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Victoria Roberts-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

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VICTORIA ROBERTS-Interview and Giveaway with the Author

 

 

TRC: Hi Victoria and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on your upcoming new series The Bad Boys of the Highlands and your first novel TEMPTATION IN A KILT.

Victoria: Thank you so much for having me, Sandy. I love the opportunity to meet new people.

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Victoria: I’m fortunate enough to be the mother of two beautiful kids and the wife of a supportive husband. Like many authors, I have a full-time day job and write every spare moment of the day. Home is in Western Pennsylvania while I dream of Scotland daily. *sigh*

TRC: What challenges have you faced as an author?

Victoria: Being a debut author, every step is a challenge. Between querying, synopsis writing, hooks, marketing, copy/edits, reviews and much, much more, everything is new. Sometimes it’s a little scary getting your feet wet in something you virtually have minimal knowledge on. I still find myself fighting this internal battle.

TRC: Many authors develop their love of writing at an early age. What or who sparked your interest in writing?

Victoria: As a child, I did not like to read. I could not find topics that interested me. As an outlet, I wrote. I was sixteen years old and penned my first young adult novella without ever having read a single romance novel. I guess you could say I had the romance writing bug at an early age and didn’t even know it. But when my mother (an avid reader) gave me Flowers in the Attic, I discovered a new love. I could not turn the pages fast enough and I was hooked. That was the moment that defined the purpose of curling up with a good book.

TRC: Writer’s Block is a very real phenomenon for many authors. How do you handle the stress and anxiety of writer’s block?

Victoria: This is very real. And yes, I think every author deals with writer’s block at one time or another. I always walk away and come back to my manuscript within a few hours. On the rare event that doesn’t work, I take a few days off and forget about it. In my experience, I find coming back with a “fresh” perspective is sometimes the best way to go. And don’t be discouraged if you find out your scene doesn’t work. I’ve cut scenes, added and switched things around until it made sense.

TRC: TEMPTATION IN A KILT is the first novel in your new Bad Boys of the Highlands. Please tell us about the premise of the storyline?

LINKS TO ORDER:
The Book Depository
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Paper Books
B&N Nook and Paper Books

Victoria: Temptation in a Kilt is about life and relationships. Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for love, but I favor a story so much more when there are realistic obstacles that get in the way. It makes the journey that much more enticing.

My hero and heroine have family issues of their own. In order for Ciaran and Rosalia to grow as individuals and then eventually as a couple, they need to overcome personal demons as well. They feel their life is directed down one path with duty and responsibility and yet, they’re sort of confused with the nagging feeling of “how can something so wrong feel so right?”

TRC: The character of Rosalia is heartbreaking. Her sense of worth and self-esteem issues are very real for many of today’s women. What or who was the inspiration behind Rosalia?

Victoria: Rosalia’s character is meant to be an inspiration. I don’t know of any woman who doesn’t have some type of self-esteem issues no matter how large or small they may be. I loved the moment when Rosalia takes hold of her life and becomes her own woman, basically finding herself. I think every woman wants to find that inner peace.

Although Rosalia was my great-grandmother’s name, her character is based on a mix of women that I know—from her shyness, her stubbornness, the relationship she has with James (her best friend.)

TRC: Aiden and Aisling are already an established couple. Have you considered writing a pre-quel to tell their love story?

Victoria: No. I personally do not like prequels because they are usually never as good as we want them to be. I’m still an original Star Wars fan. The first three were the best.

TRC: What plans do you have for the next installment in the Bad Boys of the Highlands series? Will we see Declan fall for a certain black-haired beauty?

Victoria: Ah, you know me too well! X Marks the Scot is the next book in the series and is scheduled for release in February 2013. And yes, I can confirm that Declan MacGregor and Lady Liadain Campbell will have their fifteen minutes of fame. Declan was so much fun to write. For those of you who have read Book 1, you’ll understand why. No spoilers here.

TRC: Why a novel of the historical Scottish Highlands?

Victoria: Strong alpha-males fighting for a cause, finding a single chance to love… With such brutality in that day and age, love is the light at the end of the tunnel. Between the Vikings, English and clan wars, Scottish history provides a fine backdrop for a steamy romance. Don’t you think?

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series?

Victoria: There are three books in this series.

TRC: Did you face any challenges or difficulties getting your novel published?

