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ALWAYS MINE by Sophia Johnson ISBN: 0-8217-7884-6 ZEBRA HISTORICAL Available at: Amazon.com and your local bookstore. Excerpt    Reviews First place in the Laurel Wreath Award for Paranormal / Time Travel romance. Second place in the More than Magic Awards Second Place in the Beacon Awards Finalist in Golden Quill Awards A Timeless Love The great Lord Damron is no more than a shadowy, powerful presence in the ruins of Blackthorn Castle. But the compelling gaze of his portrait draws Lydia Hunter to stand before him—and fall through time to become his beloved Lady Brianna. A Fiery Passion A tempestuous man with an incendiary nature, whose fury on the battlefield quickly routs his foes, Lord Damron must claim his Scottish kingdom only one way—her way. And his iron strength is no match for her gentleness… His For The Taking Thinking to find answers, Damron stared into her eyes. Beautiful. Those eyes so dark a brown and fringed with lush, thick lashes that would surely feather his cheeks when they kissed. Ah. Kissed. Gazing at her mouth, he swallowed. Full and luscious. Ripe. She must have sensed his growing desire to taste her there, for the tip of her tongue peeked out to dampen her lips. At that moment, she looked delicate and sweet, the perfect maiden… top Prologue North Wales, 1072 Curious gazes and speculative whispers followed the man's lithesome progress. His cloak billowed like wings, so swift was he in ascending the steep path. All would later swear his feet never touched stone. No one dared intrude on his solitude, though should anyone need him, he was always there. 'Twas the fact he had aided their grandfathers, e'en their great-grandfathers, that stopped them. He ne'er aged. The mystic stood atop the highest point of the cliffs overlooking the turbulent sea and waited for Cloud Dancer to descend. His gaze followed the great eagle's flight. Tilting his head, he listened to the shrill calls from the sky telling him what he had waited centuries to hear. Brianna is coming. He gloried in the approaching storm and laughed as the howling wind whipped the hair back from his face and lifted the brilliant-hued feathers on his cape. The mantle cracked and rose about his body. His arms reached heavenward, and he felt as though he were about to glide with the wind to the eagle above. His eyes lit and his lips lifted in a smile of joy and anticipation. With but a whisper of sound, Cloud Dancer landed on his wrist. It was a testament to the man's strength that his arm did not drop from the eagle's weight. They needed no words, each understanding the other, as they looked to the northeast toward Scotland. The storm would reach there shortly. He had much to do before he could start his journey. Raising his arm, he sent the great eagle back to soar and dip amidst the roiling clouds. “Damron's beloved will return at last,” he whispered to the wind. “Ah, mo fear beog, my little one. Your soul is much wiser now, and his love will not frighten you. I won't be there to greet you, but he will. 'Tis time you meet again and accept your fates.” His hands rose to enfold the talisman that hung low on his chest. He lifted his face to the heavens and closed his eyes. One word left his lips. Caught by the wind, it roared as loudly as the crashing thunder. “Come!” CHAPTER 1 Present Day, Kyle of Tongue, Scotland Lydia Hunter fell in love with the man in the ink drawing long before she was even old enough to wear a training bra – she was five years old. From her first sight of him, he had been her “Lord Demon.” Now, almost twenty years later, she still felt compelled to return to the ruins of Blackthorn Castle. She stood in front of the faded likeness of Damron Alasdair Morgan, an eleventh century laird of Clan Morgan, that hung on the freshly painted wall of Blackthorn's museum. She studied Lord Damron's broad forehead, and his dark hair cut just above his shoulders. Prominent brows arched over cynical eyes that seemed to stare back at her. His lips looked firm and sensual. His chiseled jaw denoted a forceful determination. Nothing softened his unyielding expression. Was his personality as powerful as his visage? Why couldn't she find a man with untainted integrity to earn her love? Someone with a will to match her own? She had thought her ex-husband was such a man. A lying skunk better described him. In these modern times, faithful husbands were a rarity. But had men always been this way? Lydia vowed she would not give her heart again until she found a man whose character was as strong as this Damron of Blackthorn. She would share possessions. She would not share a husband. Her chin lifted, and her jaw set in resolve. Every summer she left New York to return to the ruins of Blackthorn Castle in the Highlands. She had to come. His soul called to hers. Each passing year, the pull toward her Lord Demon became stronger. In the unnatural silence of the room, it was as if he demanded something from her. She yearned to touch and caress the face in the painting that looked back at her. In the room's eerie silence, she fought the urge to wail the way she had as a