I wasn’t sure who was more surprised – me or the Scotsman – when he took a knee and asked me to spend our lives together. It might have been the moment, it might have been the rightness of us, but yes was the only answer I had. It’s an honor to be loved by him, and I’m so happy to call his love my home.
In Ireland, you dress for the weather. Which basically means, layers at all time and expect mother nature to be her moody best. From howling winds to crashing waves to sudden and breathtaking rainbows that show the widest bands of colors I’ve ever seen in a rainbow, Ireland always delights me with her passion. As expected, our sunny beach walk turned rainy. Nevertheless, we persevered and even stopped to pick a favorite rock for the other to carry. A simple token of affection, yet they’ve made their way back to our rock bowl in the Caribbean.
I’d say these are the flowers of Ireland, but they are merely flowers I found IN Ireland while taking a peek in the botanical gardens. And stopping for a quick game of lawn bowling. (It should be noted that for my first lawn bowling game I did score one point and it was when we had a crowd watching us so I received a well-deserved round of applause.)
I mean, there isn’t much else to say about this place other than it was an absolute gem to find. I mean, winding up these little grey stone hallways with no decoration I felt like I was going to enter into a prison. And, then, poof! I step into all this loveliness. Magic, I tell you. Magic. (Edinburgh, Scotland).
This castle stay was a surprise from The Scotsman, and I think we were both surprised when we arrived and were immediately ushered into the dining room with the explanation that dinner was almost over so we needed to eat – now. We had but a moment to take our luggage to our room, winding our way through narrow corridors with faded carpets and tapestries that moved on their own accord (not a breeze or a window in sight!) At dinner, only one other couple shared the expansive dining room, and they were comfortable ensconced in their fourth or fifth martini, the blonde woman eyeing us from across the room. I knew it was only a matter of time before she’d wander over, but in the meantime, our server who I wouldn’t put a day past twelve years old was hovering over us, dropping everything he touched, and making small talk about our travels. When he heard about our trip to the Isle of Bute, his eyes lit up and he talked about years ago when he was twelve he’d spent a holiday there. Imagine my shock when he professed to have been twelve years ago?! I began to wonder if we were in a weird time warp and if we’d ever be able to check out of this hotel.
By then, I was delighted with the thought of what haunted halls we’d stepped into, and the blonde decided to make her move. Sidling over to us, her martini sloshing in one hand, she insisted the Scotsman taste her drink as it was a speciality at the castle. As though he’d never watched a horror movie in his life (seriously – where are his survival instincts?) the man takes a sip of her drink, and I sit back to watch the show. A spilled martini later, an annoyed husband in the background, and I was pulling the Scotsman from the dining room to find the nearest bar. Conveniently located in what appeared to be the weapons room due to the battle axes and swords on the wall, I eyed the grey spectre of a man who gingerly served us whisky, loudly proclaiming he’d kick us out if we took the glasses down as a shot. Promising no such abhorrent behavior would happen, the Scotsman and I retreated to our room, where once again I showed him how the tapestries in the closed off hallway moved on their own. Decidedly creeped out, we jumped into bed and pulled the covers up, and I might have even left the light on – just in case a battle axe went flying through the air in the middle of the night. Turns out, the castle had been burned in the early 1900’s and it wasn’t uncommon to feel a presence there. I’d say they did a bang up job of keeping the stay creepy as could be. As for the mysterious scratch that appeared on my neck? Who’s to say?
It wouldn’t be a trip to Scotland without staying in a castle, and I was lucky enough to stay in two during our holiday. I stumbled upon Castle Levan in Inverkip during a Google search one night and found they only had one night available, so I booked it immediately. I’m glad I did because it was delightfully charming, and was the perfect way to celebrate being newly engaged. They even had a hidden waterfall that I’m certain was home to many a fae. Check out all the great details. If I wasn’t running a guesthouse in the Caribbean, I’d have a blast hunting down decorations for a Scottish castle-style guesthouse. Maybe…someday. ☺
In a time where the world feels overwhelming, the mermaids have returned and asked us to sing our songs again.
New release! From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Tricia O'Malley, comes a brand new series about love, self-discovery, and embracing your inner mermaid.
Chapter 1.
“Business or pleasure?”
“Business,” Sam said automatically, her fingers tightening on the strap of the laptop case that rarely left her shoulder.
“And what is your business on Siren Island?” The customs agent spoke with a bouncy cadence, his words slow and richly rounded, the music of the islands flowing through his voice.
