2024 Preorder: For the Love of a Scottish Lass by Lyrica Lovell

Step back in time to Regency-era Scotland, where the haunting beauty of Ascog Hall sets the stage for a tale of love, mystery, and passion. In my latest historical romance novel, For the Love of a Scottish Lass, I, Lyrica Lovell, invite you to journey into a world where the whispers of the past intertwine with the hopes of the heart.

Nestled on the Isle of Bute, Ascog Hall isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character in its own right, it’s grand hall and hidden corners holding the secrets of those who once lived and loved within its walls. Each location plays a crucial role in this sweeping romance, from the vibrant elegance of the orange sitting room to the mysterious allure of Tom’s Tower and the verdant serenity of the fernery.

Join me as I share more about the inspiration behind the novel and the beauty of Ascog Hall, where love is as timeless as the stones that make up its walls.

Page Count: 150-ish

Series: Lords of Seductive Language

Publisher/Author: Lyrica Lovell

Release Date: September 9, 2024

The Allure of Ascog Hall

While coming up with the setting for For the Love of a Scottish Lass, I wanted to find a place that would not only serve as a backdrop for the romance but also deepen the story’s historical fiction value. While researching, I came across many beautiful and historical homes in Scottland, each with unique charm, but Ascog Hall truly captivated me.

What drew me most was the hall’s fernery—a true marvel of Victorian ingenuity. The fernery has an array of delicate fonds and old plants that have thrived here in the cold of Scotland for generations as the place serves as an indoor garden or greenhouse. It is like walking into a giant greenhouse attached to the property and filled with beauty imported worldwide.

But the charm of Ascog Hall doesn’t stop there. With its grand stone architecture and history, the manor offers an ideal setting for a romance steeped in tradition. As you wander through the pages of my novel, you’ll find that Ascog Hall is more than just a setting—it’s a place where love takes root and grows, much like the ferns within the glass walls of its famed fernery.

In writing this book, I aimed to capture the essence of several historical places, one of which is Ascog Hall. Whether you’re a lover of history, architecture, or romance, I believe you’ll find something to fall in love with in For the Love of a Scottish Lass.

Key Locations in the Novel

In For the Love of a Scottish Lass, Ascog Hall is more than just a setting—it’s a place where memories are made and love unfolds. This is primarily shown through the four noteworthy flashback scenes throughout the book. There are many historical locations in the book that play a pivotal role in the story. Here are just a few:

The Orange Sitting Room

When Bennit Bashing first meets Bethany MacLachlan, their connection begins with a shared smile and a tour through the grandeur of Ascog Hall. During their tour, they find themselves in the brightly colored Orange Sitting Room, a space so vividly hued that it becomes a point of conversation and laughter between them. The room’s bold and unconventional color choice becomes a central talking point upon their first meeting. This initial interaction, marked by light-hearted banter, sets the tone for their growing relationship.

Tom’s Tower

Tom’s Tower, with its sweeping views and secluded ambiance, becomes the heart of intimacy in the novel. It is a short, two-story tower off to the side of Ascog Hall. Within it is a small living space set up with a bedroom area and kitchen. It is here, at tom’s tower, where the two main characters of my latest novel fall in love.

The Fernery

Perhaps the most enchanting of all is the fernery—a living, breathing testament to the passage of time and the enduring nature of love. This encased garden, filled with plants from across the globe, becomes the setting for some of the novel’s sweetest scenes. As Bennit and Beth wander through the lush greenery, the air thick with the scent of ancient ferns, their conversations take on a deeper meaning. With its quiet beauty and timeless appeal, the fernery becomes a place where Bennit’s affections for Bethany genuinely come to light. It’s a place of beauty and a place of confessions. A place of promises.

Each of these locations—the Orange Sitting Room, Tom’s Tower, and the Fernery—play an integral role in the unfolding of Bennit and Beth’s love story. Through these spaces, Ascog Hall becomes a unique setting in the novel, its walls, and gardens bearing witness to the passion, romance, and history that fill the pages of For the Love of a Scottish Lass.

The Romance and Main Characters

At the heart of For the Love of a Scottish Lass lies the enduring love story between Bennit Bashing, the Duke of Silverblade, and Beth MacLachlan, the daughter of a Scottish tenant farmer. Their journey is one of passion, heartache, and the struggle to overcome the barriers that life and society have placed between them.

