The Whisky Laird's Bed
by Donna MacMeans

Lady of temperance, laird of temptation…

Claire Starke has no illusions about her future. As her father repeatedly reminded her, her looks would never win a husband, and her poverty makes her an even less suitable wife. Luckily, her comrades at the Rake Patrol have given her joy and comfort—enough to quell the dull ache for a family of her own. So, when fellow member Faith runs off to the Highlands, investigating a whisky distiller advertising for an English wife, Claire sees no choice but to save her friend from this intemperate and lustful man. But she didn’t expect the Highland laird to be so intriguing, or to begin questioning her own restraint…

Still reeling from the distillery accident which left him scarred and shaken, Cameron MacPherson has no plans to marry, even if his mother is determined to tie him to one of the British milquetoasts parading through his castle. But when Claire bursts upon the scene, hurling accusations about alcohol and ruin, he finds the reformer fascinating. The fact that she stands up to him when others shrink away is more than charming—this one has spirit and, to be honest, he wouldn’t mind drinking a deep draught of her…

Donna MacMeans' Bio

By day, a mild-mannered accountant, I transform at night to an impassioned author of romantic historical novels, paranormals, and suspense. I live outside of Columbus, Ohio with my wonderful husband of many, many years, two adult children, and my canine shadow - a mixed breed mutt named Oreo. When I'm not knee deep in tax returns as a self-employed CPA, or typing away on another manuscript, I'm active in several writing organizations. Every now and then, I break out my paints or pastels for a different creative venue, but of the two, I find writing not quite as messy. I love to cook (but hate to clean up). I have a bit of a reputation with my desserts. They always incorporate chocolate and alcohol in some intoxicating fashion.

I started writing fiction in 1996 and entered my first full manuscript, a romantic suspense, in Romance Writers of America's coveted Golden Heart contest. Although it didn't win, it did final in the suspense category and thus validated that I might be onto something. I went on to write a second romantic suspense, before deciding to try something a little different, a paranormal short story.

The idea for The Education of Mrs. Brimley, my Golden Heart winning manuscript, developed from a contest sponsored by Lori Foster. Her contest was looking for sexy, sensuous entries, and I had an idea about a woman doing a reluctant striptease. The concept made more sense set during a time period when women wore layers upon layers of clothing. As I began the writing, I fell in love with the late Victorian period and my characters.

In addition to Romance Writers of America, I'm a member and officer (you guessed it - Treasurer) of Central Ohio Fiction Writers. I also belong to The Golden Network, a chapter of Golden Heart Finalists, and Scriptscene, a chapter for scriptwriters. Hey - you never know when Hollywood will come knocking.