Erin Quinn: Mists of Ireland

The Mists of Ireland series takes readers to Ireland to meet the families MacGrath and Ballagh.  For eons these two families have been entwined in love, jealousy and the mysticism surrounding an ancient tome called the Book of Fennore.  Entrenched in lore and superstition, this ancient Book wreaks havoc on humanity—but when it falls into the hands of the MacGraths and Ballaghs, it ignites powers within them that make them its most formidable enemy. 

Haunting Embrace, the final book in the Mists of Ireland series, is a time-travel love story that spans centuries and reveals the secrets behind the Book of Fennore’s creation.  Áedán Brady—once known as Brandubh, the most powerful druid of all time—has been trapped in the Book for millennia until Meaghan Ballagh enters his life and sets him free.  Meaghan is an empath who sees beyond the front Áedán presents to the honorable man he once was.  She believes that man still exists, though Áedán himself refuses to even admit to being human anymore.  While Áedán fights to hide the vulnerability Meaghan’s perceptions reveal, he discovers hidden depths inside Meaghan as well.  Her blood runs hot and inflames him.  The more he knows about her, the more he wants to know.  But then he senses the soul of another woman lurking beneath Meaghan’s skin…a woman who betrayed Áedán centuries ago and cursed him to spend eternity in the Book of Fennore.   

Now Áedán must decide if love and trust are stronger than fear and revenge or he will everything, including the one woman who was meant to be his.

Here’s a brief excerpt of a crucial moment when Áedán begins to put it all together.

Meaghan’s eyes widened as Áedán lowered his mouth to hers, but she didn’t turn away, nor did she push him away. He felt the pending rush of fate slam into him as his lips touched hers. Thoughts of the stolen moments on the cliffs that afternoon had all but consumed him. He’d craved the sensation of her arms clinging tight, the softness of her breasts crushed against the wall of his chest, her hips pressed to his. . . .

Now he felt like an anchored ship whipped by a storm that refused to let it idle securely at bay. He ripped free in a powerful surge, back­ing her to the wall, needing that solid surface to keep from hurling himself out to sea.

The eye of the storm was within him, the fury of it all around. It uprooted his convictions, his resentments, his foundation. For a thousand years, he’d loved Elan, despite her betrayal, despite her condemnation. For a thousand years, he’d hated her, bitterly tar­nished every memory, purposefully corroded every recollection until what he felt was a mordant collage of distorted untruths.

Meaghan made a soft sound that was so heartbreakingly familiar, so longed for, so desired that it made his knees buckle. She kissed him back with desperation, begging him with her lips to make Mickey and all the terror he represented go away. Áedán tried, even though he feared it might be futile.

He realized then that she might have once been the woman of his past, the woman who had destroyed him, but she was something else now. She was more . . . and less. Better . . . and worse. Different. Ex­citingly fresh, startlingly distinctive. She might flash glimpses of Elan’s eyes, but her scent, her lips . . . her kiss. Everything about Meaghan was unique.

Thanks for stopping by to see me today!  Have you heard about my Spread the Word contest?  (Click for details).   For more information about me and my books, go to www.erinquinnbooks.com .  I’d also love to give away an autographed copy of Haunting Warrior, the third book in the Mists of Ireland series to one lucky commenter…so talk to me!

***Sonali is the winner of Erin Quinn's copy of Haunting Warrior!  Sonali, please email me at totebag@authorsoundrelations.com with your full name and mailing address so we can get the prize in the mail to you.  Thanks to everyone else who commented!***