“I… I mean, pleasure,” Sam said, startled to realize it was true. A drop of sweat slipped between her shoulder blades. That morning, in a haze of what-the-hell-am-I-doing, she’d donned what she’d come to term her Air Barbie uniform. It had breezed her through most airports in the world, straight into whatever hotel finance meetings she was attending, and had earned her more than her fair share of upgrades.
Impeccably tailored slacks? Check. Tasteful diamond stud earrings? Check. And a silk blouse in a muted color – not too bright, as she’d learned that the men in the board meetings she ran often took a power color as an invitation to flirt.
Though why she’d added her diaphanous silk scarf and patent leather sling-backs to the outfit, Sam had no clue.
Her plane wouldn’t be landing in a fiercely air-conditioned airport with valets to whisk her luggage away as she went from one perfectly manicured space to the next. Oh no. Not even close.
Instead, here she was holding up a line of sweaty, boisterous passengers who all seemed to have overindulged on the plane ride down to whichever hotel’s all-inclusive vacation package they’d signed up for. The sun, an angry unrepentant dictator, broiled them all with her cruel rays.
“Which is it, ma’am? Business or pleasure?” The customs agent regarded her carefully, and it annoyed Sam to see not even a sheen of sweat on the man’s face, though he wore neatly pressed khaki pants and a button-down shirt. Why were there no enclosed rooms in this hut of an airport? Samantha knew for a fact that the island had access to the internet; surely they’d learned of the invention of air conditioning by now.
“Pleasure. My apologies. I travel so much for work that I forgot this trip was for pleasure,” Sam said, sweeping her tastefully highlighted auburn hair over her shoulder and flashing the agent the smile that had opened more than one door for her in the past.
“That’s a shame, ma’am. One should never forget to take time for pleasure.” The agent’s voice never changed, but something flashed in his eyes for just a moment – a warm male appreciation that, for once, didn’t feel predatory. Sam got the impression that he enjoyed all women. When she heard him begin flirting with the lady behind her, who sported a fanny pack and an unruly swath of grey hair, her assumption was confirmed.
His words followed her as she tapped her foot impatiently by the single-loop baggage conveyor belt, and Sam’s annoyance reached peak levels as another passenger jostled her to peer over her shoulder.
“I really hope they didn’t lose our bags this time. I swear, Carl, every time we come here something gets lost.”
Then why did they still come here? Sam wondered in frustration, deliberately spreading her elbows a bit to strike a power pose – the one she used in crowds to force people to step away from her a bit.
For that matter, what was she even doing here? As Sam’s thoughts flashed back over the last forty-eight hours, sweat began to drip in earnest down her back, and she was certain she could actually feel the blood pumping through her heart. Gulping for air, she looked around wildly. What this airport needed was some fans.
The sunlight seemed to get brighter and the eager laughter of the crowd around her sounded like the braying of mules. The faces and laughter and heat and sweat all pressed on her until Sam turned to run – only to find herself trapped by the crowd. Panic skittered its way up her throat and she gasped, trying to draw a breath against the warm press of bodies pushing toward the bags that now belched from a small flap-covered hole in the wall.
A hand closed on hers and Sam’s gaze slammed into cool blue eyes – the color of the sea – and a calm wave of energy seemed to pour through her. She lost herself in the reassuring smile of a woman, a peaceful oasis of calm, who pulled her through the crowd.
“Sit.” Samantha’s butt had barely touched the seat when the woman unceremoniously pushed Sam’s head between her legs. She gulped air, desperately trying to hold her panic attack at bay. The last thing she heard before it all went dark was the woman’s voice.
“This one’s mine.”
iBooks:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/good-girl/id1439631831…
Amazon Kindle:
Nook:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/good-girl-tricia-omalley/1129764255?ean=2940161774014
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/good-girl-29
Google:
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Tricia_O_Malley_Good_Girl?id=kON3DwAAQBAJ
Amazon Kindle:
iBooks:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/good-girl/id1439631831…
Nook:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/good-girl-tric…/1129764255…
Kobo:
https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/good-girl-29
What the heck was she doing on this island?
Samantha Jameson finds herself washed up on Siren Island – well, if she was to be honest with herself, more like worn-out, defeated, and dead tired. Her whole life has been spent playing by the rules, and for what? An empty apartment, a career with no upward movement, and one failed relationship after another. When it all blows up in her face, what’s a girl to do but book a last-minute trip to the ridiculously named Laughing Mermaid Bed & Breakfast on an unknown speck of an island in the Caribbean?
