tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86641289358622085052024-03-05T15:32:41.029-08:00Historical Romance Author-Victoria RobertsMember of: Romance Writers of America, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, Western Pennsylvania Romance WritersVictoria Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655411862542154351noreply@blogger.comBlogger113125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664128935862208505.post-54899000796109810562016-11-04T08:34:00.003-07:002016-11-04T08:34:36.897-07:00Another New Release!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's release week for ENCHANTING THE HIGHLANDER, and you can grab your copy for <u>99 cents</u> for a limited time! But act fast. The anthology will not be available as of December 1, and the price will increase for all individual titles. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">PROTECTED BY THE LAIRD by Eliza Knight</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">VEXING THE HIGHLANDER by Terry Spear</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">DEFENDED BY A HIGHLAND RENEGADE by Vonda Sinclair</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">HIS HIGHLAND ROSE by Willa Blair</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">TARTANS AND TRYSTS by Victoria Roberts</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">ABOUT TARTANS AND TRYSTS:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sorcha Gunn has realized the error of her ways and wants to make amends for everything she’s done. But when her cousin mysteriously disappears and Sorcha suspects her father is responsible, she needs to make a choice: betray the man who has given her everything or seek help from his enemy. Her decision is not an easy one, especially when the only person who believes in her is a brawny Highlander from the neighboring clan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As captain of the MacKay guard, Doughall Forbes will do anything to protect his clan from the ruthless Gunn laird. The last thing he needs is a wily female luring him into a nefarious trap. But he believes Sorcha, even though he can tell she’s holding something back. He’s determined to help her but soon discovers he’s the one who needs protection…from losing his heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Amazon: <span style="color: #cc0000;">http://amzn.to/2bIktrT</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">B&N: <span style="color: #cc0000;">http://bit.ly/2c01kCl</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">iBooks: <span style="color: #cc0000;">http://apple.co/2cw6TZR</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Kobo: <span style="color: #cc0000;">http://bit.ly/2bQEw4w</span></span>Victoria Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655411862542154351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664128935862208505.post-42541846248199227462016-07-26T09:00:00.000-07:002016-07-26T09:00:29.235-07:00New Release!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>Snakes in the Garden</i> is now available in e-book and paperback formats. Award-winning author Victoria Roberts and debut author C. A. Roberts (mother/daughter) bring you an exhilarating tale of assassins, Highlanders, and the English court.<br /><br />Following in the footsteps of her late father, Annella Poley is an assassin for the Crown. She’s determined to avenge her father’s death, no matter what the cost. But then a brawny <span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">Highland captain crosses her path and helps her uncover secrets of her past that might save her future…unless she kills him first.<br /><br />Marcus Grant would rather be anywhere other than the English court. When his laird orders him to follow a mysterious woman who can fight as well as any man, he’s trapped in the last place he wants to be. Marcus knows Annella is not to be trusted, and he plans to expose what she’s been hiding—but that’s before he risks everything by falling in love.<br /><br />Amazon: <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Famzn.to%2F1suD2Ui&h=IAQFH-2Zc&enc=AZNd-4zLmEkZz4tzMh5CIHZ7eBXKuC67UIMiHY3bOX6aZKuDMiHwkio8tekEIAiPQqCV_bcWVaXs9UfksiILVjyUbIrJbq4vjY2vmfX8jZStOq_ev5FGoPpxKzlGqQKe_u9ZgQ45y70xN1kK_wzTepWy&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://amzn.to/1suD2Ui</a><br />Barnes&Noble: <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F1YbPTH1&h=fAQE1frJf&enc=AZNvpuA8S0Gzpu2_iSYCl7w7gyQ4rqJbaQiMc3JLb74kpN1oWg-8xocwsoUOeMIJV6rEdG4yYWoEuyI921O1eGhi0lSOHLoUWUhJyuM_mxogii6trw9-gma6AH2cLE67H7wq_G9fkUnWyCbPPpXGBlK9&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/1YbPTH1</a><br />iBooks: <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fapple.co%2F1ZsWFqe&h=LAQFZcdtA&enc=AZPtX9sfauhXYSugdBK1HBBF8Zpwo0zbcq6aD_F-Bfya-wRr20hR2qWfq4Tcc5KMBMh7taaFdSlJvCDVZTVAROaFZnns-A9nafX9Og5PJ-OiuAMcfo4x-uNSrBpWv6RD52MolRJvMG_NRF3_hqucACMH&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://apple.co/1ZsWFqe</a><br />Kobo: <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F1ZsW7kq&h=2AQFHHhVY&enc=AZPwRZ1zF3lWU-nr7Pm1J86YhAqFYIm-QICDj1graL50tj_LGrPV_V1_iNftEiiaWjtSJD1-gjLbspr0s0X3xy8BDBOehKqb3penrUeFWx7NS97nHDXCpRgVQpnpH5amRvUKBNLja4sMaXcCAVXrxMSj&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://bit.ly/1ZsW7kq</a></span></div>
Victoria Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655411862542154351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664128935862208505.post-23131647547964403382016-04-13T05:04:00.001-07:002016-04-13T05:04:50.948-07:00Kill or Be Kilt is Almost Here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm so excited! The final installment in the award-winning Highland Spies series will be released May 3. How about a little sneak peek?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This is the first scene where Ian sees Elizabeth again. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A young woman stepped in front of the dais and cleared her throat. She had reddish-brown hair that hung in loose waves down her back. Her figure was slender and regal, and Ian could have easily drowned in her emerald eyes. But what captured his attention the most was the way the lass carried herself—confident, yet seemingly unaware of her true beauty.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She wore a black gown with hanging sleeves, and the embroidered petticoat under her skirts was lined in gray. With the added reticella lace collar and cuffs dyed with yellow starch, she looked as though she should have been at the English court rather than in the Scottish Highlands.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Pardon me, Ruairi. Ravenna wanted me to tell you that we’re taking little Mary to the beach. We won’t be long. We’ll be in the garden until the mounts are readied, if you need us.”</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When the woman’s eyes met Ian’s, something clicked in his mind. His face burned as he remembered. He shifted in the seat and pulled his tunic away from his chest. Why was the room suddenly hot? He felt like he was suffocating in the middle of the Sutherland great hall.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>God help him.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This was the same young chit who had pined after him, following him around the castle and nipping at his heels like Angus, Ruairi’s black wolf. But like everything else that had transformed around here, so had she. She was no longer a girl but had become an enchantress—still young, but beautiful nevertheless. His musings were interrupted by a male voice.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Munro, ye do remember Lady Elizabeth, eh?”</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How could he forget the reason why he’d avoided Sutherland lands for the past three years?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"I adore this series, and as usual, Victoria Roberts has written another well crafted book with brilliant characters..."</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">—Night Owl Reviews TOP PICK</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pre-order:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kill-Be-Kilt-Highland-Spies/dp/1402292066/ref=sr_1_1_twi_mas_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1460548819&sr=8-1&keywords=kill+or+be+kilt">Amazon</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kill-or-be-kilt-victoria-roberts/1122025492?ean=9781402292064">Barnes & Noble</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/de/book/kill-or-be-kilt/id1069154966?l=en&mt=11">iBooks</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/kill-or-be-kilt">Kobo </a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Victoria Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655411862542154351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664128935862208505.post-90192157243787615542016-01-29T09:48:00.002-08:002016-01-29T09:48:18.252-08:00The Year of Rock 'N' Roll<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was bound to happen sooner or later. I'm not stupid enough to believe that my sweet daughter, my first born, would stay a wee lassie forever. But the now fifteen-year-old has discovered the joys of being a teenager. And one of those new found discoveries is concerts.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">See the problem? No? Let me explain.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. She's too young to drive and needs chauffeured.</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There's </span><b style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">no way </b><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">her parents are going to drop her off and let her attend these events alone. Don't get me wrong. I trust my daughter 100%. It's the other idiots that are a factor.</span><br />