child. “Why couldn't you love me?” Puzzling flashes – they couldn't be memories – came more frequently today. The images were of the man who could be a demon when he was angry. She felt his anguish, too, that he kept hidden just out of reach. Now, more than ever, she knew he beseeched something from her. What could it be? With a sigh, she left the museum to browse through the timeworn antique shop. She stood aside while chattering school children lined up at the exit with their teachers and headed out to their waiting bus. The shop's manager, recognizing Lydia, smiled and hurried over to hand her an antique brooch. “Where did you find this, Mrs. Albright?” Lydia stared at the brooch. Stabs of distress streaked through her, making her catch her breath. “Last weekend, we took inventory of an older safe.” Cocking her head to the right, the manager's forehead creased as she stared at the brooch. “No one remembers seeing it before. It's like it hid until it chose to be discovered.” Lydia turned the brooch around and around, studying the Celtic knots that formed a circle with the head of a falcon on either side. She glanced up and nodded. Mrs. Albright murmured, “Knowing your fascination for Blackthorn's history, I wanted to offer it to you first.” “Thank you.” Lydia's voice quavered. The pin that secured the brooch was a replica of a fist holding a dagger. Though little remained of the Latin words etched on it, she knew what it read. “With a Strong Hand,” she whispered. She rubbed her thumb over the area. “It was the motto of the Morgan family, the early Clan MacKay.” Lydia didn't ask the price. She didn't care how much it cost. She had to have it. Unzipping the safety pocket hidden inside the lining of her tapestry vest, she shoved her passport aside and grasped her credit card. Mrs. Albright smiled and wove her way through the sales clerks to the nearest register. Lydia fought to control her trembling fingers as she tried to pin the brooch to her sweater. She blinked, seeing a deep blue haze surround her. Through it, strong fingers reached to cover hers and fasten the brooch over her heart. A man's fingers, she realized with a start. His skin felt warm; his breath feathered lightly against her cheek. All the while, his intense green gaze held her prisoner. Her heart lurched. She inhaled the scents of sandalwood and spices, their essence so strong she felt he was there with her. His heated presence brushed against her body. Her breath caught. Surely she imagined it? Did she also imagine the sounds? His voice spread warmth over her like a hot summer's breeze. “I would have yer vow, Brianna. Promise me! Promise me ye will ne'er....” The urgent words spiraled around her, fading. Tears filled her eyes, and her heart ached at the poignant entreaty. Without hesitating, she whispered the reply she knew would soothe him. “I promise. I'll never leave you. Not even through eternity.” No sooner had she spoken than Lord Damron's vision sighed and faded away. Lydia fought for composure when the manager returned to hand her the credit card and receipt. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Albright. I can't tell you how delighted I am that you held the brooch for me.” She forced a smile, signed the receipt and hurried outside. She had to clear her mind and settle her racing pulse. Her shoes echoed on the stone stairway leading to the top of the tower. The most intact portion of the castle was here. The remains of the lord's rooms always soothed her. As she wandered through them, she cupped a hand over the brooch. Deep in her soul she knew this place. She patted the stone walls that seemed to welcome her. In these old ruined chambers, comfort enveloped her like strong arms, no matter the season. It was very substantial today. Her imagination ran more rampant than usual, for she felt an irresistible need to leave the rooms and stroll along the curtain wall leading to the barbican. Others might hide from the weather's passion, but Lydia delighted in the wind that whipped vigorous enough to nearly pull the clothes off her body and mist so thick she could taste the wetness. She looked out over the cliff side at the pounding surf below. A sigh of appreciation for the dark, strange beauty of the day passed her lips. Happiness bubbled through her like newly poured champagne, and she grinned with pleasure. A large bird, flying high above, circled and drifted lower and lower. The voice of a raptor called to her. The wind blew harder, tugging her coat open to crack in the air behind her. Laughter rolled from deep within her, bursting past her lips. Her scarf flew off, freeing her hair. Smiling, she threw her head back and thrust her arms to the sky as if entreating the heavens to carry her to the eagle calling from above. The wind strengthened into a gale, carrying a deep voice that commanded her. “'Tis time you meet again and accept your fates. Come!” The mist became a downpour. Thunder roared. Lightning flashed in the sky. Another gust of wind, stronger than any before, lifted her in invisible arms. Could she fly as she had in her dreams? She felt no fear. She heard the call of the raptor, the sound of his wings. So close now. Suddenly, the wind released her. Her arms flew out, searching for balance. The back of her hand scraped against cold, rough stone. Her feet scrabbled to find firm ground, but landed in a puddle only to slip from beneath her again. Falling backward, she screamed and grasped the brooch over her heart. Her head hit cold, unforgiving stone. Her world went black. top Five Stars. Annmarie at Joyfully Reviewed "Damron is totally tingle worthy! Brianna's strength of heart makes her a perfect complement to Damron, and the pair is a very charismatic couple. Always Mine is powerfully passionate and a treat for the heart."   