Dear Reader,
For those unfamiliar with the term, Hogmanay is what we Scots call New Year’s Eve—a time for celebration, reflection, and looking ahead. It’s a moment to pause and take stock of life, much like Aidan does on the last day of the year in The Highland Fling.
Looking back on 2024, it has been an incredible year for us. From the release of The Highland Fling and The Highland Crush to sharing our stories with readers around the world, your support and enthusiasm for our books have made this adventure unforgettable. Thank you for coming on this journey with us! ❤️
As ever, it’s been a busy festive period here at McGavin HQ. We had a lovely Christmas dinner with our extended family. There were eleven of us squeezed around the table this year, which made for lots of chatter and laughter (much like you would find at the infamous McIntyre-Stewart gatherings at the Bannock Hotel).
We’ve also had several get-togethers with our old school friends. Being high school sweethearts means we share many of the same pals, and even though we left school 20 years ago, we still meet up regularly. It’s always a lot of fun catching up with everyone.
Castle of Light
We managed to visit Edinburgh’s Castle of Light again this year, a stunning event that brings Edinburgh Castle to life with lights and music after dark. It’s quickly becoming one of our favourite festive traditions. Whether you’re local or planning a trip to Scotland next winter, it’s an experience we highly recommend.
The Highland Game
While all the merriment has been wonderful, we have to admit that trying to edit a book during the holiday season has been … challenging! Late nights have been paired with early mornings (hello 5 a.m., alarms!), as we’ve been burning the candle at both ends to put the finishing touches to The Highland Game.
We’re now working our way through final edits before we upload it in time for publication on 14 January. Phew!
Still, we’re super proud of this story and can’t wait to share it with you all. There are so many fun moments—and, of course, a number of spicy ones too. 🌶️
Maisie and Jamie’s chemistry really is fiery, and we make them work hard for their happy-ever-after. Jamie has certainly met his match in Maisie!
ARC
If you’ve read an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of one of our books in the past, keep an eye on your inbox—we’ll be sending out details soon about how you can get an early copy of The Highland Game.
If you’re new here or haven’t been an ARC reader before, but would like to give it a go, simply email us to let us know you’re interested.
ARC readers receive the book before anyone else (although in this case it may only be a few days before publication! 😅). If they enjoy it, they’ll try to help us generate a bit of buzz about the book, for example by leaving a review or posting on social media.
Of course, if you do ask for an ARC, there’s absolutely no pressure to finish reading before 14 January. We’d normally try to give you a few weeks, but … yeah, that’s not going to happen this time! (We’re both smiling sheepishly as we write this.)
All the Best for 2025
Thank you again for being part of an amazing year with us.
Here’s wishing you a Hogmanay filled with love, joy, and maybe even some romance. And all the best for 2025 when it arrives!
Scotland in the News
A filmmaker has produced a trailer for what he is hoping will be Glasgow’s equivalent of Bridgerton.
Invergordon Town Council has been given permission to sell a 300-year-old marble bust that was found being used as a doorstop (and which has been appraised at £2.5 million!)
A US student studying in Glasgow has set up Dinner with a Stranger, a society aimed at helping people make new friends.
xx,
Amy and Gavin
(the wife-and-husband team writing as Amy McGavin)