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. </span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Even though some of her friends like the music she listens to, they are not going to see the artists.</span><span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well, gosh darn it. Who does that leave? You guessed it. Mom and Dad. Dad is everything country, and mom is everything rock 'n' roll. So guess who won that battle?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Fortunately, the wee apple doesn't fall far from the tree. She loves music that I listen to and truth be told, I love the music she listens to. This is definitely her year for music exploration, and I strongly encourage it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In two weeks, we'll be seeing these guys. 2Cellos are two men from Croatia who are classically trained musicians. They play cello rock. Perhaps you've seen their famous YouTube video to Michael Jackson's <i>Smooth Criminal</i>, but my favorite is the one they did below for <i>Thunderstruck</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In June, we're seeing her favorite band Twenty One Pilots. She really has me hooked on these guys.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lastly (at least for this year,) we're seeing Halsey. Her voice is incredible.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What was the first concert you escorted someone to? </span>Victoria Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655411862542154351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664128935862208505.post-69737598172996517822015-12-29T16:52:00.000-08:002015-12-29T16:52:37.556-08:00The Holiday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was finally able to have a movie fest over the holidays in order to play catch up on some titles that I missed along the way.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The Holiday</i> (2006) with Kate Winslet, Cameron Diaz, Jude Law and Jack Black was the cutest movie that I've seen in a while. I absolutely fell in love with the concept. For those of you who haven't seen the movie, two women with relationship and career issues swap houses in each other's countries (USA and England.) The ladies meet local guys and fall in love.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hey, I'm a romance writer so being fond of the love stories was a given. But what I found fascinating was the swap. There are times when life gets overwhelming, whether it's from the holidays, job, family or finances. Wouldn't it be nice to just say you've had enough and take off somewhere to recharge your battery? For me, two weeks in a cottage in the Scottish Highlands would be ideal. That's where I would want to regroup.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">According to mindbodygreen.com, here are 27 ways to recharge your battery.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Plan a tech detox.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Go out with your girlfriends and drink a little too much wine.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Plan a swap group with your closest friends. This can be a clothes swap, book swap, or any theme you can think of!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. Get out in nature. Nothing is more refreshing than some time outdoors! Look up new hiking trails online or spend the day at the beach.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5. Connect with your inner child. What did you love doing when you were little? Draw a picture, make a collage, build a fort.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">6. Volunteer at a local animal shelter or even adopt a new pet from a shelter.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">7. Try something new. Go rock climbing, try a foreign cuisine or simply read a book you wouldn't normally choose.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">8. Clean out your closets and any clutter around your house and donate to Goodwill. Your energy feeds off your environment, so tidy up!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">9. Plan your next vacation. The thrill of having something to look forward to will keep your going for awhile.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">10. Light candles and take a bath with essential oils or Epsom salt. The Epsom salt will relax your muscles, and essential oils like chamomile or lavender will relax your body and mind.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">11. Take a mental health day from work. Watch your favorite movies, meet up with a friend, walk around your neighborhood, see a matinee movie. Sometimes being "bad" is just what you need.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">12. Recreate your favorite fancy, decadent restaurant meal at home. Chances are it'll taste much better when it's made with an ingredient list you control, plus some love.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">13. Plant a garden. This idea will recharge you more than once. You'll feel good creating life, saving money on food and you'll get time to yourself out in nature every time you need to tend to it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">14. Rearrange your furniture. A new environment will likely bring new ideas and perspectives.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">15. Budget money to get a quick 10-minute shoulder, neck and head massage once a week, or a 30- to 60-minute massage once a month.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Massages increase circulation and can help you relax.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">16. Start a bucket list. Thinking about your goals in life will help you focus on the big picture and what will truly makes you happy.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">17. Create something. Work on one of those projects you've neglected on your Pinterest board. Make it a Pinterest party by inviting friends.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">18. Make a playlist of all of your favorite songs. Play them at home or take a drive and sing along at the top of your lungs.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">19. Go to your local farmers market and talk with the farmers and people at the booths. You'll feel great connecting with your community and learning where your food comes from.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">20. Plan a date night. Chances are, if you have kids or a demanding job, you haven't been on a proper date in quite a while. Here are 20 great date night ideas. If you're not in a relationship, have a friend date! Try to make it a weekly ritual and take turns planning the date.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">21. Take a 20-minute cat nap.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">22. Drink a green juice or smoothies when you start feeling the afternoon slump.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">23. Set an alarm for each hour to remind yourself to get up and move around.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">24. Get outside during lunch. Take a walk, eat outside, go to a local cafe. The main point is to get away from the office and your computer screen.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">25. Meditate. Meditating sitting, or even lying down for 15 minutes can help you relax before you dig back into your work.</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">26. Take a shower. If you're stuck on an idea or frustrated after a hard day, a shower will give you a chance to relax and rethink your situation.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">27. Exercise! Aim for 30 minutes of medium-high intensity exercise every day. It doesn't have to be all at once. Regular exercise will help regulate hormones (hello, endorphins!), increase circulation and often helps people clear their minds and reduce stress.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you could swap places with someone anywhere in the world to recharge your battery, where would you go?</span><br />