Victoria: I think every author faces challenges and I am certainly no different. When I finished my first manuscript, I entered a contest with the publisher of my dreams. And it turned into a nightmare. Although the publisher did not question my story content, I was pummeled on my hook—or lack thereof. What separates me from the other authors? What makes this story different? Why would I buy this? I bombed. For three days, my family avoided me like the plague. My CP (critique partner) wanted to kill me. And I was literally hanging on by a thread. It came down to one question. “Am I a quitter?” Low and behold, one month later, the same publisher had another contest. Some may say I’m a glutton for punishment. I did not think twice and jumped in—head first. I entered. I won.

And I will never forget the publisher’s words, “Victoria, I love your voice! Send me a full!” After several months of checking my e-mails about ten times a day, the moment I had waited for finally arrived. My jaw dropped and I believe for a brief time my heart even stopped. Not only was the publisher interested in my manuscript, but I was asked to pitch the series!

TRC: How much research was involved with writing this particular series due to the historical nature of the Scottish Highlands?

Victoria: There was a significant amount of research involved, but of course there are fictional characters and situations as well. That’s what makes writing fiction so much fun.

TRC: Have you ever been to Scotland?

Victoria: Isn’t THAT the question? No. All of my love thus far has come from books, DVD’s, internet and living vicariously through some of my chapter mates. One day. *sigh*

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas with other authors, or between family and friends. With whom do you bounce ideas?

Victoria: I am blessed with a phenomenal CP (critique partner.) She is the only one I discuss my ideas with, unless of course I have hunting or fishing questions and those go to my husband.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Victoria: I am currently working on Book 3 which is Laird Alexander MacDonell and Lady Sybella MacKenzie’s story. Alexander was Rosalia’s cousin from Temptation in a Kilt.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Victoria: For those aspiring authors, never give up your dreams. I will leave you with my daughter’s infamous line in handling every sort of rejection. “Don’t be upset. They’re blinded by your awesomeness.”

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Pizza or anything Italian

Favorite Dessert
Cheesecake

Favorite TV Show
Game of Thrones

Favorite Movie
Titanic

Last Movie you Saw
Madagascar 3—hey, I have kids.

Dark or Milk Chocolate
Milk Chocolate

Favorite Flower
Cymbidium Orchid

Do you have any pets?
We have a mixed lab named Zoe.

TRC: Thank you Victoria for taking he time to answer our questions. We wish you all the best in your writing career. Good luck with the release of Temptation in a Kilt. Keep us in mind for the second novel in the series.

Victoria: Thank you so much Sandy and to the folks at the Reading Café for having me. This was a lot of fun. I always love to hear from readers. Please visit my website at Victoria Roberts Author. Take care everyone and happy reading!

 

Victoria Roberts and Sourcebooks has graciously offered 2 copies of TEMPTATION IN A KILT forThe Reading Cafe giveaway.

1. To be eligible for the giveaway, you must be a member at The Reading Cafe. If you are not a member, please register using the log-in at the top of the page, or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in such as Twitter, please leave your email address with your comment as Twitter etc does not allow for email address info.

3. Giveaway open to continental USA and Canada only.

4. PLease answer one of the LIGHTNING ROUND questions.

5. Giveaway from September 1-4, 2012

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TEMPTATION IN A KILT by Victoria Roberts-a review

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Temptation in a Kilt (Bad Boys of the Highlands #1) by Victoria Roberts-a review

 

 

TEMPTATION IN A KILT (Bad Boys of the Highlands #1) by Victoria Roberts

 

TEMPTATION IN A KILT is the first storyline (September 4, 2012 release)  in Victoria Roberts’ Bad Boys of the Highlands romance series. During the reign of King James the MacGregor’s and the Campbell’s are at war with one another and life continues for the Scottish laird Ciaran MacGregor. But when he and his men stumble upon a badly beaten and injured young woman, all good sense is thrown out the proverbial window.  Presuming she is either on the run from her husband or family, Ciaran vows not to get involved.  But the sorrow and determination that radiates from Rosalia Anderson tugs at his heart. Knowing he will probably regret his decision, Ciaran vows to see her back to health and on her way to her grandmother’s home in the North country.

 

Rosalia Anderson is a determined young woman of the ripe old age of one and twenty.  Her family arranged a marriage of convenience for Rosalia in order to stabilize their financial status. But as arranged marriages go, Rosalia was determined never to find herself in a loveless marriage let alone with a vile and truly evil man.  Escape was her only option following a horrific beating at the hands of her father. But it will be her father that pays the ultimate price for his daughter’s flight for freedom.