Bennit Bashing: The Duke of Silverblade

Bennit Bashing is a man shaped by both duty and heroics. In the present-day scenes of the novel, Bennit is the Duke of Silverblade, a title he inherits after the tragic deaths of his father and older brother in a carriage accident. But before he assumed the mantle of a duke, Bennet was a second son, a young man who went off to fight in the war against Napoleon Bonaparte at the age of 22. His life is covered in a decade’s worth of flashback scenes woven into the novel.

His years at war hardened him, but they also left him with a deep longing for the life and love he left behind.

When Bennit returns to England at 28, now a duke, he finds himself on a journey to Scotland, helping friends elope. It’s at McEdwins Tavern and Ascog Hall (which is the family Scottish estate in the book) that he reunites with his childhood sweetheart, Beth MacLachlan. The years have changed them both, but Bennit’s love for Beth remains as strong as ever. His determination to marry her is unwavering, even as he remains unaware of the secret she harbors—a secret that could change everything.

Throughout this book, you can see Bennet transform from a serious yet scrawny youth to a robust, heroic man.  

Beth MacLachlan: The Tenant Farmer’s Daughter

Bethany MacLachlan, known as Beth in the book, is the daughter of a Scottish tenant farmer who works the land around Ascog Hall. She lost her mother at the young age of 18, and strives to take care of her father and siblings after that. She grows up fast. Beth left home after an unfortunate incident that could bring scandal down upon her family. Seeking her own way in the world, she heads to Edinburgh, where she meets a group of women in a similar situation. Everything is well in her world, and she expects it to remain the same until her dying days. She finds a job at the local McEdwins tavern, yet another historical setting within the book.

Beth’s new life is one of quiet resilience, marked by long hours working at a local tavern. It’s here, in this unexpected place, that Bennit finds her. Though he is determined to marry her, just as he had always intended, Beth is wracked with doubts. She is no longer the carefree girl Bennit once knew. In fact, that previous part of her life is completely over. The pair has so many obstacles that a love match seems impossible.

In For the Love of a Scottish Lass, the characters of Bennit and Beth are more than just lovers—they are complex individuals grappling with the realities of their time, their choices, and their desires. Their love story is one of second chances, enduring love, and the hope that even the most difficult circumstances can be overcome when two hearts are truly meant to be together.

Behind the Scenes

Writing For the Love of a Scottish Lass was a journey that took me deep into the heart of Scotland’s rich history and captivating landscapes. From the bustling streets of Edinburgh to the serene beauty of the Isle of Bute, I wanted to bring authenticity to the settings that shape the lives of my characters. Two key locations in the novel—McEdwins Tavern in Edinburgh and Ascog Hall on the Isle of Bute—serve as more than just backdrops; they are integral to the story’s atmosphere and historical context.

When it came to Ascog Hall, I was immediately drawn to its unique fernery, a glass-encased garden filled with rare and ancient plants from around the world. However, as I delved into the history of Ascog Hall, I discovered that the fernery wasn’t actually completed until almost 50 years after the time period in which my novel is set. Despite this, I decided to include the fernery in the story because its timeless beauty perfectly complemented the themes of love and endurance that run through the novel. Plus it just made for a fun setting to write about.

While I strived for historical accuracy in many aspects of the book, there were some creative liberties I took to serve the narrative better. For instance, the title “Duke of Silverblade” is not rooted in actual English royalty, but it felt fitting for the character of Bennit Bashing and the world I was creating. Additionally, I imagined Ascog Hall as a grander estate than it is in reality, adding a ballroom and extra guest bedrooms to make it a more fitting residence for a duke and his guests. For the story, I needed more space than the building actually has. These additions allowed me to craft a setting that felt both historically rich and tailored to the story I wanted to tell.

To ensure the settings were as vivid and accurate as possible, I spent countless hours poring over photographs and descriptions of these locations. This research helped me bring to life the intricate details of the settings, from the lively atmosphere of McEdwins Tavern to the quiet tranquility of Ascog Hall.