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Victoria Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655411862542154351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664128935862208505.post-30417831661970974022015-08-29T07:49:00.000-07:002015-08-29T07:49:52.787-07:00New Release by Victoria Roberts!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyu6uTaIIKUynVlKeVBQNfPmqbR2zTr7czUfkxBieIp7SbjKtnznVmdrkaEec_Sq73nLFHXnYX8z9pIsXUoW8RzyLP6362HakjX31kSK56yPu19NpS9ROAOoc7sIF3D9L-EIXDn6Jay-6/s1600/Kilts+and+Kisses+Release.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXyu6uTaIIKUynVlKeVBQNfPmqbR2zTr7czUfkxBieIp7SbjKtnznVmdrkaEec_Sq73nLFHXnYX8z9pIsXUoW8RzyLP6362HakjX31kSK56yPu19NpS9ROAOoc7sIF3D9L-EIXDn6Jay-6/s400/Kilts+and+Kisses+Release.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Kilts and Kisses</i> (my novella previously published in the Kissing the Highlander anthology) is now available as a separate release. If you haven't read the anthology that I wrote with Eliza Knight, Terry Spear, Vonda Sinclair and Willa Blair, this is a great chance to pick up my single novella at a great price.</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Blurb:</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Since the deaths of her parents, Ceana Gunn has lived in the shadow of her uncle and his family. She wants nothing more than to see her clan the way it was when her father was still laird. But her uncle has other ideas. Ceana soon discovers that the only refuge to be found is in the last place she expects—the arms of her enemy. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Luthais MacKay wants to be left alone. His only interest is training his prized hawks. He certainly doesn’t have time to listen to the petty squabbling of his clan when his father travels to Edinburgh and leaves him in charge. But when Luthais discovers a mysterious woman on his lands, he’s determined to unravel her secrets…one layer at a time. </span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kilts-Kisses-Novella/dp/1517044324/ref=sr_1_1_twi_pap_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1440853566&sr=8-1&keywords=kilts+and+kisses" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Amazon</b></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kilts-and-kisses-victoria-roberts/1122571582?ean=2940152284966">Barnes&Noble</a></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1033662533"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>iBooks</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.inktera.com/store/title/2636cb72-57e2-4d57-8ef9-cc79595394c1"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Inktera</b></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/kilts-and-kisses"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Kobo</b></span></a></div>
Victoria Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655411862542154351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664128935862208505.post-31131375019600879922015-08-03T17:29:00.000-07:002015-08-03T17:29:21.984-07:00My Highland Spy - Best Historical and Best Book of the Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUunLyZE4beuyU454aFuQW0bWEgxNHjH2zU4fZcrGXgH2O6Vk7mD3sdbxubmuVm8Kz5v95u3eTBC7fCrIj2jqHBnPjO-L368Rpm32w-Vs_g7GaHl2QzFgsUt4artTtWC5WhMjTDAA5iqO/s1600/My+Highland+Spy+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUunLyZE4beuyU454aFuQW0bWEgxNHjH2zU4fZcrGXgH2O6Vk7mD3sdbxubmuVm8Kz5v95u3eTBC7fCrIj2jqHBnPjO-L368Rpm32w-Vs_g7GaHl2QzFgsUt4artTtWC5WhMjTDAA5iqO/s400/My+Highland+Spy+%25281%2529.jpg" width="243" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">The clan and I recently returned from New Orleans, LA where </span><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Highland-Spy-Spies/dp/1402292007/ref=sr_1_5_twi_1_mas?ie=UTF8&qid=1438647759&sr=8-5&keywords=x+marks+the+scot"><span style="color: red;">My Highland Spy</span></a> </i><span style="color: #0b5394;">was awarded the 2014 BTS Book Reviews Red Carpet award for Best Historical and Best Book of the Year! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was so elated, especially being surrounded by my family, sister, and cousin. For those of you who don't know this already, my son kilts up for all my book signings and events. The BTS awards were no exception. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When the BTS peeps called my name for Best Historical, I was escorted by a cover model onto the red carpet and then to the stage. After accepting the award, the verra nice cover model escorted me back to my seat where my waiting son was not happy. As soon as my butt hit the chair, my son leans over and says, "I'm really mad. Why does that guy have to escort you? That's my place. I'm with you for every signing and event. This is our thing, not his. I'm walking you down the aisle if you win again."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I explained to my son that the cover model was escorting </span><i style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">everyone</i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> to the stage and that was his job. My son was disappointed and only replied as 10 year old boys do with a "I don't care..."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So it's the final award of the night for Best Book of the Year. BTS peeps call my name. The cover model approaches me again and escorts me to the stage. I accept the award and take the cover model's arm to return to my seat. I gazed at the ground for a moment, trying not to trip in my heels (that would be humiliating!) </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When I lift my eyes, my wee lad is waiting for me by the stage on the red carpet. I now have the cover model to my right and my son to my left. My little man takes my arm and escorts me back with the cover model on the other side. When we get to the table, my son whispers, "I told you that I don't care if he's a cover model or not. That's my job. Besides, in a few years, I'll be able to take him out." lol I was laughing so hard I was crying. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It was a great night, and I'm so glad that I got to share it with my family, especially in New Orleans.</span></div>
Victoria Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655411862542154351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664128935862208505.post-28260356498865724412015-05-09T13:12:00.001-07:002015-05-09T13:12:49.648-07:00Read Kissing the Highlander for 99 cents!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRN14Uwz2hNErkRCFVCF18XAzm9FOGdiCZjz510B2RjIJ6S3KtG3qkWAibkUvBbRhvk1TWhyQIm9vyyVAUTyucDWWsa0cPocB-lNju2SmgrmBfbLOitQRVzHDdc9_Y3Wmr6xBhe_4IVRm4/s1600/Kissing+the+Highlander+final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRN14Uwz2hNErkRCFVCF18XAzm9FOGdiCZjz510B2RjIJ6S3KtG3qkWAibkUvBbRhvk1TWhyQIm9vyyVAUTyucDWWsa0cPocB-lNju2SmgrmBfbLOitQRVzHDdc9_Y3Wmr6xBhe_4IVRm4/s320/Kissing+the+Highlander+final.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><i>Kissing the Highlander</i> is the Scottish historical anthology that I wrote with bestselling authors Willa Blair, Eliza Knight, Vonda Sinclair and Terry Spear. If you haven't yet read our five wee tales from the Scottish Highlands, you can now snag this read for <b>99 cents! Hurry up and grab your copy this weekend before the deal ends!</b></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #741b47;"><i>His Wild Highland Lass</i> by Terry Spear </span></b><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #741b47;">Lady Sorcha Barclay fled her brother-in-law's castle because of his unwanted advances. An awe-inspiring circle of standing stones captures her attention and she captures the attention of the laird who owns the land. