Showing posts with label Scottish highlander. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Scottish highlander. Show all posts

Guest: Victoria Roberts & Temptation in a Kilt giveaway!


Today, we're pleased to have Victoria Roberts as our guest! Please remember to leave a comment with your email address to be entered to win a copy of her new book!
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Victoria Roberts writes sexy, Scottish historical romances about kilted heroes and warriors from the past.
An avid lover of all things Scotland—simply, she writes what she loves to read. Prior to ever picking up a single romance novel, she penned her first young-adult novella (never published) at sixteen years old. Who knew her leather-studded motorcycle hero would trade in his ride and emerge as a kilt-donning Highlander wielding a broadsword?
Represented by the fabulous Jill Marsal of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, Victoria is a member of Romance Writers of America®, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers and Western Pennsylvania Romance Writers.
Victoria lives in western Pennsylvania with her husband of nineteen years and their two beautiful children—not to mention one spoiled dog. When she is not plotting her next Scottish romp, she enjoys reading, nature and antiques. 

Welcome, Victoria! We're glad you're here to talk about your Highland bad boys!
Thank you so much for having me today at Fierce Romance. I’m really excited to be here today.

Q: What inspired this story?
A:  As soon as I read my first Scottish historical romance several years ago, I knew I had to write one of my own. My characters itched to get out. I recognized what I loved so much about the genre and incorporated those ideas into Temptation in a Kilt. The book is truly a love story.
Lady Rosalia Armstrong and Laird Ciaran MacGregor are attracted to one another and are definitely tempted to take their relationship to the next level, but what happens when realistic obstacles get in the way of a duty-bound, stubborn laird and a feisty, making-a-new-life-for-herself lass? That’s basically what I shot for. The hurdles Rosalia and Ciaran must overcome make it that much sweeter in the end.     
Q: Sounds awesome! Why did you choose your setting and why was it perfect for your book?
A:  Scotland was a given, but I didn’t want to be compared to the wonderful authors out there writing medieval. I also didn’t want my story to be too modern. After researching King James of Scotland/England, I was fascinated. I instantly knew this was the time frame and setting for the series.
Q: It is a wonderful time period! Which of your characters is most like you? Least like you? And why?
A:  That’s a great question. I’m probably most like Aisling in personality (Aiden’s wife, Ciaran’s sister-in-law) but in truth, I probably have a trace of Rosalia in me too. Least like me would be Beathag. She basically stood for every conniving, manipulative woman that I’ve ever known. Yep, nothing like Beathag. *shiver*  
Q: How do you choose names for your characters?
A:  For Temptation in a Kilt, it was fairly an easy process for me. Rosalia was my great-grandmother’s name. James is the formal name of my best friend growing up. Ciaran I just plain fell in love with. LOVE that name! And some of the others were chosen by Gaelic baby names.
Q: Where is your favorite place in the world?
A:  Seriously? Scotland. Can’t think of another place I’d rather be. *sigh*
Q: LOL! Me too! I think we have a lot in common. :) What was the most important thing you learned (the thing that made all the difference) just before you made your first sale?
A:  The marketing hook. I swear that was the most painful thing to learn. I still have scars!
Q: That's an important one. Can you share with us “the call” story?
A:  *laughs* No one was home but me. The phone rang and my agent was on the other line. She asked me immediately if I was sitting down. I breathed deep, my chest pounded, my pulse raced and then I heard the most fabulous words.
“They bought the series.”
Not only did I sell my first novel, I sold a series! And darn it, no one was home! I screamed. I yelled. I jumped up and down. I called my Mom. I told the world.
Q: Wow that's awesome! Congratulations on selling your whole series! Do you have any advice for unpublished authors?
A:  Write. Write. Write. Never give up your dream or let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough. Walt Disney said, “All dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”
Q: Great advice! What’s next for you?
A:  X Marks the Scot is the next book in the Bad Boys of the Highlands series scheduled for release in February 2013. This is Declan MacGregor and Lady Liadain Campbell’s story.
Q: Cool! I love that title! Would you like to ask readers a question?
A:  Thanks to everyone at Fierce Romance for having me today. It’s been great fun. Why do you read romance novels?  
Please remember to leave a comment with your email address in some form so we can contact you if you win. Victoria and Sourcebooks are giving away a copy of her book to one lucky winner! Thanks!
Please visit Victoria online:

Thanks for being our guest today, Victoria! 

New Release! My Brave Highlander

Hi everyone, I'm happy to announce that My Brave Highlander (the third book in my Highland Adventure Series) is out now and available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Smashwords. It will be available at other booksellers such as iTunes and Kobo soon.