Lucas Mosteron knows all about burning out from first-hand experience. Over the years, he’s discovered that he isn’t the only one, as everyone has their own unique story for landing on Siren Island – including his lovely and mysterious neighbors at The Laughing Mermaid Bed & Breakfast. Little does he know that there is more to their story than he could ever have imagined possible. When Samantha Jameson arrives as their guest – depleted and needing respite, Lucas can’t help but feel like he could be the man she needs. Irresistibly drawn to her uptight demeanor, Lucas is determined to unwind Samantha and show her that life on Siren Island could be the answer to all her problems.
It only felt right that with my twentieth novel, I returned to my very first series - The Mystic Cove Series. Over the years, I received numerous requests to write about the woman that baby Grace was destined to become. It was only fitting that my newest novel be about a strong, take-charge woman, that isn't afraid to face challenges - with allowing love into her life being her most difficult one yet!
Is her enemy the love she’s been waiting for?
Grace O’Brien lives an unapologetic life – one where she uses magick and attitude alike to live exactly as she pleases. With talents far beyond what most can comprehend, Grace dances through life with verve and enthusiasm.
But it isn’t all magick and mirth. A secret haunts Grace through the darkest hours of the night. For in her heart lies the soul of a fierce pirate queen, one that has loved and weathered unequivocal loss. Now, as she hopes once more for true love – a love that was promised to her – It seems that Grace might not always be able to get everything that she desires.
From the moment that Dylan Kelly sailed into Grace’s Cove, the town captured his heart. Pulled by an invincible need to move to the village, Dylan changes his entire life to finally focus on his passion project. When Dylan runs headfirst into the indomitable force that is Grace O’Brien, he battles both his attraction and his ethics in order to pursue the one thing that matters most to him – building his legacy.
As centuries blur and souls collide, Grace must come to terms with the fact that she can’t control everything – even her heart.
The inspiration for this story came from a delightful little nugget that I discovered when researching the great pirate queen, Grace O'Malley. It seems that between Husband #1 and Husband #2, this fierce warrior woman fell for and had a passionate love affair with a shipwrecked sailor. Sadly, her lover was murdered and Grace, being Grace, retaliated by murdering the two men who took her lover's life. However, even after Grace went on to marry another man, she still couldn't shake her grudge against the clan who stole her lover from her. So, the pirate queen laid siege to their castle and took their lands from them.
I mean, how epic is that? Could you imagine looking at your new husband and saying, "Hey, babe, you're super cute and all, but I'm still really pissed about the murder of my sexy sailor man. I'm going to into battle and show their clan what's what."
And off she went...
This novel takes you back to Grace's Cove and an all grown up baby Grace - who is as contradictory as she is lovable.
Is her enemy the love she’s been waiting for?
Grace O’Brien lives an unapologetic life – one where she uses magick and attitude alike to live exactly as she pleases. With talents far beyond what most can comprehend, Grace dances through life with verve and enthusiasm.
But it isn’t all magick and mirth. A secret haunts Grace through the darkest hours of the night. For in her heart lies the soul of a fierce pirate queen, one that has loved and weathered unequivocal loss. Now, as she hopes once more for true love – a love that was promised to her – It seems that Grace might not always be able to get everything that she desires.
From the moment that Dylan Kelly sailed into Grace’s Cove, the town captured his heart. Pulled by an invincible need to move to the village, Dylan changes his entire life to finally focus on his passion project. When Dylan runs headfirst into the indomitable force that is Grace O’Brien, he battles both his attraction and his ethics in order to pursue the one thing that matters most to him – building his legacy.
As centuries blur and souls collide, Grace must come to terms with the fact that she can’t control everything – even her heart.
I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it. I truly had a blast including many characters from both this series and some fan favorites from The Mystic Cove series. If you read closely, you may even see a hint of a story to come that I'm sure you'll be wild about.
The dramatic and heartwarming conclusion to the Isle of Destiny Series.
Neala O’Riordan is no stranger to the sweet and spicy things in life although that’s more to do with running a highly acclaimed bakery in Kilkenny than because of having any semblance of a dating life. In lieu of romantic entanglements, Neala instead pours her love and attention into her rapidly growing business and the in-demand sweets she concocts.
When a distraught man storms into her bakery one morning, Neala’s life is turned upside down. In moments, she’s plunged into a fairytale world – and she’s the star of the show. When she learns that the fate of Ireland, if not the entire world, rests on her shoulders, Neala is ready to turn tail and run for the hills – but she’s stopped in her tracks by the storm she sees in the eyes of her handsome protector, Dagda.
With one look, Dagda challenges Neala to stay and fight – to accept her destiny – and to change the course of the future. Unable to resist a challenge, Neala throws caution to the wind and joins an unlikely group of magickal humans and fae alike as she finds herself pulled into the adventure of a lifetime. It’s a race against the clock to end a centuries-old curse, and Neala does her best to keep her heart from falling for the quiet charms of her alluring protector. Though her battle to resist her attraction to Dagda may be a lost cause, Neala refuses to lose the fight against the dark fae. With the help of friends from Grace’s Cove, Neala holds fast to her belief that – no matter what – love will always light the way against darkness.