Kristal Gorman, Reviewer for Romance Reader at Heart “Phenomenal! This is truly a book that will be among my favorites for years to come. ALWAYS MINE was written by a woman who obviously knows her romance, and has exactly what it takes to melt her reader's hearts and remind them what true love is all about. Five Hearts Laurel, Reviewer, The Mystic Castle Historical Romance Society “Sophia Johnson continues to amaze me with her writing and intense story telling. Always Mine …a very emotional, well-rounded love story that will warm the toughest and doubtful romantics… Sophia Johnson is an author that I hope continues her daring and boldness that I read in her novels. She keeps me riveted and enthralled, counting the days until her next novel.” Five Stars Detra Fitch, The Huntress Reviews “No sappy, wimpy, fainting little miss in this tale! Brianna may be a lady of history, but she has the mind of a modern day lady and knows how to use it. An outstanding tale that will tug on your heart strings!” Five Stars Harriet Klausner “The enchantment in Sophia Johnson's delightful time travel romance resides in the shocked reactions by the medieval residents of Blackthorn castle to Lydia's use of profanity and her overall kick butt fighting spirit… Sub-genre fans will want to read this fine tale of an independent twenty-first century Yankee capturing a medieval Scottish warrior's heart. Five Stars Donna Zapf Single Titles Reviews Cataromance “I was so immersed in Ms. Johnson's descriptions that I smelled the lavender scented rushes, heard the eerily beautiful songs, and tasted the succulent meats…I must admit I cried toward the end of the story because these characters had come to life for me. ALWAYS MINE by Sophia Johnson will capture you, entertain you, leave you smiling and wanting more. Five Coffee Cups Wateena for Coffee Time Romance/ Karen Find Out About New Books “SUPERB! Ms. Johnson has penned another wonderful historical, and this time added the twist of time travel. This story is truly amazing as Ms. Johnson shows her creativity by making the time travel believable, and the use of dated dialect… Breathtakingly sensual, you will love the relationship between Lydia and Damron. Ms. Johnson has become a favorite author of this reader, and after you read Always Mine, I think you will be hooked too.” Overall Rating 9 / Sensuality: 9 History: 10) Lettetia for Historical Romance Writers “…The author captured my attention from the opening scene…This wonderfully well researched storyline is a fresh and engaging approach to Time Travel Romance. Sizzling chemistry between the fabulously romantic hero and the strong and gutsy modern heroine made the time reading pass all too quickly. I have a new addition to my 'Keeper' shelves.” Four and a half Red Roses. Bonnie for A Romance Review “Always Mine is not your run-of-the-mill time travel. It delves into the deep rooted passion of two souls who love each other so completely it goes beyond the physical realm…the sparks fly between the 21st century Brianna/Lydia and the medieval warrior Damron. Damron's befuddlement at Brianna's odd words that he knows are meant to demean him is hilarious! Time travel fans don't miss Always Mine!” Four and a half Banners Annick Mertens, Belgium Euro-Reviews “…while reading (Always Mine) you feel like falling in love with Lord Damron, one of the main characters, yourself. Imagine suddenly falling through time and meeting a very special man who wants you to become his beloved one…Johnson has done it once again, she has written another page turner!” Two Books out of Three Belle Dessler for Book Loons Reviews “In Always Mine, Johnson pens a deeply emotional tale of true love that spans the ages. I was immediately drawn in by the powerful concept of soul mates, and found myself captivated by the characters from the first page…Overall, this is a sensual, lovely tale of romance across the ages.” Three Stars out of Four Rob Preece, Publisher, Books for a Buck “Author Sophia Johnson combines historical research with past-life theories for an interesting take on time travel. The story worked most strongly when Johnson successfully integrated Lydia/Brianna's modern attitudes into the conflict. If you're looking for an intriguing take on the time travel story, and enjoy stories of a modern woman who finds herself in a strange land, facing strange customs (and powerful Scottish Lairds), you'll definitely want to give Sophia Johnson and ALWAYS MINE a try.” top ALWAYS MINE Available now from Amazon.com