 

Ciaran MacGregor is the laird and one of 3 brothers in the MacGragor clan.  Following the death of their father, Ciaran vowed to set his youngest brother Declan on a path to steer him from his womanizing and drinking.  But his brother Aiden insists that the vow does not mean that Ciaran must sacrifice his own happiness at the expense of some misplaced honor in the memory of their late father.  And now that Rosalie was an ever-present temptation in the MacGregor castle, Cairan is not so sure that Aiden is not correct in his observations.

 

The character of Rosalia is heartbreaking, courageous and determined.  On the run from years of abuse at the hands of her parents, and an arranged marriage, she has more guts than sense.  And her self-esteem is anything but impressive.  She continues to view herself as unattractive and overweight, fueling a cycle of emotional abuse against herself.  And it will take a strong man with a warm heart to help bury the years of negativity once and for all. At times my heart would break for Rosalia whose self-degradation is all too familiar to many woman, even today. Believing herself not worthy to be rescued or loved, her negativity will become a self-fulfilling prophecy when the laird screams his rejection of love in an attempt to push aside his feelings.

 

The relationship between Rosalia and Ciaran is very slow to build.  The sexual tension is almost palpable throughout the story and one that will barely reach its’ peak in a bedroom scene interrupted by the laird’s sense of duty and perceived pledge of honor. Ciaran is a man who knows that Rosalia is the woman for him, but his tunnel vision and indecision will fuel her already low self-esteem.  In the end, her only option is to continue her journey to her grandmother’s house in the spring, hoping the love of her extended family will help her forget that she is not worthy of the laird’s love.

 

The backstory feud between the MacGregor’s and the Campbell’s will take centre stage when a beaten and naked Declan becomes the pawn in a war between the clans.  But it will be the women in their lives who will pay the ultimate price when they find themselves imprisoned hoping that the MacGregor’s will rescue them before it is too late.

 

TEMPTATION IN A KILT a sweet storyline that was a joy to read. The Scottish language and brogue are prominent throughout the story and at times I thought I would need a Scottish to English translation 😉 If you like the highlander series of historical novels, you will like Victoria’s writing style.  I am looking forward to her next storyline- I sense Declan is in need of a raven-haired mate.  But I can’t help but wonder, if a prequel will be necessary for the Aiden’s story.

LINKS TO ORDER:
The Book Depository
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Paper Books
B&N Nook and Paper Books

Copy supplied by author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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TOUCH OF A SCOUNDREL (Touch of Seduction #3) by Mia Marlowe

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Touch of a Scoundrel (Touch of Seduction #3) by Mia Marlowe

TOUCH OF A SCOUNDREL (Touch of Seduction #3) by Mia Marlowe

TOUCH OF A SCOUNDREL is the third storyline and August 2012 release from author Mia Marlowe’s Touch of Seduction historical romance series. Griffin Nash, the Earl of Devonwood had a gift passed down through his mother’s side of the family. With his ability to ‘see’ and the ‘sending’, Griffin could touch an object and see the possessor’s future outcome, only when, at fourteen years of age, he foresaw his father’s death, there was nothing he could possibly do. Now that he is an adult, he knew better than to touch an anonymous object without the use of gloves. But once he touched Emmaline Farnsworth’s fan, he knew he was lost in a world of lust and love.

Theodore Devonwood thought he was in love with American traveller Emmaline Farnsworth Relishing the idea of marriage to the beautiful and intelligent Emmaline, Teddy brought her home, along with her ‘father’ to meet the family and his friends. But once on the estate, Griffin took it upon himself to investigate the claims that Dr. Montague Farnsworth and his daughter had unearthed a rare Egyptian statue. And now that the information was revealed, everyone in the ton, wanted in on the action. But it was Griffin who was beginning to realize that Monty and his daughter were not quite who they had claimed to be.

Griffin knew better than to get involved with his brother’s soon-to-be fiancé, but their attraction to one another was palpable. And once Griffin ‘saw’ their future, it was impossible to avoid what was to come. Between his dreams, ‘Seeing’ and the
‘Sending’ Griffin tries to avoid putting himself into the situations where their paths will cross, but inevitably what he ‘Sees’ will always come into fruition regardless of the path he has chosen. But when Emmaline and Griffin take the next step, Griffin sees that his future with Theodore will end tragically for one or both.

Meanwhile the story continues to focus on the Tetisheri Egyptian statue that Emmaline and Monty were promoting as part of their archeological find. The deeper Theodore entranced himself into the mystery surrounding the statue, the more Griffin realized that something didn’t feel right. But following an attempted burglary at the estate, Griffin will discover that Emmaline and her father had played everyone for a fool and now that his heart was involved, he wanted to know if her feelings for him were true and Theodore would have to be told. But a gathering of family and friends at Devonwood Park would place everyone in danger with their lies and deceit. A duel between brothers would end with blood, and the woman that Devon loves would go missing with one of his ‘friends’.

