares of arrows at onlookers, her face’s color deepened to crimson now. William took her cue and waved people away with a few words and gestures.
“Brodie! Haud your wheesht!” she demanded.
He laughed harder.
Seething, she dropped her hand from his arm and shoved him into the tent. His skin felt lonely as soon as she stopped pushing him.
She pursed her lips and brought herself closer to him, scrutinizing his face as if assessing for delusions or drunkenness. “What was that daftness?”
He liked her nearness, her eyes seeking truths in his.
Purchase:
https://www.amazon.com/Seeker-Scottish-Medieval-Enemies-Romance-ebook/dp/B0BRYS2JXY
Preorder SEEKER now through March 8th at 99¢!
Check out the free prequel that includes the first chapter of each book in the series – HERE!
Regular priced e-book and paperback for Seeker release on March 9th.
Check out the trailer!
Bio:
Jean has a penchant for misunderstood creatures, be it sharks, microbes, or wounded characters. A scientist by training, she now spends her days as an author and champion for her children. She writes historical and contemporary romance and women’s fiction. Two of her books won InD’tale RONE awards and one won a NN Light award.
A nature enthusiast, Jean also writes for family-oriented travel magazines and websites. When not writing, she enjoys gardening, tackling the biggest mountains in New England, and going on adventures near and far with her family. If she were stuck on a desert island, her three essentials (besides family, food, water, and shelter) would be coffee, lip balm, and The Rock Dwayne Johnson.
Award-winning author 📚of #romance #womensfiction. 🌎 Travel & Family Writer. Daydreamer. 🥾Hiker Girl. 🌺Gardener. ☕ Coffee Lover. 🐱Cat Snuggler.
Jean M. Grant
Social Media links:
Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Bookbub ~ Amazon Author Page ~ Instagram
What a wonderful blog! Thanks for sharing about this series, Amber!
Awesome spotlight, Jean!