X Marks the Scot Wins Big

Aye! That's my Highland hero!

Imagine my surprise when Declan MacGregor and Lady Liadain Campbell's story was nominated for a 2013 RT Reviewers' Choice award for Best Medieval Romance. Yep, I was thrilled. I had already planned on traveling to New Orleans, LA in May to attend the RT Booklovers' Convention so this nomination was clearly an added bonus. 

Funny story about that...

My sister is coming with me to the convention, and she was thrilled when she heard that X Marks the Scot was nominated. However, when my 13 year old daughter found out, she wasn't too happy. She was ticked off at mom because she wanted to travel to New Orleans, too. Not wanting to hear the sob stories of a teenager, I did what any mom would do. I told her that if I win, she could come along. Who would've thought in a million years... And that was the end of it. Nothing more, nothing less. I thought I was the smartest mom in the world.

And then I won...

I was so excited to hear the news. Declan and Liadain won the RT Reviewers' Choice award! Apparently, I wasn't the only one elated. When my daughter found out that I'd won the award, she jumped up and down, gave me a hug, and she was so happy.

"We're going to have so much fun in New Orleans! When are you going to buy my ticket?"

Och, aye. Need I say more? Little did I realize that wee slip of the tongue would cost me plenty. First, I booked her flight, and then I realized said teenager had no clothes for New Orleans. She also kindly reminded me of that fact, many times. 

"How can I go to the awards ceremony without the perfect dress and shoes? I'm your daughter." 

I think you get the picture, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm so honored that my sister and my daughter will be able to share this moment with me. I was even more thrilled to discover that my daughter decided to bail on me at the Giant Book Fair, only to stalk Charlaine Harris. *shakes head*   

If anyone is going to the RT Convention, please make sure you stop by and say hello. I hope you'll attend the awards ceremony and will be there to cheer me on! I'm a wee bit nervous.

He was a Highland Rogue—Wicked with a Bow and Just as Wicked with the Ladies.
Declan MacGregor hadn't a care in the world beyond finding a soft bed and a willing woman...until he had to escort Lady Liadain Campbell to the English court. The woman needles him at every turn, but he can't just abandon her to that vipers' nest without protection.

She Never Asked for a Bodyguard... 
Liadain wasn't thrilled to be left in the care of her clan's archrival. It was as if the man never had a lady tell him no before! And yet as whispers of treason swirl through the court and the threat of danger grows even sharper, her bitter enemy soon becomes the only one she can trust...

Cover Reveal for My Highland Spy + Giveaway

Pray allow me to introduce you to my cover for My Highland Spy. *sigh*

Before I had even started taking my writing career seriously, I had forever been a fan of Jon Paul Studios. Hands down, Jon Paul does the most beautiful romance cover art in the industry. I've secretly prayed to have a cover specifically created for me by this fabulous artist because I've literally been mesmerized by Jon's artwork for years. The man simply catches the true essence of romance. 

I've followed Jon Paul on Facebook and drooled over his historical covers more often than I can count. In addition, I've often shared his images on my Facebook page for readers to appreciate the fine quality of work that Jon Paul delivers time and time again. But imagine my surprise when I shared Jon Paul's image below and immediately received an e-mail from my editor. 

"I was going to call you, but then I thought I'd just send you tha bomb... I noticed on FB that you like Jon Paul. Do you know something I don't know?! Because... That Highlander cover JP posted IS YOURS!!!!"

When I read my editor's words, my entire clan thought I was nuts. I flew to my feet, did a little happy dance, and I think that I even screamed at the top of my lungs. Not only that, but I found out the next day that Jon Paul was doing ALL the covers for my new Highland Spies' series! Woot! Can you imagine how elated I am? 

Needless to say, I didn't think that I could top Jon Paul's news for my new book/series, but I quickly realized how I should never assume anything.

Most of you know that I only read my first romance novel in my thirties. Hannah Howell's Murray brothers to be exact. Hannah was one of the Scottish historical authors that sparked this madness...er, passion in me. When the gifted Hannah gave me a cover quote, I darn near died.   

“AN EXCITING HIGHLAND TALE OF INTRIGUE, BETRAYAL, AND LOVE."
—Hannah Howell, New York Times bestselling author of Highland Master
   
So without further ado and before I overload on all the excitement, please enjoy the back cover blurb for Laird Ruairi Sutherland and Lady Ravenna Walsingham's story, My Highland Spy. 

THIS HIGHLAND LAIRD 
WON’T BOW TO THE CROWN
Laird Ruairi Sutherland refuses to send his only son 
away to be educated by the English. And he most 
definitely will not appear in Edinburgh to pay homage 
to a liege who has no respect for Scotland or its 
people. So he does what any laird would do—he lies 
to the king. The last thing Ruairi expects is a beautiful 
English governess to appear on his doorstep.

BUT THIS LADY SPY MIGHT MAKE HIM…
Lady Ravenna Walsingham is a seasoned spy who is 
sent to the savage Highlands to uncover a nefarious 
plot against the Crown. Playing the part of an English 
governess—a job easier said than done—she infiltrates 
the home of Laird Ruairi Sutherland, a suspected 
conspirator. 

IF SHE DOESN’T BETRAY HIM FIRST
Ravenna soon discovers that the only real threat 
Sutherland poses is to her heart. But will the proud 
Highland laird ever forgive her when he discovers the 
woman he loves is an English spy?

Now Available for Pre-Order!
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GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment for a chance to win a Highland Spies' t-shirt and an autographed postcard.