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;">Laird Ronan Daziel takes Sorcha to his castle to protect her and give her a home. Before long, he wants much more. He's duty-bound to take a wife whose clan wishes an alliance with his. So why does he long to have something more? Everyone loves the lass as much as he does. But he has pledged his loyalty to his clan. Taking Sorcha to wife could lead to battle on several fronts. How can he wed another when she stole his heart from the first moment he laid eyes on her near the ancient standing stones on his lands? </span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #741b47;"><i>The Highlander's Charm</i> by Eliza Knight </span></b><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #741b47;">They should be enemies… But passion and love know no bounds. </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #741b47;">Returning from battle to England, Samuel de Mowbray discovers that his two younger sisters have been stolen by Highlanders. Determined to save them from vicious warriors, he convinces the king to send him north. While there, he discovers that his loyalties are wavering and that a headstrong, feisty lass could destroy everything he believes. </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #741b47;">Catriona Buchanan must travel north to ask for help in saving her brother and ridding her castle of brutal English knights. Unfortunately, to do so, she must trust in the thing she mistrusts the most—an Englishman. Minute by minute, the man who should be her enemy breaks down her defenses. There is something different about him and she can’t help but be captivated by Samuel, and his steamy kisses. </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="color: #741b47;"><i>Heart of Stone </i>by Willa Blair </span></b><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #741b47;">Riding home after two years away, Gavan MacNabb encounters a lass and her deerhound in a moonlit circle of standing stones. Little does he know the garland of bluebells she weaves and the spell she sings will change the course of his life. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;">Marsali Murray doesn’t really believe the old wives’ tale that making a chain of bluebells by the standing stones under a waxing moon will bring true love, but she’s desperate to try anything to escape the boring, everlasting sameness of her life. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;">Gavan has already seen much of the world denied to Marsali. He’s ready to settle down. She is eager to spread her wings. Can they find what they need with each other? </span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #741b47;"><i>Kilts and Kisses</i> by Victoria Roberts </span></b><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #741b47;">Since the deaths of her parents, Ceana Gunn has lived in the shadow of her uncle and his family. She wants nothing more than to see her clan the way it was when her father was still laird. But her uncle has other ideas. Ceana soon discovers that the only refuge to be found is in the last place she expects—the arms of her enemy. </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #741b47;">Luthais MacKay wants to be left alone. His only interest is training his prized hawks. He certainly doesn’t have time to listen to the petty squabbling of his clan when his father travels to Edinburgh and leaves him in charge. But when Luthais discovers a mysterious woman on his lands, he’s determined to unravel her secrets…one layer at a time. </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="color: #741b47;"><i>My Captive Highlander </i>by Vonda Sinclair </span></b><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #741b47;">Can unexpected passion and a little ancient magic turn enemies into lovers? </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #741b47;">During a fierce storm on the west coast of Scotland, Shamus MacKenzie barely survives a galley wreck only to be captured and held for ransom by the enemy MacDonalds. Aided by the gift of second sight, Maili MacDonald, sister of the ruthless chief, senses the handsome, dark-haired stranger will somehow be important in her life. Compelled to help him, she insists on providing him food and a healer to see to his injuries. She knows she is daft to fall in love with this captivating warrior after one forbidden kiss but cannot help herself. With each visit from Maili, Shamus finds his thoughts consumed by the enchanting lass. Can he convince her to help him escape the dungeon and prevent the impending battle between the two clans? </span><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kissing-Highlander-Terry-Spear-ebook/dp/B00S313U7I/ref=sr_1_1_twi_2_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1431288270&sr=8-1&keywords=kissing+the+highlander"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Amazon</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/kissing-the-highlander-terry-spear/1121030718?ean=2940149868537&itm=1&usri=kissing+the+highlander"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Barnes&Noble</span></a><br />
<a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/kissing-the-highlander/id956950355?mt=11"><span style="color: #cc0000;">iBooks</span></a><br />
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<br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;">Ever since Lady Grace Walsingham discovered her uncle and sister are spies for the Crown, she has yearned for adventure. She's counting the days until she can leave barbaric Scotland behind, even if she must endure Highland captain Fagan Murray's company for weeks.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;">Fagan has a simple mission: escort the haughty Lady Grace back to England. But nothing is ever easy. The sharp-tongued woman needles him at every turn. But when a menacing threat follows them on their journey, Fagan's grudging tolerance for Grace turns to respect...and into a perilous attraction that could seal their fate.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47;">Victoria</span>Victoria Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655411862542154351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664128935862208505.post-31983368996538320302015-03-31T05:58:00.000-07:002015-03-31T05:58:44.881-07:00FREE Historical Romance Excerpt Booklet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>1607, Scottish Highlands</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“She’s a witch.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Anna, contrary to whatever ye are thinking in that wee brain of yours, our aunt is nay witch. She believes heavily in superstition. There’s a difference.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ceana Gunn stood on the parapet of her home as a cool breeze combed through her loose tendrils. She closed her eyes and prayed for patience. There were days when her fifteen-year-old sister drove her completely mad. And this was one of those times. Ceana gazed out at her father’s lands, deep in thought.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The mossy fields were a lovely shade of green, and dappled purple heather reached up from the grass as if asking the sun to carry it away in a warm embrace. A hawk glided fluidly through the air and then swooped down to capture its latest prey. In the distance, the forest line encircling the loch was lush with pine trees and foliage.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">How Ceana wished she could escape there now. She missed the much simpler pleasures of her youth and longed for peace and solitude, away from everything and everyone. When her brief moment of solace was interrupted again by her sister’s endless prattle, Ceana mentally suppressed a sigh.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“But Aunt Marta said birds bring about death. How would she know that if she wasnae a witch?”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ceana didn’t want to tell Anna that if she didn’t stop talking, she’d bring about her own demise, but the last thing Ceana wanted was for her sister to be as superstitious as their aunt. “Ye cannae take everything Aunt Marta says as the truth. Besides, she doesnae feel that way about all birds—only crows, ye know.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anna put her hands on the stone wall. Leaning forward over the edge, her long, blond locks caught in the gentle wind. “Do ye think ʼtis safe to go down now?”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“I think we should wait until we’re certain the company have taken their leave. Mayhap then our dear cousin Sorcha will nae be vying for so much attention and making such a fool of herself. ʼTis hard to believe she is a Gunn and shares our blood.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Aye, we should wait.” Anna brushed down the blue day dress that complemented her ivory skin. The color of the fabric matched her azure eyes, and the hues of the sky made her look as though she was painted onto an artist’s canvas. She was the picture of their mother.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“I donna understand why Sorcha acts the way she does.” Anna continued with her commentary to Ceana’s dismay. “I think she forgets that we all used to play together as children. I donna know what has happened to her. She isnae the same person. She’s changed, and nae for the better I tell ye.” Anna took a short breath.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Why do ye think Aunt Marta and Uncle John treat her differently than us? They let her have anything she wants. All Sorcha has to do is ask. And ye’ve seen her trunks. How many gowns can one woman have before ʼtis enough? When was the last time Aunt Marta had dresses made for us, eh?”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ceana gave her sister a wry grin. “Of course Aunt Marta and Uncle John treat Sorcha differently. She’s their daughter.