When we were researching amputee survivors in early nineteenth-century Scotland, we learned that Robert Liston was a pioneering Scottish surgeon, known for his speed with surgery before anesthesia was available. His patient survival rate was greater than double of other surgeons. In the early nineteenth century, patient death from amputations were common (45%-65% mortality rates), especially if post-surgery infection, most typically gangrene, set in. Though Doctor Liston was not Niall’s surgeon after his hand was amputated, Niall’s survival odds would have depended on how quickly the wound was closed, bleeding control, hygiene, and infection. Percutaneous stitches were a common cause of infection, and some doctors preferred to bandage the wound without sealing the edges, and letting it drain and heal naturally. Though we didn’t go into detail in this story, this was how we envisioned Niall’s healing.
We also depict Niall as a bit of an inventor, developing leather harnessing with steel prosthetics for his missing hand. Prosthetics date back to ancient Egyptian times, the most well known, of course, are the hand hook and the peg leg. During the Renaissance, artificial prostheses were made of iron, copper, wood, and steel, and evolved as time went on. In Sweet Home Highlander, Niall dabbled with different inventions for different purposes—tools used for utility or as weapons. As you saw, his missing limb did not slow him one bit!
As always, we are so grateful to our tireless Entangled editor, Alethea Spiridon, and our wonderful publisher, Liz Pelletier. Thank you to the entire production, design, and publicity teams at Amara, with special thanks to Crystal Havens, Curtis Svehlak, Holly Bryant-Simpson, Riki Cleveland, Heather Riccio, Katie Clapsadl, Meredith Johnson, Candace Havens, Melanie Smith, Erin Dameron-Hill, and Imogen Howson. To our loyal readers, thank you so much for reading our books and supporting us. Lastly, to our gorgeous families, we adore you.
Be sure to check out EntangledPublishing.com for many more awesome reads. Happy reading!
Fondly,
Amalie & Angie
About the Authors
Amalie Howard’s love of romance developed after she started pilfering her grandmother’s novels in high school when she should have been studying. She has no regrets. A #1 Amazon bestseller and a national IPPY silver medalist, she is the coauthor of the Lords of Essex historical romance series, as well as several award-winning young adult novels critically acclaimed by Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, VOYA, School Library Journal, and Booklist, including Waterfell, The Almost Girl, and Alpha Goddess, a Kid’s IndieNext pick. She currently resides in Colorado with her husband and three children. Visit her at www.amaliehoward.com.
Angie Morgan lives in New Hampshire with her husband, their three daughters, a menagerie of pets, and an extensive collection of paperback romance novels. She’s the coauthor of the Lords of Essex historical romance series, as well as several young adult books, including The Dispossessed series written under the name Page Morgan. Critically acclaimed by Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, Kirkus, School Library Journal, VOYA, and The Bulletin, Angie’s novels have been an IndieNext selection, a Seventeen Magazine Summer Book Club Read, and a #1 Amazon bestseller. Visit her at www.AngieMorganBooks.com.
Also by Amalie Howard and Angie Morgan…
My Rogue, My Ruin
My Darling, My Disaster
My Hellion, My Heart
My Scot, My Surrender
Discover more Amara titles…
On Highland Time
a novel by Lexi Post
When someone changes history, affecting the future, Diana Montgomery, the most experienced agent of Time Weavers, Inc., travels back to 1306 Scotland to change it back. Her mission, to find the culprit and ensure a minor clan chief dies in battle as he originally had. What she’s not prepared for is Torr MacPherson, the ruggedly handsome warrior with a kind heart and a steadfast loyalty—the Laird she’s supposed to ensure dies.
Betting the Scot
a Highlanders of Balforss novel by Jennifer Trethewey
When Declan Sinclair sees Caya he knows instantly she is his future wife. Caya Pendarvis is on her way to Scotland to wed an unknown merchant. Instead, she ends up betrothed to the far too attractive Highlander who won her in a card game. Winning at cards is one of the many things Declan does well. Unfortunately, the ability to court a woman—a talent he lacks—is the only skill he desperately needs to win Caya’s heart.
The Bashful Bride
an Advertisements for Love novel by Vanessa Riley
An advertisement for a groom nets the most famous actor in London, Arthur Bex. Shy heiress Ester Croome proposes an elopement, in order to escape an arranged marriage. Bex needs to marry a woman of good character. And Ester fits the bill. But a harrowing trip to Gretna Green and dangerous abolition rallies test their bond. A mutual love for Shakespeare is not enough to bind a couple looking to outrun the chains and secrets of the past.
When a Lady Desires a Wicked Lord
a Her Majesty’s Most Secret Service novel by Tara Kingston
Alexandra Quinn is stunned when the man who’d shattered her young heart rescues her from an intruder at the last minute. Forced to work with the rakish viscount, Alex knows better than to trust Benedict, but the wicked promise in his kiss tempts her. Lord Marlsbrook never wanted to be a hero but a killer has targeted the only woman he’s ever loved. He’ll do whatever it takes to protect Alex—even from himself.
Sweet Home Highlander Page 32