Today on the blog, Hildie McQueen has something special for all us. To celebrate the release of her new book, An Enchanted Knight, she’s brought along an interview with the one and only Laird Tristan McRainey, the hero of the story! Take it away, Hildie!

Tristan, along with four other knights, were thrust into another alter-world by an evil wizard and have remained trapped there for almost 400 years. Their only way of escape is to be rescued by a specific person, whom they are meant to be with.

As an author, I am always excited to meet the heroes of my books and chat about their experiences in the story. Tristan McRainey, the hero of my book, An Enchanted Knight, lives in a large castle beside a small town called Culross, near Edinburgh, Scotland.

We decided to meet in a pub, because why not? I enter the dim interior of The Red Lion and instantly spot Tristan McRainey. Despite being dressed in modern clothing, something about him screams medieval.

At seeing me, he stands to his full six feet, and I am so happy to note that he is as handsome in person as I made him to be on the page. He has wide shoulders, tussled dark hair and just a shading of beard. The guy is super-hot. After kisses on each cheek, which I enjoy very much, we settle into the booth to talk.

A woman hurries over to put a pint in front of me and sneaks a look at Tristan, whose glass is still almost full, before walking away.

Once we got over the small chatter about the weather and such, I began asking him questions, which I’m sharing with y’all.

Me: “I’m glad to see you are embracing modern clothing. Do you like them?” He’s wearing gray slacks, a black pull over and black shoes.

Tristan looks down at himself. “Aye, they are comfortable. The fabric of this shirt is much softer than my woolen tunics. I already have several pairs of different shoes, which was unheard of during my time.”

Me: “I am sure it’s hard to get used to modern times after living for so long in a realm where time stood still. What has been the hardest to adjust to? What has been the easiest?”

Tristan:  “Everything is so fast here, people seem to want to plan for every hour.  Another thing that is hard for me is seeing how much everything has changed. Scotland was unspoiled during my time, the forests rich with wildlife, life was much simpler.”

He looks across the room contemplating his next answer. “The easiest for me has been running water.” He smiles and I almost melt. “Hot water comes straight out with the turn of a knob.”

Me: “Anything else?”

Tristan: “Oh, aye, the food tastes different. Still good, but different. Hard to explain. More salt, I think. I do like the sweets.”

Me: “I do too.”

We take a moment to drink our beer and study the interior of the pub.

Me: “Gwendolyn rescued you and both of you fell in love. How are you two getting along?”

Tristan’s face brightens: “We are great. She is such a good woman. Has done so much for myself and the other trapped men. I never imagined to be blessed with someone like her. I love her deeply.”

Me: “I’m so glad to hear it. Do you have any plans for children?”

Tristan: “She told me it can be planned now. We spoke about it and decided to wait a year or two. Spend time together first.” He shrugs. “I would like many bairns, but she says we will limit it to two or three at the most. Did you ken that you can choose how many children to have now?”

Me: “Yes and most of the time it’s the woman’s choice. We’re the ones who have to deal with the pregnancy and the pains of childbirth; it takes a toll on our bodies. The good news is that not that many women die from the experience like back in your time.”

Tristan: “That is a good thing.”

Me: “You planned very well to ensure that if you ever escaped you’d have wealth, not just for yourself, but for the others, as well. What would you have done if your castle and money were gone?”

Tristan: “Gwen and I have talked about it. She says I could find work as a history teacher.” Tristan chuckles softly. “I am not sure to have the patience. Gwen also said she’d  be able to support us until I became used to life here. I suppose it would not have been horrible. To be a kept man.”

We both laugh.

Me: “One last question. You have been young for hundreds of years. How do you feel about aging now that you’re back here in this realm?”

Tristan: “I look forward to it. Although I am still young physically, mentally, I feel tired at times. I welcome growing old with my wife and living out the rest of my years here where I belong.”

We drink the rest of our beers, mostly talking about modern times and changes since he lived here in the 1600s. We stand and hug.

Me: “I am so happy to have spoken to you. I wish you the best, give Gwen and the others my regards..”

Tristan: “The same to you and I will.”

As I walk away from the pub, I am excited to see how his life will continue and glad that he is finally where he belongs.

Want to learn more about An Enchanted Knight?

An exciting new paranormal romantic treasure from USA Today bestselling Historical Romance Author Hildie McQueen

Gwyneth “Gwen” Lockhart has a rare and powerful gift—she helps lost spirits find peace and cross over. When she takes on a job at a beautiful Scottish castle, she expects it to be like any other. But when she encounters the ghostly presence of Lord Tristan McRainey, a knight who died centuries ago, something feels different. Drawn to him in ways she can’t explain, Gwen begins to wonder if Tristan is not a ghost at all, but a man cursed and trapped in time by dark magic.

Lord Tristan McRainey has been imprisoned for three hundred years, bound by an evil wizard’s spell along with four of his fellow knights. When Gwen enters his world, he’s certain that she holds the key to breaking the enchantment. Confident that he can make her fall in love with him and sacrifice whatever it takes to free him, Tristan has no doubt the plan will work. But what he doesn’t expect is to find himself falling for her first.

And as their bond deepens, the cost of breaking the curse may be higher than either of them imagined.

USA Today bestselling author Hildie McQueen brings action, romance, and unique settings to life in her captivating stories. From sweeping Scottish historical romance to thrilling contemporary romances, her books offer something for every reader to devour!

When she’s not weaving tales, Hildie loves diving into a good book, connecting with fans at events, exploring new places, and spending time with her three adorable pups. She lives in the charming small town in Georgia with her superhero husband, Kurt, who makes every day an adventure.