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anna let out a primal growl. “Mayhap, but times like these make me realize how much I miss our mother and father. What I wouldnae give to have them here with us now.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“I know, Sister. I miss them too.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ceana straightened her spine and willed the tears not to fall. Although two years should’ve been ample time to erase memories of the past, the circumstances of her parents’ deaths still haunted her. Most of the time she had a hard time acknowledging that her mother and father were no longer of this world.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A thoughtful smile curved Ceana’s mouth as she remembered the gleam in her mother’s eyes every time the woman laid eyes on her husband. And how could she forget the loving gesture of her father’s hand placed at her mother’s back every time her parents walked side by side? The two of them had been inseparable, but knowing she’d never be able to see them again was like having her beating heart impaled by a sharp dagger. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“I see the look on your face, Ceana. Donna try to hide it. Ye recognize the truth for what it is. If Father and Mother werenae killed by those vagrants who robbed them on the road, Father would still be laird. And ye know verra well that ye would now be the one foolishly vying for attention, not Sorcha.” When Ceana pursed her lips, Anna added, “I know. Ye would ne’er behave the way that Sorcha does. But does it nae trouble ye?”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ceana became uneasy under her sister’s scrutiny and shifted her weight. “There is naught we can do to change the past. We need to look toward the future and nae look behind. That’s what Mother and Father would’ve wanted for us.” Turning her head away from her prying sister, Ceana stared blankly into the courtyard below, refusing to admit that Anna was right.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A loud commotion came from the bailey, causing Anna to glance over the wall. “I think ʼtis safe to return. The latest suitor has taken his leave.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Let us give thanks to God for small favors. I donna know how many more of these visits I can bear.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When Ceana and Anna entered the great hall, servants were working to clear the long wooden table on the dais of meats, breads, and cheeses—but not before Anna managed to grab a handful of food. She didn’t even wait to sit down before she broke off a piece of bread and gobbled it down.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“I’m famished,” she said. “At least there’s something remaining for us to eat this time. Ye better grab a bite before ’tis too late. How many more suitors do ye think will come before these men clean us out of our stores for the winter?”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“I see the two of ye managed to find your way back. More’s the pity, if ye ask me.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anna’s eyes blazed with anger. “We didnae ask ye.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Sorcha, ye look lovely.” Ceana made every effort to mask the look of contempt that crossed her face. Too bad her cousin’s comeliness didn’t outweigh her dreadful demeanor. Ceana had to fight an internal battle every day to make certain that Sorcha’s abhorrent behavior wasn’t contagious.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Her cousin’s newest gown was gold and trimmed with blackwork embroidery. The neck opening was filled in with a linen partlet, and a ribbon sash was secured at Sorcha’s slender waist. Her ash-brown hair clustered in short curls around her oval face, the same face that currently studied Ceana from head to toe.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Mother had this gown made for me. I think ʼtis rather fitting for the occasion. Wouldnae ye say?”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anna huffed. “I’d say ye—”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Aye.ʼTis quite lovely.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sorcha glared at Anna. “Ye two will nae ruin this for me. Do ye hear me?”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Ruin this for ye?” Anna’s voice went up a notch. “If nae for my father, there would be naught—”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“</span><i style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Na can an còrr! Tha sin gu leòr!</i><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">” </span><i style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Say no more!</i><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><i style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That is enough!</i><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> “Good heavens, child. I can hear all of ye from across the hall. There is nay need for these constant squabbles.” Aunt Marta placed silvery locks of hair behind her ear and then smoothed her red skirts. She was a petite woman with a square chin and a wide mouth that looked large for such a small frame.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Our guest has departed. Take your leave and wash your sleeve,” she said, wrapping her fingers around the gold fabric of Sorcha’s dress.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“I donna see any dirt on Sorcha’s dress.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Aunt Marta raised her hands to Anna’s cheeks. “Och, lassie. I know her dress isnae soiled. Sorcha is going to find out which suitor will take her to wife.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“My apologies, but I donna understand.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“ʼTisnae your fault that your mother didnae teach ye such things.” Aunt Marta lowered her arms and gave Anna a patient smile. “ʼTis said that if a maiden travels to a south-running stream, to a ford where the dead and the living cross, she’s to wash her sleeve in the water. When she returns home, she’s to hang the garment in front of the fire and keep a careful eye. If Sorcha watches closely, she’ll see the apparition of her future husband when he comes to turn the wet cloth.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Anna’s jaw dropped. “Ye’re jesting with me.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Oh, on the contrary, I’m quite serious, my dear. That’s exactly how I knew I was destined to wed your Uncle John. Now that’s enough of this quarreling, all of ye. I’ve heard enough to last the rest of my days.” Aunt Marta turned on her heel as Sorcha rested her gaze on Ceana.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Let me make something clear to the both of ye,” their cousin said. “I will wed the most powerful laird in the Highlands to benefit our clan because I am the laird’s daughter. My marriage will bring with it alliances and prosperity for many generations to come. So the two of ye better nae do anything foolish. And if ye continue to put obstacles in my path, I’ll nae only remove them, I’ll remove the both of ye.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As Sorcha waved her hand in a dismissive gesture and bristled off, Anna poked her elbow into Ceana’s arm. “What are we going to do about her?”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“I donna know, but if she doesnae mind her words, I’m going to throttle her.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“I’m glad to hear it because frankly, I’ve been fretting over ye lately, Sister. Ye’ve put up with Sorcha’s vile behavior long enough. I’m relieved to see ye still have some of Father’s tenacity within ye.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ceana lifted a brow. “Father? I assure ye that I am my mother’s daughter. Ye donna remember all the times Mother put Uncle John in his place when he disagreed with the decisions Father had made for the clan?”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Uncle John? Nay. When?”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“ʼTisnae important. What is important is that ye continue with your studies. There is nay greater gift than the gift of knowledge.”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">***</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ceana lit the candles in her bedchamber, donned her nightrail, and drew back the heavy curtains to see moonlight shining through the slit in the stone wall. Leaning closer, she looked through the hole. The moon was full and high in the night sky.