Jean M. Grant has visited my blog previously with her wonderful series set in medieval Scotland. With her new release, SEEKERS, she's back in medieval Scotland, in the world she created in her series. This time Jean is taking part in The Mortar and Pestle series with six other authors. Jean tells us about the series and SEEKER, her contribution. Great to have you here again, Jean!
5 Things About the Series:
1. Each book has a paranormal element or thread—selkies, gifted heroines, healers, vampires…a bit of magic!
2. The Mortar & Pestle plays a role in each book to bring true love upon an unsuspecting couple in unique ways. Whether it’s grinding food or herbs, crushing on an adversary’s head, making medicines, uncovering on an archaeological find, or mixing paints, the magical bowl finds its way into each of the stories.
3. The Mortar & Pestle travels through time: 900 AD Norse/Vikings, medieval Scottish Highlanders, 1700s Caribbean pirates, WWII treasure hunters, and contemporary people just trying to find their path.
4. Each book can be read as a standalone, out of or order, in order! Grab one or all today.
5. Each book is a low-heat romance (= 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! Check out their websites for more info.
Inspiration For the Series and Seeker
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.
Mortar and Pestle 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.
Blurb for Seekers:
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?
Excerpt:
The mixture of herb fragrances mingled in her nose. Nutty, sharp, awakening.
She inhaled. Brodie inhaled.
As he released his hand from the pestle, a dark violet waft of smoke rose from the mortar.
An image appeared in her head, though her eyes were wide open:
A vast and lush meadow. Her bow in her hand. She stared at a target, runes carved into its center. The butt was made from a large mound of dirt, the kind used in the yearly tournament.
What in all the stars was happening?
And Brodie stood beside her in the image. Vision? Nonsense! Had she knocked her head? Fallen asleep? She held no gift of prophecy. What was this?
The ground rumbled. She heard Brodie’s heart racing as he whispered words of love in her ear.
Her neck tingled with gooseflesh, the way the wheat fields rippled on a windy day. He pressed a kiss to her cheek, and her belly warmed.
In your presence, the answer is shown, a voice said. Stay close to him, for your heart’s desire is known. What you seek, you will reap. Follow the golden prize. Let it be your sun.
She blinked as the image faded, her face aflame and the residual heat of his lips upon her skin still palpable. “Did you see that?”
“See what?”
He was staring at her, his body so close. She broke their shared gaze. “The mortar.”
He blew out a full, healthy breath as the lavender mist dissipated.
“Smoke?” she coaxed. Oh, please, Brodie. Say you see it, too!
He stared at the mortar. The purple smoke was now a pale haze fading to gray. The flecks in the black granite shimmered as bright as the stars.
“Aye, I do. A flame, but the color of a thistle. Though now it is gray.”
She gulped, feeling relieved but confused. Her mother’s treatments were as natural as the earth. She didn’t cast spells or evoke flares from simple herbs!
“Has this ever happened before?” he asked.
She wet her lips, searching his face. Her chest tingled.
“Never."
Buy Link:
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 on January 16th - HERE!
Regular
priced e-book and paperback for Seeker releases on March 9th.
Check out the trailer!
Author Bio:
Jean M. Grant 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.
Hi Jean! Love the spotlight on Seeker. This series sounds amazing! ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for being my guest, Jean. Best of luck with SEEKER!
ReplyDeleteJust finished an ARC! Great story.
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting me, Jana!!
ReplyDelete