To celebrate the highly anticipated final book in the Isle of Destiny series - Sphere Song, I am hosting a Love of the Irish Giveaway!
This month we will have three big prizes in our month-long contest. As you know, it's a little tricky for me to send gift prizes from our little island in the Caribbean, so I've teamed up with two fantastic shops in Ireland to put together these handpicked prizes for you all. The first, Inishowen Bogwood Sculptures, creates stunning gifts handcrafted from 6,000 year old bogwood. The second, Tweedy's, located in Culdaff, crafts beautiful textiles such as capes and scarves.
To win the second prize package, you'll need to answer the following question!
Question: It's time to look at our handsome Irish men. In the Isle of Destiny series, which character is your favorite protector and why?
Sphere Song Preorder Links:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2Dbizcb
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2Hk2qDL
Nook: http://bit.ly/2FnpnJN
iTunes https://geo.itunes.apple.com/…/bo…/sphere-song/id1356680131…
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2G9CIlO
To celebrate the highly anticipated final book in the Isle of Destiny series - Sphere Song - (up for preorder now), I am hosting a Love of the Irish Giveaway!
This month we will have three big prizes in our month-long contest. As you know, it's a little tricky for me to send gift prizes from our little island in the Caribbean, so I've teamed up with two fantastic shops in Ireland to put together these handpicked prizes for you all. The first, Inishowen Bogwood Sculptures, creates stunning gifts handcrafted from 6,000 year old bogwood. The second, Tweedy's, located in Culdaff, crafts beautiful textiles such as capes and scarves.
To win the first prize package, you'll need to answer the following question - comment below! Question: In the Isle of Destiny series, which character is your favorite seeker and why?
Preorder Links for Sphere Song: Book 4 in the Isle of Destiny Series
Amazon
Amazon UK:
Nook
iTunes
Kobo
May the luck of the Irish be with you!!
Fame is a tricky business, as Althea Rose learns firsthand when the spotlight-seekers sweep into Tequila Key after rumors of a psychic reality show hit the headlines. Even more annoying are the tabloid photographers who insist on taking photos of Althea in the most unflattering positions – like bending over to take off her wetsuit. Who wants their bum plastered across the cover of a magazine?
Understandably miffed, Althea grows even more frustrated when she learns a famous TV producer wants to sign her and Miss Elva on to co-star in the reality show. To make matters worse, a competing psychic with an over-inflated ego has arrived in town to sniff out his chance for the spotlight. He and his ruthless assistant make Althea’s life hell as they vie for the coveted leading role in the show.
Althea tries to ignore the bedlam and carry on with her life, but to her surprise she finds herself smack dab in the middle of a murder, again. And this time all fingers are pointed at her.
Happy New Year! I wanted to thank everyone for all of your continuing support from all over the world. I love hearing from you both on my Facebook page and through emails. It's always a joy to know that my stories have touched so many lives.
In return, I wanted to tell you a little bit about some of the charitable organizations that you help to contribute to throughout the year. You see, every time you buy a book of mine - it doesn't just give you a fun read, but I also use a portion of sales to donate to various charities and animal rescues. Now, you probably know that I have a soft spot in my heart for the animals, so you'll see below that many of the charities are animal rescues.
Keep passing on the light, my friends.
Also, check out this awesome video that the Scotsman took - a New Year's Kiss from a turtle friend here on the island of Bonaire.
Charities & Rescues Helped in 2017
Light and love to you all in 2018,
Tricia
How's that for a headline?
We were delighted to work with Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire in adopting two turtle nests. On Friday, we were lucky enough to help some of the baby turtles make it safely to the water! Check out this beautiful video of their first moments reaching the ocean (okay, I may have teared up a bit!)
We had two winners of our "Name the Nests" Contest. $50 will be donated in their names to the Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire organization. And the winners are -
The next book in the Althea Rose series is off to the editor. The title of this one is a cheeky one - A Fifth of Tequila. I will keep you updated on release dates. Tomorrow I start on Sphere Song: Book 4 in the Isle of Destiny series.
xo, Tricia
Errrmm, well, as in we've adopted two turtle nests through the Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire Organization!
We've really enjoyed learning more about our little island and all the ways they are contributing to helping the environment. As you all know, we love to scuba dive - so partnering with STCB was something that we were more than happy to do!