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She sat on the bed and pulled out her journal from under the feather mattress. As she opened the page to the entry she’d made from the evening before, she sighed. Sorcha was two years younger than Ceana and only a year older than Anna. So why were Uncle John and Aunt Marta arranging a marriage for Sorcha now? Her cousin had said the words herself. She was the laird’s daughter. It didn’t matter how old Ceana was because her father was dead. She was no longer the laird’s daughter. That right now belonged to Sorcha, a fact she wouldn’t let Ceana forget any time soon.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Glancing down at her journal, Ceana didn’t see any words on the page. That revelation came as no surprise. She knew she’d never be able to pen a single word this eve. She closed the book and placed it on the bed. Bringing her knees to her chest, she rested her chin on top and closed her eyes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“</span><i style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fuirich mionaid</i><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.” </span><i style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wait a moment.</i><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> “I refuse to let Sorcha plague me. ʼTis madness.” Ceana flew to her feet, donned her slippers, grabbed her cloak from the corner chair, and bolted out the door. She needed air and would not permit herself to be suffocated by her own dire thoughts.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Making her way through the halls of the castle, she saw that the main torches were extinguished, but a few remained lit to guide her. She knew the servants had retired to their chambers long ago. As she was passing the wall where her father’s portrait used to hang, she scoffed at her Uncle John’s likeness that now hung in its place. Becoming even more incensed, she walked with long, purposeful strides. She couldn’t reach her destination soon enough.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She climbed the narrow, winding steps to the parapet. It was engulfed in blackness, which suited her darkened mood fine. The only reason she didn’t fall and break her neck was because she placed her hands on the stone walls at each side to guide her. When she reached the top of the stairs, she opened the door.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ceana stood in the same spot she always did, and the moon was so bright that it illuminated her father’s lands. She could even see the shadows of the tree line in the distance. The moon cast an eerie glow across the moors, as if the veil was thin between this world and the next. That was the moment she realized that she’d heard enough of Aunt Marta’s constant ramblings about specters and the fae. She whipped her head to the right as the sound of a sword scraped against the wall.</span></div>
Victoria Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655411862542154351noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664128935862208505.post-20670830713402222932015-01-11T12:00:00.001-08:002015-01-11T12:00:10.157-08:00Five Wee Tales from the Scottish Highlands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Who's ready for five new novellas by bestselling and award-winning authors? Show of hands?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">The wait is almost over. </span><i style="color: #cc0000;">Kissing the Highlander</i><span style="color: #cc0000;"> is now available for </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kissing-Highlander-Terry-Spear-ebook/dp/B00S313U7I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1421091939&sr=8-2&keywords=kissing+the+highlander"><span style="color: black;">pre-order</span></a><span style="color: #cc0000;"> and the official release date is February 10, 2015. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>KISSING THE HIGHLANDER</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Five brand new Highland novellas by Bestselling Authors of Highland romances that will delight you with mystery, intrigue, romance, drama and so much more! From the authors who have provided countless hours of reading pleasure so that fans can slip away to the past and live among all those hot Highlanders. Are you ready to journey back to Scotland again?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>About His Wild Highland Lass by Terry Spear:</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lady Sorcha Barclay has fled her sister's husband's castle because of his unwanted advances, except someone takes her horse, and then she makes the mistake of not keeping to the cover of the nearby forest. An awe-inspiring circle of standing stones captures her attention and she captures the attention of the laird who owns the land.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Laird Ronan Daziel takes Sorcha to his castle to protect her and give her a home. Before long, he wants much more. But he's duty-bound to take a wife whose clan wishes an alliance with his. So why does he long to have something more? Everyone loves the lass just as much as he does. But he has pledged his loyalty to his clan and taking Sorcha to wife could lead to battle on several fronts. How can he not take her for his own when she stole his heart from the first moment he laid eyes on her near the ancient standing stones on his lands?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>About The Highlander's Charm by Eliza Knight:</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They should be enemies… But passion and love know no bounds.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Returning from France to his family’s manor in England, Samuel de Mowbray discovers that his two younger sisters have been stolen away to the Highlands by the Sutherland brothers. Determined to save his sisters from the hands of vicious warriors, he convinces the king to send him north on a mission. While there he discovers not only that his loyalties are beginning to waver, but that a head-strong, feisty lass could destroy everything he believes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Catriona Buchanan needs to travel north to gain the help of her distant relations in saving her brother and ridding her castle of brutal English knights. Unfortunately, it appears the only way to escape their clutches is by trusting in the very thing she mistrusts the most—an Englishman. Minute by minute, the man who should be her enemy breaks down her defenses. There is something different about him and she can’t help but be captivated by Samuel, and his steamy kisses.</span></div>
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<b style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">About Heart of Stone by Willa Blair:</b></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Riding home after two years away, Gavan MacNabb encounters a lass and her deerhound in a moonlit circle of standing stones. Little does he know the garland of bluebells she weaves and the spell she sings will change the course of his life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Marsali Murray doesn’t really believe the old wives’ tale that making a chain of bluebells by the standing stones under a waxing moon will bring true love, but she’s desperate to try anything to escape the boring, everlasting sameness of her life. Anything except marrying a man her father chooses for her. When her deerhound, Corrie, insists on following Gavan, Marsali decides that’s the excuse she needs to have the adventure she craves. She’ll go where he goes, whether or not he is the man promised by her spell.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gavan has already seen much of the world denied to Marsali. He’s ready to settle down. She is eager to spread her wings. Can they find what they need with each other?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>About Kilts and Kisses by Victoria Roberts:</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Since the deaths of her parents, Ceana Gunn has lived in the shadow of her uncle and his family. She wants nothing more than to see her clan the way it was when her father was still laird. But her uncle has other ideas. Ceana soon discovers that the only refuge to be found is in the last place she expects—the arms of her enemy.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Luthais MacKay wants to be left alone. His only interest is training his prized hawks. He certainly doesn’t have time to listen to the petty squabbling of his clan when his father travels to Edinburgh and leaves him in charge. But when Luthais discovers a mysterious woman on his lands, he’s determined to unravel her secrets…one layer at a time.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">About My Captive Highlander by Vonda Sinclair:</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Can unexpected passion and a little ancient magic turn enemies into lovers?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">During a fierce storm on the west coast of Scotland, Shamus MacKenzie barely survives a galley wreck only to be captured and held for ransom by the enemy MacDonalds. Aided by the gift of second sight, Maili MacDonald, sister of the ruthless chief, senses the handsome, dark-haired stranger will somehow be important in her life. Compelled to help him, she insists on providing him food and a healer to see to his injuries. She knows she is daft to fall in love with this captivating warrior after one forbidden kiss but cannot help herself. With each visit from Maili, Shamus finds his thoughts consumed by the enchanting lass. Can he convince her to help him escape the dungeon and prevent the impending battle between the two clans?</span></div>