A man long believed dead, Dirk MacKay returns home to a den of murderous conspirators in Durness, Scotland. Along the icy trail north, he rescues Lady Isobel MacKenzie from a snowstorm. He would never steal the neighboring chief's bride, would he? The tantalizing lady fires up his passions, testing his willpower and honor at every turn, even as some of his own clansmen plot his downfall. 

Reviews: "I REALLY enjoyed My Brave Highlander. Lots of action and sensuality--Dirk is so intense and yet when he's near Isobel the heat crackles and his defenses fall. The scenery is vivid and magical. I felt like I was in the midst of the Highlands, the snow falling and melting on my cheeks. Beyond the sizzling sensual tension (which Ms. Sinclair is an expert at weaving!) the adventurous plot had me on the edge of my seat. And Dirk's enemy--HATED with a passion. Ms. Sinclair has the unique ability to pull an emotional response from her reader on every single page.

Filled with romance, I had a constant smile to my face, I got chills, the whole nine yards! This might be my favorite of all three books in the Highland Adventure series. Well done, Ms. Sinclair--I highly recommend this book! And I can't wait to read the next one!" Eliza Knight at History Undressed

"I loved MY BRAVE HIGHLANDER! An intriguing tale of Love, Loss, Betrayal and heart stopping romance! A story you definitely DON'T want to miss! You gotta love those Highlanders!"  A.L. Snider

Excerpt from My Brave Highlander
(On their journey north, not long after he rescues her from a snowstorm, Dirk and Isobel end up having to spend the night together in a small cottage. He knows that Isobel sleepwalks sometimes.)


"Isobel?" Why on earth would she open the door and allow the winter wind to blast into the cottage, especially wearing naught but her underclothing? Dirk hurried across the room, drew her back and closed the door. "What are you doing?"
Her eyes were open but she wasn't looking at him. Was she asleep?
"Go back to bed, Isobel." With his hands on her upper arms, he gently turned her toward the bed.
She resisted and reached for the door. "Going home."
He could understand that, for he wanted to go home, himself. But neither of them could do that at the moment.
Knowing she wasn't going to obey him, he lifted her into his arms. She was light as a wee thistle flower but not near as prickly. He'd helped her mount the horse a few times, but he'd never held her like this, in his arms with her curvy body leaning against him.
When he turned with her, she giggled. The playful sound wound through his body in a heated swirl of excitement. She slid her arms 'round his neck and held on tightly while he carried her back to the bed. One of her soft breasts rubbed against his chest, only the thin fabric between them. She snuggled her face against his neck, her warm breath teasing his skin.
Arousal surged through him, but when she kissed his throat, he thought he might go up in flames. Saints! He wanted to do the same to her, trail kisses down her throat, untie her smock and… He shook his head, trying to clear it.
Standing by the bed, he remained still, though his instincts raged at him to crush her sweet body beneath his on the mattress.
He drew in a deep breath, fighting to calm his desires.
"Are you awake?" he whispered.
She hummed a sleepy sound and placed another wee kiss against his neck. Restraining a moan, he glanced down at her. In the dimness, he couldn't see if her eyes were open or closed. But she smelled heavenly, like lavender and woman.
Just put her in the bed and leave her be!
He lowered her to the mattress but she did not relinquish her hold on his neck. He knew he should simply remove her slender arms, but he couldn't seem to make himself do it. Her breath tickled his face. Her mouth, no less than an inch or two from his, tempted him, made him crave just one taste.
Surrendering to the enticement, he brushed his lips over hers… silky-smooth warmth. She released a soft moan and pressed her lips more firmly to his. It was a chaste kiss, but the raging need storming his body urged him to make it carnal, compelled him to part her lips and slide his tongue between.
Nay. She's asleep.
Lifting his head, he dragged her arms from around his neck and covered her with the blankets. She protested with a petulant moan.
Damn, she seemed near as needy as he was. But was her need for him, or would any man do?
It didn't matter.
"Go to sleep," he said in a low but firm tone, even though she already was.
She turned over and her breathing deepened.
Saints! That was one time he wished she'd done the opposite of what he said. The sensual feel of her lips was now burned onto his.
Nay. He couldn't have her. He couldn't kiss her. She belonged to another man.
My Brave Highlander - Vonda Sinclair


Thanks for checking it out!! :)
Vonda


Wonderful Reviews from The Pen & Muse

PenMuseDenise at The Pen & Muse Book Reviews recently reviewed both my books. I was thrilled that she gave them each five stars at Amazon. Thanks so much, Denise!!
My Wild Highlander by Vonda Sinclair.