Writing this book was a labor of love that took nearly two years to complete (I didn’t mean for it to take that long, but I got a little scatterbrained.) It is the second book in my series, and during the editing process, I found myself already deep into the world of the third book, writing nearly 50,000 words for book three, For the Love of a Courtesan. While I hope that book three doesn’t take another two years to publish, the time spent on For the Love of a Scottish Lass was invaluable, allowing me to create a story that I believe will resonate with readers.

As you read the novel, I hope you feel the same sense of history and place that inspired me during the writing process. These locations are more than just settings; they are the foundation upon which Bennit and Beth’s love story is built.

Why Readers Will Love It

For the Love of a Scottish Lass offers a rich tapestry of romance, history, and emotion, making it a novel that appeals to a wide range of readers. Whether you’re drawn to passionate love stories, fascinated by historical settings, or simply looking for a book that transports you to another time and place, this novel has something special to offer.

For Romance Lovers: At its heart, this is a story of enduring love. Bennit Bashing and Beth MacLachlan’s relationship is marked by deep emotional connection and the kind of obstacles that make their love all the more powerful. From their first meeting in the vibrant, gaudy Orange Sitting Room to their intimate moments in Tom’s Tower, readers will be captivated by the chemistry between these two characters. Their journey is filled with tension, heartache, and passion, offering a romantic escape that will leave you rooting for their happily-ever-after.

With tropes like Cinderella romance, pregnancy, unrequited love, and the sickbed, this regency romance has a great blend of storytelling and intrigue.

For History Enthusiasts: Set against the backdrop of Regency-era Scotland, For the Love of a Scottish Lass is steeped in historical detail. The story intertwines with the real-world events of the time, including the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars. The settings, from the bustling taverns of Edinburgh to the serene yet storied halls of Ascog Hall, are meticulously crafted to reflect the period’s atmosphere. Readers with a love for history will appreciate the careful attention to detail and the authentic portrayal of life in early 19th-century Scotland.

For Series Enthusiasts: As the second book in my series, For the Love of a Scottish Lass continues to build on the world and characters introduced in the first novel. You will see a return of Ambrose Montenegro, the Marquise of Queensberry, with his new bride Lady Annabelle. You will also see the return of the Daring Duke of Silverblade as the main love interest in book two. If you’ve read the previous book, you’ll find familiar themes and a deepening of the story world, while new readers will find this novel a perfect entry point into a richly developed series. And with the third book already in the works (almost finished), there’s more to look forward to for those who fall in love with Bennit, Beth, and the world they inhabit.

In For the Love of a Scottish Lass, you’ll find a novel that speaks to the heart while also offering an immersive historical experience. This book not only focuses on the romance between the main characters but also the friendships of the side characters. It’s a story of love that spans a decade in flashback scenes, of characters who feel real and relatable, and of a setting that transports you to a different era. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Regency romance or new to the genre, I believe you’ll find something to cherish in this tale of love, loss, and redemption.

Where to Find the Book and How to Stay Connected

For the Love of a Scottish Lass is now available for preorder exclusively on Amazon. As an Amazon exclusive, you can be among the first to dive into Bennit and Beth’s captivating love story as soon as it’s released. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to secure your copy and be transported to the enchanting world of Regency-era Scotland.

If you’ve enjoyed learning about the novel and want to stay updated on future releases, writing tips, and behind-the-scenes content, there are several ways to stay connected:

• Pinterest: Follow me on Pinterest to explore mood boards, character inspiration, book quotes, and visual elements that bring the world of For the Love of a Scottish Lass to life. It’s a great way to see the images and ideas that influenced the book along with my own love of writing.
• YouTube: Subscribe to my YouTube channel, where I share insights into the writing process, historical research, and other fun content related to the novel and the series. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a fan of historical romance, there’s something for everyone.
• Email Newsletter: Sign up for my email newsletter directly on my blog. By subscribing, you’ll receive exclusive updates, special promotions, and early access to new content. It’s the best way to stay in the loop about upcoming releases and events.
• New Socials: I have been experimenting with other socials to get the word out about my book. You can also find me on X and Tumblr.

Preorder Your Copy Today!

Don’t miss out on the chance to be among the first to experience the sweeping romance of For the Love of a Scottish Lass. Secure your copy now by preordering exclusively on Amazon. Step into the world of Regency-era Scotland, where love defies all odds and history comes alive. Preorder today and get ready to join Bennit and Beth on their unforgettable journey!

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