Highlighting Historical Romance with Mageela Troche and the challenge of character names.
A Scottish surname identifies much about a person at least it did before the destruction of clan in the eighteenth century. When I created the sexy, charming, Alpha hero Lachlan, I needed a surname. If you ever named a character, a pet or a child, you understand the importance that the names flows.
For Lachlan, there was only one surname that did—Gordon. So Lachlan Gordon was born and in my writer’s eye, he was fully created. But then, I decided to do a little research into the clan’s origin. When I read their history, I was shocked. And creative license would have to be used with Highland Scandal and Lachlan’s clan.
Clan Gordon is not Gaelic not even Scottish. It is Norman. That’s why the clan is also referred to as House of Gordon. Explaining that truth would have taken up words, and it wasn’t relevant to the story so I didn’t bother to include that. Though, that information burned into my head. House of Gordon. How cool does that sound?
Another part of history that didn’t fit my thirteenth century era highland romance was their location in Scotland. King David I reigned from 1124 to 24 May 1153 and it was during his reign that the first Gordons arrived in Scotland. They settled near Kelso in the Scottish Borders far from the Scottish Highlands they would come to rule and far from the land that my hero inherited.
The land—Strathbogie in Aberdeenshire—Clan Gordon came to earn was granted to them after the Wars of Scottish Independence when Sir Adam of Gordon who once supported William Wallace transferred their support to Robert Bruce, the future King of Scotland. The Wars of Scottish Independence occur a few decades after Highland Scandal.
Yes, I used creative license with Scottish and clan history and there is much rich history to both. I hope that after you read my novel (fingers crossed that you do) that you learn more about this Golden Age of Scotland and the people who walked the land.
If you don’t love the Scottish Highlands whether because of romance or history, I promise you will fall in love after discovering its true history.
About the Book
How long does happily ever after take?
They call her banshee. The taunt has pursued strong-willed Rowen Mackenzie through the glorious Scottish highlands. One man sees beyond the superstition—Lachlan Gordon. This brave highlander is the man she loves but duty requires her to wed another.
Wickedly charming, Lachlan Gordon has loved Rowen Mackenzie since his first glimpse of the ethereal beauty. As bastard of Chief Gordon, Lachlan can never claim her as his own. When his father, Laird Gordon, is murdered, Lachlan becomes the clan chief…too late to marry the woman he loves.
Years later, Rowen is now a widow and mother and her son is in danger. She jeopardizes her life and most importantly, her heart to protect her son. Lachlan is the only man who can help her. For a second chance at love, he must risk all—his clan, his life and his love to win even as secrets threaten their happiness and their very lives.
Will Rowen and Lachlan have their own happily ever after?
“Must read for lovers of all things Scottish” —Paranormal Romance and Author’s that Rock
“5 Stars”—Goodreads Reviewer
“The book has it all war, scandals, death and undying love.” —Spunky N Sassy
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About the Author
An Air Force brat, Mageela Troche has lived throughout the world then landed in New York City. She wanted to leave the same day she arrived. Yet, with her stubbornness, Mageela learned to like the place and the libraries were the main reason. Since she was a little girl, Mageela wanted to be an author and an actress, however, once in college, she changed her life plan in the pursuit of money. After all, college loans must be repaid.
With life’s twists and turns, she returned to writing and focused on the romance genre. Mageela Troche’s first break came when she sold a short story to a magazine. She sold two more before the publication of her historical romance novel, The Marriage Alliance. She has gone on to write four more novels and a novella.
Mageela is currently writing in the cramped corner of her Big Apple apartment. She is the proud owner of a Black-masked lovebird named Boobula. She loves to hear from her readers and can be found online at
Social Media Links
website: http://www.MageelaTroche.com
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blog: http://www.trocheauthor.wordpress.com
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Mageela-Troche/e/B00CHTIRFW/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7054733.Mageela_Troche