"If you love highlanders, steamy love scenes, great characters, and action then you will love My Wild Highlander by Vonda Sinclair. One of my favorite historical romance authors, I couldn’t pass it up when she asked me to read her work. Lachlan MacGrath is such a great hero character, he encompasses compassion, lover, and warrior all in one. He is a man of his word, no wonder he’s well loved among the women! Lady Angelique and Lachlan compliment each other although Angelique finds it hard to love such a man until she gets to know him. Angelique is also hiding a very hard past and Lachlan wants to know more about her without hurting her. It’s such the perfect story for two people with different pasts coming together. I don’t want to give away the rest of the book, so you’ll have to read it. Those who love historical romances with lots of passion, heart, amazing characters, action, and lots of love will love Sinclair’s My Wild Highlander."  Denise at The Pen & Muse

About the book: Lady Angelique Drummagan, a half-Scottish, half-French countess, has suffered much pain and betrayal in her past. She wants nothing to do with the sensual Scottish warrior that the king has ordered her to marry because the rogue could never be a faithful husband, but she has little choice in the matter. Dangerous, greedy enemies threaten her from all sides and she’s in dire need of his protection.

Sir Lachlan MacGrath, known as Seducer of the Highlands, possesses a charming wickedness and canny wit which has earned him much popularity. After the king decrees that he wed the fiery hellion, Lachlan discovers there is one woman who can resist him—Angelique. Can he break through her icy façade and melt her heart, or will the dark secrets lurking in her past not only cost them their future together, but their very lives?

My Wild Highlander is available at:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
All Romance eBooks
Smashwords
Kobo
iTunes/ Apple
Sony



Review of My Fierce Highlander by The Pen & Muse

"If you love highlanders, steamy love scenes, great characters, and action then you will love My Fierce Highlander. You will instantly fall in love with Laird Alasdair MacGrath! He’s a great warrior, person, and of course he’s a highlander! Alasdair is driven to end two-hundred years of feuding with the MacIrwins and to protect the women who is healing and protecting him, Lady Gwyneth. Lady Gwyneth has a past of her own and her own son, due to the feuding this past will appear to damage the both of them. So who will she choose? The man she loves or her son? For any woman it’s a hard decision to make and this is a story you won’t want to miss! Beautifully written by Sinclair, you will be transported back in time to witness a great love story of courage and sacrifice. Be sure to catch Sinclair’s other Highlander novels, I sure won’t! She is one of my favorites for a reason!" Denise at The Pen & Muse

About the book: Gwyneth Carswell, an English lady banished by her father to the harsh Scottish Highlands, wants nothing more than to take her young son away from the violence of two fighting clans–her own distant kin, the MacIrwins, and their enemies, the MacGraths. She risks everything to rescue the fierce MacGrath warrior from the battlefield where he’s left for dead by her clan. She only knows she is inexplicably drawn to him and he wants peace as she does. When her clan learns of her betrayal, they seek vengeance. Dare she trust the enemy more than her own family?

Laird Alasdair MacGrath is driven to end two-hundred years of feuding with the MacIrwins. But by taking in and protecting Lady Gwyneth and her son, he provokes more attacks from his mortal enemy. As the danger and conflict surrounding them escalate, Alasdair and Gwyneth discover an explosive passion neither of them expected. With the arrival of a powerful man from her past, a horrible decision confronts her–give up her son or the man she loves.

My Fierce Highlander is available at:

Amazon
B&N
Smashwords
All Romance eBooks
iTunes/ Apple
Kobo
Sony


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Visit my website to read more reviews or read an excerpt.
Thanks!!!!
Vonda

Dark Diva's Review for My Fierce Highlander

This review was done a few weeks ago but I only found it yesterday at Dark Divas Reviews. It was so awesome I wanted to share with you!

My Fierce Highlander by Vonda Sinclair
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 300 pages

Summary:

A scandalous English lady banished to the Highlands of Scotland and an injured enemy chief join forces against her malicious and violent family. As the danger and conflict surrounding them escalate, Alasdair and Gwyneth discover an explosive passion neither of them expected. When a difficult choice faces Gwyneth, will she have to give up the honorable Highlander she has grown to love? 91,000 words

Shelly’s Review:

Gwyneth hated senseless battles with all the blood and death. She’s a healer and when she finds an injured warrior, Alasdair, she knows she has to help him. Gwyneth knows he’s the enemy, but when she finds a peace treaty on him she hopes it’s the end of the needless bloodshed.