TOUCH OF A SCOUNDREL is a warm and fuzzy historical romance with a slight touch of the paranormal. The Earl’s ability to ‘touch and see’ 12 hours into the future is not the stuff of supernatural beings but a little bit of fantasy thrown in for added fun. Mia weaves a magical illusion of a fated tale of love and lust. And the secondary characters, whose lives were entertained and intermixed with the Earl and Emmaline, will surely be the focus of a few of Mia’s upcoming Touch of Seduction novels.

LINKS TO PURCHASE
B&N Nook and Paper Books
Amazon Paper Books
Amazon Kindle
The Book Depository
KOBO

Copy supplied by the author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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A Lady Never Lies by Juliana Gray

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A Lady Never Lies by Juliana Gray

 

Description:
Lady Alexandra Morley, an alluring widow, is desperate to devise a plan to reverse her fortunes. When fate lands her in the arms of Phineas “Finn” Burke, an attractive inventor, she despairs of ever getting what she needs…until they kiss.

Finn has always been impervious to the charms of the female species, intent only on perfecting his “horseless carriage” engine. He never dreamed he’d meet a woman like Alexandra, who is as stubborn as she is comely. Despite the brewing scandal, Finn longs to make Alexandra his wife, but he must first convince the maddening lady that their love is the only thing that matters.

Review:

A Lady Never Lies is the debut novel of Juliana Gray, and her first book in her Affairs by the Moonlight Trilogy.  This is a historical romance that takes place in Italy around the time period of 1890.  As described on Gray’s website…
Three English ladies on a holiday escape. Three dashing bachelors competing in a wager to remain chaste. Three scandalous affairs in an enchanted castle.

Our heroine in A Lady Never Lies is Lady Alexandra Morley, who is widowed and is running away from her home in London to avoid her creditors.  Having been tricked by a nephew into investing in a company going bankrupt, Alexandra is desperate to find a way to salvage the company.  She, her sister and cousin head for a castle near Florence, Italy, where no one would find them.  Alexandra is also protecting her sister, who is also running away from an abusive husband. 

Finn (Phineas) Burke is a successful and wealthy inventor, who makes a deal with his two friends, the Duke of Wallingford and his brother Lord Roland to take a yearly leave from partying every night, and become abstinence for one year.  Finn wants to work on his new invention, an electric car, as he is scheduled to race later in the year, which he is determined to win.  Finn has created his own success, but is not as flamboyant or reckless with woman, like the Wallingford brothers. However, Finn convinces them they need to take this one year leave to save themselves, and they leave London to a castle in Italy.

Of course, along the way, the ladies and the gentleman meet, and find themselves heading for the same castle.  A beat up old castle as it is.  They are forced to share, with each taking a different wing and working together to fix up the place. 

Despite his determination to steer clear of the women, Finn finds himself falling in love with Alexandra, and she with him.  Very early on, I have to admit, I was not crazy about Alexandra, who came across like a rich scheming and selfish snobbish lady.  

But that did not last long.  As Alexandra begins to show interest, perhaps to help her learn more about what Finn is doing, she does begin to fall for Finn.  He, who normally is only interested in his invention, tries his best to avoid Alexandra at all costs.  But he falls hopelessly in love with her.   

This was such a wonderful romance, with a lot of humor and fun watching them hide their attraction from others, as well as the witty comments all around.  The sexual scenes were pretty steamy, but well done, and also fun to see Alexandra truly learning what sex was all about. She was married to Lord Morley, an elder gentleman, and there with little sex between them. But Finn and Alexandra’s romance was beautifully done, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching them fall deeper and deeper in love. 

There was a short glitch, where Finn begins to suspect that perhaps Alexandra was hiding something, and was using him. Alexandra, who was trying to salvage the Motor Company, which her money was tied up with, did hope to possibly learn more from Finn, but she was not using him.  She was totally in love with him.  But Finn leaves the castle, and Alexandra is heartbroken, not knowing why or where he was.  The last ¼ of the book had a wonderful adventure, with a wild car race, with both Finn and Alexandra driving. It was a lot of fun, and this book had quite a bit of humor in it.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and the wonderful fun romance of Finn and Alexandra.  Juliana Gray has done a wonderful job writing this book, keeping us interested almost from the start, and I look forward to the next two books, which will most certainly be about the other two couples. If you want a fun romance, with sexual tones, then this is the book for you. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by publisher

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