Friday, October 19, 2012

My Brave Highlander by Vonda Sinclair (Interview/Giveaway)


Lexi: It’s fall, there is a new chill in the air. What better way to keep warm than to wrap up in a plaid! Our guest today, Vonda Sinclair, has written some hot highlanders that would be perfect to curl up with on a crisp fall day! Welcome Vonda!

Vonda: Thanks for allowing me to visit with you today, Lexi and Crystal! I agree with you. A plaid-wrapped Highlander would be the best to snuggle up with on a cool fall day or night! LOL Highlanders are used to the cold, unlike me (a thin-skinned American.) Their hot, muscular bodies are probably like heaters.

Lexi: My Brave Highlander is book three in your Highland Adventure series. First, I have to ask. Does Dirk, the hero in My Brave Highlander, really have red hair? 

Yes, he does indeed have red hair. Scotland has the highest percent of red-haired people of any other country, so it is reasonable to imagine that some of those hot highlanders must have red hair. Dirk has a fiery, passionate temperament to match, both on the battlefield and in the bedroom. He is one fearsome, battle-hardened warrior. To go with his hair, he has piercing pale blue eyes… a glare from which has made many a man tremble in fear. J

Lexi: How can we resist a highlander like that! And one who rescues a woman out in a snowstorm? That is one outcome of being stranded in a snowstorm that I have never dreamed up, how did I miss that daydream? Did you ever have any knight in shining armor rescues in your daydreams growing up?

Vonda: Absolutely! I used to read fairy tales and tales of King Arthur and his knights when I was growing up. I always wanted a kind-hearted but fiercely protective knight of my own and now I have him! Isobel, the heroine in My Brave Highlander, is very fortunate that Dirk came along when he did to help her get back to shelter during the snowstorm, and to set her broken finger. She’s ready and willing to thank him properly for his help. But Dirk is too honorable to go after what he really wants.

Lexi: Even better than daydreams, seeing places you dream about in person. The pictures on your website of Scotland are beautiful! Are they yours? 

Vonda: Yes, one of my absolute favorite things is traveling to Scotland with my husband and taking thousands of photos of the scenery. Almost everywhere you look in Scotland is a postcard view. Who can resist snapping off picture after picture? I love photographing castles nestled in the incredible beauty of the natural landscape, with the mountains and lochs surrounding them, or maybe the cliffs and the sea.

Lexi: Have you met any highlanders that have inspired your fierce heroes? Or maybe your husband is your inspiration (just in case he is reading over your shoulder)?

Vonda: I confess I don’t know any fierce highlander warriors personally but I know a lot of descendants of Scots. My husband is my inspiration for creating heroes who are compassionate, kind-hearted, sexy, protective, fearsome, and who know how to handle weapons like an expert. I recently bought him a Highland dirk (dagger) that he is crazy about. Maybe I should buy him a sword and a kilt!

Lexi: Castles, lochs, or gardens. Whatever inspires you in your Highland series I hope it continues. Congrats on your newest release, My Brave Highlander! Thanks for stopping by!

Vonda: Thanks so much! I enjoyed the visit! I have a question for your readers. Do you enjoy Scottish romance novels and if so, what is it that you find so appealing about them? I’ll be giving away an ebook copy of My Brave Highlander to one commenter.


My Brave Highlander
Battle-hardened warrior Dirk MacLerie isn't who everyone thinks he is. He's Dirk MacKay, heir apparent to the MacKay chiefdom and Dunnakeil Castle on the far north coast of Scotland. When he returns home after a long absence, will his clan know him and will the duplicitous enemy who tried to murder him twelve years ago kill him in truth this time?
Lady Isobel MacKenzie is a beautiful young widow betrothed to yet another Highland chief by her brother's order. But when her future brother-in-law accosts her and threatens to kill her, she is forced to flee into a Highland snowstorm. When she runs into a rugged and imposing man she thought dead, she wonders if he will turn her over to her enemy or take her to safety.
Dirk remembers the enchanting, dark-eyed Isobel from when he was a lad, but now she is bound to another man by legal contract—an important detail she would prefer to forget. She wishes to choose her own husband and has her sights set on Dirk. But he would never steal another man'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 treacherous clansmen plot his downfall.
Goodreads

Vonda Sinclair’s favorite indulgent pastime is exploring Scotland, from Edinburgh to the untamed and windblown north coast. She also enjoys creating hot, Highland heroes and spirited lasses to drive them mad. She is a past Golden Heart finalist and Laurie award winner. She lives with her amazing and supportive husband in the mountains of North Carolina where she is no doubt creating another Scottish story. 







~*GIVEAWAY*~
As Vonda mentioned above, she is giving away one digital copy of My Brave Highlander, to one reader. To enter, just leave a comment on this post answering her question and then fill out the Rafflecopter below. Additional entries are available but not required. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

40 comments:

  1. I grew up reading Scottish/Highland romances -- haven't been reading a lot of it lately but recently had the opportunity to read one.

    It truly is magical. There's something about the Highlands -- it makes everything more romantic. ^_^

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks for the fun interview Vonda!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for allowing me to visit with you guys today, Lexi!