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Victoria Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655411862542154351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664128935862208505.post-13676020649547517442014-08-23T05:53:00.001-07:002014-08-23T05:53:46.962-07:00Outlander and the Greatest Scottish Historical Romance Author<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Photo from Starz</span></div>
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We all have it, and it's highly contagious. What is it? <i>Outlander</i> fever.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I must confess that I've never read Diana Gabaldon's epic tale nor will I be reading it anytime soon. Now hear me out before you judge because there is a method to my madness.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As a Scottish historical romance author, I pretty much make it a point not to read other Scottish authors because I don't want to be influenced by someone else's idea. I want my stories to be fresh and know that the crazy ideas I come up with are my own.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There was no way on God's green earth that I was going to miss watching the magnificent Scottish countryside, and I sure as heck wasn't going to miss men in kilts speaking Gaelic! Och, I've watched, and I've DVR'd so that I can long for Scotland again and again. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've been watching <i>Outlander</i> every week with my daughter and she always provides commentary during the show. I especially enjoy the 50 questions asked in the middle of conversations between Jamie and Claire.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"You write this stuff. How would you write it? What would you write next? Would you have written that scene that way?"</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These are the types of questions asked ALL THROUGH THE SHOW. You know...to the point I'm sushing my lovely teenager. As we sat and watched the latest episode, my daughter continued her interrogation of me.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"There isn't enough of Jamie and Claire together in this episode. Is that what you would've done?"</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm not sure why I did this, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity. We get to a point in the show where I've seen that particular moment in a clip a million times on-line. I recited about four lines from memory and spoke at the same time as Jamie. My daughter's eyes widened, her jaw dropped, and she said, "How in the world did you know that? Seriously. How did you know? That was incredible!"</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I shrugged with indifference. "I don't know. You asked me how I would write it. Scottish historical romance author, remember?"</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Mom, you are AMAZING! I knew you were good, but that was GREAT! You are really awesome!"</span><br />
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<span style="color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What she doesn't know won't hurt her. I know. I'm verra bad.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Want an autographed copy of ANY of my books? Order now through </span><a href="http://ttpbooks.com/category/VB.html"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Turn the Page Bookstore</span></a><span style="color: #b45f06;"> and I'll sign them for you at the September 13th event. Turn the Page will mail the books out to you that week.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It wasn't too long ago that we were all complaining about the frigid temperatures and the white stuff that refused to leave. I swear that was the longest winter ever. Now we find ourselves blessed (or cursed) with humidity and rain that won't quit. Ugh. I'm a 70 degrees kind of girl. If you can adapt to that kind of weather, more power to you. I guess that's why I hide behind my computer and write...in the air conditioning.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hope you're enjoying your summer. I'm getting pretty excited about the upcoming release of <i>My Highland Spy, </i>the first in my new Highland Spies' series, and I hope you are too. I still sigh when I see that dreamy Jon Paul cover.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's a little sneak peek of what you can expect in September.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">* * *</span><br />
<i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">London, England, 1609</span></i><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i>She had made a deal with the devil, King James to be precise.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lady Ravenna Walsingham silently cursed her liege as she stood huddled against the darkened wall of an alley near the London docks. She closed her eyes as a light rain misted her face. Although she felt miserable, she knew the information she sought would assist the Crown in discovering the latest conspiracy against it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She pulled her heavy cloak tighter around herself, shivering from a sudden chill. The cold could have been due to the scantily clad clothing she wore underneath, but she quickly pushed back the thought. All she needed was to catch a glimpse of who dastardly Lord Cobham was conversing with in the latest string of unsavory establishments.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She wiped the drops from her face and had just taken a step forward when a couple of drunken men walked out of the Devil’s Tavern. As the sound of laughter approached her, she backed hastily into the shadows. The men passed her and she studied them closely. To her regret, neither man was Lord Cobham. Although the light barely illuminated their features, she knew the man she sought was shorter—at least a head shorter than she was.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The rain hardened as Ravenna quivered against the wall like a drowned rat. Lord Cobham was more than likely not coming out any time soon. That’s when she decided to hurry things along and make her move. Besides, if she didn’t meet her driver, George, within the hour, he would undoubtedly come looking for her. The faster she could determine the person or persons with whom Lord Cobham was conspiring, the better. She was tired, cold, and wet, and wanted to be home where a warm bed awaited her.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She made her way toward the back of the brick building. The stairs leading to the door were dark. Of </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">course they were. Was it too much to ask for at least one assignment that worked in her favor? She climbed the steps carefully and tried not to stumble over her own two feet. Fumbling for the door, she found the latch and discreetly entered.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The small room looked like a crowded hovel, and she suddenly had a strong desire to bathe. More than a handful of women readied their hair in the looking glass as the sound of boisterous laughter came from the adjoining room. The women wore little clothing, which reminded Ravenna to remove her cloak. She tossed her protective garment into the corner and placed her arm over her chest. She suddenly felt very open to the view of others—not to mention that her laced bodice left very little to the imagination.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A large-bellied man came into the room and waved the women out. “Make haste, ladies. My customers need to be served. You can’t do that if you spend all your time in here pampering yourselves.” As one of the women walked by, the burly man slapped her on the bottom. He looked up, and his cold, dark eyes met Ravenna’s. “You’re the new girl, but you will quickly learn your place. Don’t just stand here staring at me. Get out there.”</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ravenna nodded and rushed past the man, feeling his gaze upon her. She followed the lead of the other women and picked up a tray from the table. As she looked around the smoke-filled room packed with men, she noted the large barrels and ship masts built right into the structure. Being so close to the River Thames, she could see why. The tavern was often frequented by men of the sea, but she knew not to be fooled.