Category: Romance ISBN-10: B006J2U0Q2
Type: Fiction
Copyright: December 2011
Through tragedy comes love...
Melpomene, muse of Tragedy, has loved before, but not like this. Not so thoroughly it blinds her, tears her from her path, her obligation to mankind. A warrior of Scotland, one she watched grow from a boy to a man, claims her heart with his self-sacrifice, courage. She'll not let him perish, die defending another. Stepping in, defying fate, defying her father, Zeus, Melpomene risks all.
Rowan Stewart, of the royal house, is immersed within a whirlwind of disbelief, struggling to understand the woman responsible for his odd outcome, his misplaced life. But promises were made, destiny yet sealed, and Ares, God of War, seeks him. Caught within a vortex of Scottish politics, Greek Gods, and newfound desire, Rowan and Melpomene are doomed to separate, wallow in eternal despair. Will love surpass? Give them each other? Or will tragedy reign without its muse and rip them apart forever?
Sky Purington first published Highland Muse in 2008 as part of The Song of the Muses Anthology. Find the list of authors original to this anthology at her website under 'Muse Anthology'. The Highlander inspiration came from her works included in The MacLomain Series. One short story and three novels all priced at .99 cents per title for a limited time.
Excerpt
Her violet gaze darkened but stayed strong. She showed nothing of feminine emotion only that of a tigress. Her plaid, his colors, worn despite her earlier misgivings, mocked him. Her slim arms and feminine muscles, ready to attack, intrigued him. She dressed for war, his war. "I don't need to earn your love, you'll give it willingly. When you're ready, you'll let your past go. When you do, I'll be here."
With her statement she twisted the blade away. Her eyes scorned, entreated him with a brief side sweep of thick red lashes. "And your battle with Ares has become mine. I am a goddess, he is a god. You are mortal. You're powerless. Your obligations are now mine."
All of a sudden, though she was a goddess, he wanted to hide her away in a corner of the castle. Keep her fiery, rebellious and prideful spirit hidden and safe. Away from obligations made. Obligations she had nothing to do with. His thoughts brought a chuckle to his lips. His chuckle incited more fury from her.
The tips of her cheeks reddened and her freckles became pronounced. She stepped closer; her head tilted back, eyes venomous. "You laugh!"
His heart stopped. Time froze. How perfect she appeared at this moment, hair aflame and eyes direct, the blade in hand. He'd never met another like her. The light and courage behind her powerful regard was truth. More valiant than he'd seen in his best warrior. And in a woman!
He knew naught what to do with the moment. Fight her? Cut her down with words? Bring her to the floor and ravish her? Aye, that's what he'd like to do.
Instead he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her tightly against his body until her curves were part of him, her skin one with his. He rested his head on top of her cypress ringed red cap and stared into the flames once again. What to do? How to temper her?
She shivered and rippled against him. Made him think of how she had looked nude and wet. He shut his eyes to the flame and saw only her, perfectly formed. How hard it'd been to not take her then, all the lust, anger and emotion. He wasn't fond of emotion. Since he'd met Melpomene there'd been naught but it. Had she been with him his whole life as she'd claimed? Whispering, singing, inspiring? Another voice? A comrade?
Professional Reviews
Night Owl Reviews
“Highland Muse is not the first Sky Purington book that I have read. With each one I'm reminded why I continue to pick-up her books. Each book is a memorable treat to savor and a historical romance that endures time. Ms. Purington has a way of mixing fantasy with reality and coming up with a really great story.”
Reviews by Aithne
“I love a story with unexpected twists, striking dialogue and happily ever after endings… Ms. Purington wove together the greatness of Scottish highlanders and Greek gods with seamless believability.”
Simply Romance Reviews
“The thrusting of Greek gods into Scotland would at first seem like it would be jarring but it works. Melpomene's certainty that Rowan is her true love and Rowan's denial, despite his obvious attraction to her makes good tension."
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