    Tin, I agree. There is something magical about the Highlands!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love Scottish romances. I think it's the idea of those muscular legs in a kilt with that brogue. Mmmmm

    ReplyDelete
  5. Absolutely, Lisa! Those are two of my favorite things about Scottish romance novels. :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. The kilts, the accents, the castles, the scenery. It's all great.

    ReplyDelete
  7. My family is from Scotland and I have never been there - that is one of the reasons I like to read Scottish romances.

    jochibi AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Joanne, I agree with that! Love those things!

    Jo, I hope you get to go to Scotland soon and see where your family lives or used to live. It's such a beautiful place!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I really love my scottish historical romance. Nothing is sexier than a man looking just like the cover of your book. Those lovely broad shoulders. Who needs the cold for an excuse to cuddle up in a plaid with a highlander. It would get HOT anyway.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Petula, I love those broad shoulders too! Cuddling up with him at any time of year would be fun, wouldn't it? LOL

    ReplyDelete
  11. I lived in Scotland for 10 years My Mothers birthplace.
    It is always Home to me.
    I read Mostly Highlander Stories Nothing more exciting than a Scotsman Trying to be Tough when he is as soft as a kitten when it come to the love of his woman.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Ann, how cool that you lived in Scotland! I'd love to live there for a while myself. I miss it very badly after each visit. I also love those tough Scots who are soft and affectionate teddy bears inside. :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. I love Scottish romances, any era! The heroes are always muscular (and generally tall, too!)and brave; they have great accents and wear kilts. What's not to love?

    ReplyDelete
  14. Yes I love anything with romance in it.

    ReplyDelete
  15. jmcgaugh, I love your summary! You've described the perfect highlander! :)

    Tore, I do too!

    Thanks so much for commenting!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have always loved the Scottish accent and when I read books with Scottish characters I try to do it with my version of that accent! I went to Scotland about 8 years ago and immediately fell in love with the scenery, the history, the people and everything else. When I read Scottish romance novels I feel like I am back in the highlands.
    Thanks for the interview and giveaway :)
    kitcat76(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Thanks for a fun post and congrats to Vonda on the new release! I love scottish historical romance! I think b/c they are so strong and the epitome of a man's man :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. I'm with you on that, Cathy! I love a Scottish accent! It's wonderful that you visited Scotland and saw how awesome it is.

    Erin, thanks! You're right! Scottish heroes are usually so strong.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love Scottish romance notes. I think what is so appealing is the rugged, sexy sword wielding warriors and those kilts are a big bonus.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Love reading Scottish romances *happy sigh* something about their brawl and pronunciation, you ken? =D

    best wishes, Linda

    ReplyDelete
  21. You said it, Barbara! I love rugged, sexy warriors in kilts. :)

    Linda, aye! I ken. I love that too! :)

    ReplyDelete
  22. Yes I do enjoy Scottish romances. I like that the heroes are usually very alpha & somewhat wild & untamed.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Linda, I love those alpha, wild and untamed heroes too! They are so much fun!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I enjoy the speech, the culture/way of life. Is so interesting. Their heroes always seem more masculine/alpha. Love it.
    Damaris (Maris)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thanks for your take on this, Maris! I agree with you!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I must say that the Kilt is first for me! I even bought my husband one. But I also love the alpha, gritty, loyal, possessiveness that come with it.
    mel
    bournmelissa at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  27. I love Scottish romance. I can almost hear the brogue and see that sexy kilt. It doesn't hurt that the hero is sexy too.

    sheryll1974@netscape.net

    ReplyDelete
  28. LOL I hear you, Sheryl! A sexy hero in a kilt with that seductive brogue.

    ReplyDelete
  29. First has to be the brogue that just makes me week in the knees, the kilt doesn't hurt either :) Carin
    mawmom at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  30. I agree, Carin. The Scottish accent is so sexy the way the Rs roll off the tongue. :)

    ReplyDelete
  31. Love everything to do with Scotland. annpa@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I do too, Ann! Thanks for commenting.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Highlanders are usually large, sexy, dominant, nothing-under-the-kilt wearing gorgeous men! What's not to love ;) Thank you so much for the giveaway! Winner or not I MUST read these books!!!
    sandersknc@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. With Highlander in the title I just know I am going to love this book.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  35. I do like Scottish romances. I think it is the beautiful and rugged settings and the feeling of family that the stories have.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Ooh yes, Cheryl, you've described these men perfectly! :) I'm so glad you're interested in the books! Thanks!

    Thanks, Mary! I hope so! :)

    Maureen, a Scottish setting is wonderful fun to write. The landscape and weather are unique. I do love the feeling of family you're talking about. Writing books about brothers, cousins and friends is fun.

    LOL BeachHouse Writer! So do the heroines. :) That's the fun, interesting part.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Oh, Christina, it is time you tried one, surely! :)

    ReplyDelete

Due to time constraints we may not be able to personally respond to every comment made, but we do read and appreciate them all. 📚❤️🙂

✋ RBtWBC has a zero-tolerance policy for review harassment and author bashing. Such comments will be deleted at the the blog's discretion.