When her clan tries to retaliate against her for helping the enemy, Alasdair takes Gwyneth and her son under his protection. When they’re in close proximity to each other, their hidden passions ignite.

A romance including a sexy highland warrior is always at the top of my favorites list, and My Fierce Highlander is just scrumptious! It’s very romantic and the sex is oh-so-steamy. Alasdair is always coming to Gwyneth’s rescue and who wouldn’t want a handsome warrior, who also happens to be a laird, coming to their rescue? She just can’t resist those sexy encounters with Alasdair and Ms. Sinclair makes them so sensual and romantic you’ll wish you were Gwyneth!

My Fierce Highlander is definitely a Must Read and you’ll be so engrossed you won’t be able to put it down! This one’s a keeper!


I’m sure you won’t want to miss the next book in the series either, so please keep an eye out for My Wild Highlander, also by Ms. Vonda Sinclair!

Rated 5 Delightful Divas by Shellyl!


Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.

A HIghlander Comes Riding . . . March 3rd!!

Highland Rebel smaller2


Hi Fierce Friends!
It’s the last week before my new time travel romance, HIGHLAND REBEL, comes out on March 3rd and I am really getting excited! I’ve had some really great reviews this week on different romance websites, and my preorders seem to be going well. I’m at #28 on the amazon fiction Books list for time travels. Since I’m up against every single one of Diana Gabaldon’s books and each of their separate printings, I feel pretty good about being #28.

There’s still time to sign up to be one of my Troubadours – just saunter over to my MySpace and read the last few blogs there, and then email me @ tessmallory@yahoo.com if you have any questions. The prizes range from a free book to a $25 Barnes and Noble gift card, and a Celtic spiral necklace! It’s easy to enter, just read the details at myspace!

Since I've gotten some good reviews, I thought I’d share them with all of you, in the hope that some of you who are reading will think, “Hmm, that Tess Mallory got some good reviews; I think I just might take a chance and buy her new book, HIGHLAND REBEL.” (in the background the song, Take a Chance on Me begins to play).

You see, Fierce Friends, I would really like to be, no, I would LOVE to be on a Best Seller’s list. Wouldn’t that be cool ? Wouldn’t that just really be a terrific thing? “Sure,” you say, “that’s fine for you, but what’s in it for me?” Well, that’s why you need to read my blog over at myspace! Yes, I’m going to be mysterious. That’s just how I roll.

Meanwhile, here are some of the reviews:

From Harriet Klausner :
“The Queen of Highlander time travel romance (see HIGHLAND MAGIC, HIGHLAND DREAM, HIGHLAND FLING and HIGHLAND ROGUE), Tess Mallory writes another whimsical tale as the roguish hero follows his love back to the era he left behind. Part of the pleasure in this delightful entry is the reaction of Ian’s brother Angus to his siblings’ return after his being away over two decades from home . . .”

From Chris at Night Owl Romance:
“Full of historical information, jaunts about the countryside, a few explosions and some rocking romance, Highland Rebel was an enjoyable read. With the secondary romance between Davey and Katie, the story moved along smoothly. With a happily ever after, including a surprising one for Ian and his family, I enjoyed the story very much.”

From Maura at Coffee Time Romance:
“I am not usually a big fan of time travel romances, but Ms. Mallory’s are always an exception. Her characters are realistic despite their situation, and she manages to go from the present to the past with no loss of that realistic feel. Ian and Ellie are wonderful characters, each with flaws and virtues. Ian’s career as a Celtic Rocker is a masterstroke, and Ellie really comes out of her shell in the 1700’s. I also liked the subplot of Katie and Davy’s romance and the secret Jacobites.”

From Kathe Robin at Romantic Times Magazine:
(Sorry, I can’t find the magazine right now, but the gist of it was that she liked it and said it would receive . . . “A warm welcome . . . “ and then gave it 4 Stars!

So, okay, whaddaya say, Fierce Friends? Ready to give Time Travel Romance a shot? After all, don’t we all wish we could somehow be swept back in history to a more romantic place and time, where we could meet a hunky warrior, find true love and save the world? Well, our world as we know it? That’s what my characters always strive to do! It’s adventure, romance, history, humor, fun and a rollicking ride, I promise!

If everyone who reads this blog bought a copy of HIGHLAND REBEL on March 3rd . . . well, hey, maybe one of my dreams would come true and I would be deeply grateful to you, my faithful readers! But even if I don't make any of the lists, I still think you’ll enjoy the read, and I'll still be honored that you chose to read it!

Remember, Love is Timeless . . .
Keep Writing . . . Keep Reading . . . Keep Loving !
Hugs, Tess