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Kiss of Fate Fantasy Excerpts

A Kiss of Fate

by Mary Jo Putney

 

Ballantine Books

Hardcover: July 2004

Paperback: September 2005

 

Laird of an ancient, powerful Scottish clan, Duncan Macrae is committed to ending the ceaseless strife between Scotland and England. But he also has other, secret powers—those of a Guardian, humans with mystical abilities to control nature’s forces and see into the hearts of others. From the moment he encounters independent young English widow Gwyneth Owens, his fiery spirit is irrevocably drawn to claim her as his own—a passion that will not only set his loyalty to his land against his sworn Guardian vows, but will also threaten everything he cherishes most.

 

Though Gwynne’s father was a Guardian, she believes that she has inherited only her mother's beauty, not her father’s power. Then one kiss from the dangerously alluring Laird of the Macraes ignites a hunger that shakes her to her soul—and reveals visions of a looming catastrophe that threatens England and Scotland both. Only by becoming Duncan’s wife and betraying the man she loves can she avert disaster.

As irrevocable destiny and two mighty nations clash, Gwynne and Duncan must test their powers and passions past the most forbidden limits if they are to save their love—and secure the future.

Read an Excerpt

Reviews:

"Intelligent, compelling characters that appeal to both heart and mind, brilliantly blending history and fantasy, and a beautifully unfolding love relationship combine to produce a magical tale--Putney puts a unique spin on reality, magic, and love and takes romantic fantasy to a new level."

Library Journal

"The sign of a great storyteller is when you are hooked on page one to the end, and Mary Jo Putney does it again as she spins a compelling tale of history and magic all rolled into one breathtaking tale involving Duncan Macrae, the laird of a powerful clan in Scotland who has the secret powers of a Guardian, humans with mystical powers....(Gwyneth Owens) is a magnificent woman full of hidden passion and willingness to follow the truth and do what is right, and the perfect match for her stubborn Scot....I love what magic does to a story and how it makes it sparkle and shine. A book by Mary Jo Putney is indeed a masterpiece!"

Suzanne Coleburn, Reader To Reader Review

"Mesmerizing in its emotional breadth, stunning in its backdrop and spellbinding in its paranormal overtones, this is a marvelous, fast-paced tale brimming with fictional and historical characters. Putney sets a new standard for a historical paranormal overtones. Sensual."

Kathe Robin, Romantic Times, 4 ½ star, Top Pick

“Love and magic prove to be comfortable bedfellows in this enchanting mid-18th-century romance from Putney, which launches a new series focused on the Guardians, a group of English and Scottish folk who possess supernatural powers…..Putney (keeps) readers enthralled all the way up to the inevitable coming together of hero and heroine….she does a fine job of weaving magical elements together with actual historical events to create a rich, romantic tapestry.

Publishers Weekly

 

 

Copyright 2005 M. J. Putney