Now for the fun part - time to name the nests! If we're lucky, we may even get to see pictures from when they hatch (though that often happens at night as they like to follow the light of the moon).
Nest 1 is a Loggerhead nest and Nest 2 is a Hawksbill nest. Head on over to THIS POST at Facebook and contribute a name idea. The one rule is that it must be related in some way to my books - be it using a character, a theme, or a concept. We'll let people vote and when the two names are chosen - if you win - we'll donate $50 in your name to STCB.
Nest One - Loggerhead
Nest 2 - Hawksbill
This was one of my favorite stories to write - I just love Gwen and her attitude on life. I hope you enjoy this next installment in the Isle of Destiny Series!
Available as a new release here:
Spear Song Amazon UK
Spear Song Amazon CA
Spear Song Nook
Spear Song iTunes
Spear Song Google Play
Perpetually cheerful Gwenith Donovan is pleased with life. She owns a hobby store she loves, carries on daily arguments with her chubby cat Macgregor, and maintains a meticulous comic-book collection that makes her geeky heart sing. With no need or interest in romance to muck up her happy routine, Gwen is content to spend her days managing her shop and her evenings over a pint with friends in the village pub.
Until the moment that changes everything – when Gwen discovers she might just be living in her own magickal fantasy.
As a high sorcerer, Lochlain Laird isn’t used to taking orders – but even he can’t disobey the Goddess Danu when she punishes him for making a life-altering choice. Danu forces Loch to leave the fae realm to protect a distracted woman on a quest. Feeling the task beneath him, Loch remains surly as he does his best to keep his charge from being killed by the evil Domnua all while trying to ignore her unexpected charms.
As the tension builds on their journey to break a centuries-old curse, Loch must learn to put his ego aside and Gwen must trust in her own powers before everything they are fighting for is lost forever.
ENJOY HERE:
Spear Song Amazon US
Spear Song Amazon UK
Spear Song Amazon CA
Spear Song Nook
Spear Song iTunes
Spear Song Google Play
“Stand.” A voice unbearably rich in beauty – both a choir singing and angels weeping – washed over him, making shivers rush through him and demanding an immediate response.
Loch stood, raising his eyes to see the Goddess Danu, having taken the form of a stunningly gorgeous woman, ripe with curves and lush in the prime of youth – an apple waiting to be plucked from the tree. Loch fought the immediate surge of lust that coursed through him, instead dropping his eyes from her and bowing deeply.
“Goddess,” Loch said, his tone respectful, his eyes on the damp floor of the cave.
“Lochlain Laird, high priest of my people, what have you done?” Danu demanded, her voice causing twin spikes of lust and fear as Loch’s mind raced, wondering how to play this out. The fact that he was still alive was unthinkable, and he wondered what that meant for him.
One thing Loch knew was that if he told her someone had been given her blood, that person would be captured and quarantined, as it was still uncertain what magickal benefits a drop of goddess blood might unleash in a fae. Still certain his death was imminent, Loch raised his head and flashed a cocky grin at Danu.
“Just thought I’d see for myself what all the hype was about this cave. It’s really quite interesting, all the artifacts in here.” Loch glanced around, allowing insolence to infuse his manner before raking a hand through his hair and shrugging. “Certainly some lovely magicks.”
Danu tilted her head, studying him, and the cave remained silent.
“You know, I’ve always liked you,” Danu finally said, causing Loch’s façade to crumble a bit as he caught her eyes in surprise. She walked slowly toward him, coming to stand but inches from his body, her power brushing over him, making every nerve ending he possessed go on high alert.
“Is that so?” Loch said, forcing himself to remain brash, though his mind whirled as he tried to resist the power of her. It threatened to sweep him under, rendering him defenseless.
“Yes. So strong,” Danu said, stroking a hand up his arm, heat trailing in its wake, “Hot-headed, stubborn, and with a fierceness that very few warriors have. And yet, deep within lies a heart that is pure gold – one that makes choices for the good of others, often for the good of all.” Danu continued to run her hand over his arm, stepping a breath closer as she looked up at him with eyes of amethyst, slanted at the corners, holding the secrets of the world in their depths.
“Only but to serve your highest wish, my goddess,” Loch said, ignoring the invitation he saw in her eyes.
“I almost took you for a lover,” Danu said, and Loch felt his stomach clench, his body responding against its own will to her words, as any man would in the face of such beauty and power. “But you are not for me,” Danu said, patting his cheek gently before stepping back.
Pssst! Since I am moving to an island at the end of the month and selling/storing everything I own - that means you all get some awesome giveaways coming your way the next few weeks!
To win - tell me one of the biggest "risks" you've taken and what you learned from it.
Then, like & share!