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Devil’s Tavern held many secrets.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The establishment was notorious for housing smugglers, cutthroats, thieves, and pirates. If Lord Cobham was meeting anyone here to further promote his illicit behavior, she was going to find out.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Without warning, Ravenna was roughly pulled down onto a lap. The man’s breath reeked of ale and </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">he smiled, fingering her locks.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“This place keeps getting better and better. I haven’t seen you here before.” He lowered his head and sniffed down her body. “Mmm…you smell of lavender.”</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She didn’t think it wise to tell the man what he smelled like so she politely nodded. When she tried </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">to stand, he pulled her back down and held her with a firm grip.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Let me tell you a little secret.” He lowered his voice and leaned forward. “I think you are by far my </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">favorite.” His hand encircled her breast, and it took all of Ravenna’s might not to slap him. And that’s when she looked up and noticed the men.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dear God.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lord Cobham was walking straight toward her. She hastily glanced to Cobham’s right and saw Charles Paget. What was he doing here? She couldn’t risk being spotted, so she did the first thing that came to mind. She turned in the lap of the man who held her and brought his lips to hers.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The man’s comrades cheered him on, and his hands roamed all over Ravenna in places they shouldn’t. She had to endure quite a repulsive kiss and felt as though she needed a cloth to wipe away the slobber that had escaped the man’s lips. How she despised this part of the masquerade! Only when she was confident that the two men had departed did she dare pull back, attempting not to think about the bile that rose in the back of her throat.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She placed her finger to the man’s lips. “I have something for you. I’ll be right back.” When the man </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">nodded, as she knew he would, she made her escape to the back room. She didn’t want to spend another moment in that place. Grabbing her cloak from the corner, she bolted out the door.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She did not look back.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What was Lord Cobham doing with Charles Paget? She thought Paget was still in Paris. No matter, she would simply give the information to her uncle. She wrapped her cloak tighter around herself as the cool breeze whipped her cheeks. She walked with long, purposeful strides, clutching the dagger in her pocket. She didn’t like walking the streets of London by herself, let alone by the docks in the darkened hours of the night. One of these days her luck was going to run out. She prayed it was not at this moment.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Her uncle’s carriage waiting at the end of the dimly lit street was a welcome sight. George climbed down upon her approach and extended his hand. He was a large man with graying hair at the temples and stood well over six feet tall. He always aided her when she needed protection from places like the Devil’s Tavern.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Lady Walsingham, did you find what you were looking for?”</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Thankfully, yes.”</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Home, my lady?”</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Yes, please.”</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ravenna climbed into the coach and breathed a sigh of relief. She sat back, closed her tired eyes, and </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">fell asleep to the gentle, rhythmic movement of the carriage and the sound of clomping hoofbeats. When the carriage suddenly stopped, she was jolted awake.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“My lady, we have arrived.”</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She took George’s hand and climbed down. “Thank you. Could you please ask my uncle to pay me a visit on the morrow?”</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He nodded. “Of course. Have a pleasant evening, Lady Walsingham.”</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ravenna walked to the front of the manor house and quietly opened the heavy door. It was nearly </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">midnight and the house was silent. Her sisters were already in bed. She hated when she had to be away from them, but at least she would be there in the morning as the girls broke their fast.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She lifted her cloak and climbed the steps on the tips of her toes. As she made her way down the hall to her bedchamber, she passed the family portraits that hung on the wall. She could feel her father’s gaze upon her and couldn’t help but wonder what he would think of her now. She closed the door to her chamber, and when she heard the soft click of the latch, she sighed. Removing her cloak, she tossed it onto a chair as a faint smell of smoke invaded her senses.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A voice spoke from her bed and Ravenna jumped.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Where the hell have you been? And what in the name of God are you wearing?”</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b><i>My Highland Spy</i> is now available for pre-order! </b></span><br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/1zG2o0I"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">Amazon</span></a><br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/1k8nHRL"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">Barnes & Noble</span></a><br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/1iSeyP0"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">Chapters Indigo</span></a><br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/1r99Nnu"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">Books-A-Million</span></a>Victoria Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655411862542154351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664128935862208505.post-27178300927223807252014-04-21T04:34:00.000-07:002014-04-21T04:34:24.344-07:00X Marks the Scot Wins Big<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcJJPEMMAo1WVnIsP_3luvBrHH767YXUjE8kAlypbJDdsZWxR9DdmjoBEkX_hRnF7kXCVohNUxYRGeE-lIWsxvqJL1vEDPIcrGRkepttGl2KoWtWFzgyoP0XMtutgSqt9hFSYysIHhcig/s1600/X+Marks+the+Scot+Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcJJPEMMAo1WVnIsP_3luvBrHH767YXUjE8kAlypbJDdsZWxR9DdmjoBEkX_hRnF7kXCVohNUxYRGeE-lIWsxvqJL1vEDPIcrGRkepttGl2KoWtWFzgyoP0XMtutgSqt9hFSYysIHhcig/s1600/X+Marks+the+Scot+Final.jpg" height="400" width="242" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Aye! That's my Highland hero!</span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">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. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Funny story about that...</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My sister is coming with me to the convention, and she was thrilled when she heard that <i>X Marks the Scot </i>was nominated. However, when my 13 year old daughter found out, she wasn't too happy. She was ticked off at mom because <i>she</i> 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.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And then I won...</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">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.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"We're going to have so much fun in New Orleans! When are you going to buy my ticket?"</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">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. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"How can I go to the awards ceremony without the perfect dress and shoes? I'm your daughter." </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">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* </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">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.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3LVxdwv0MthHZYW8ISU6KtoA28rECbPH55YSKXDceWqHpiEXYCjh9KrLQpM-x5QQBA6kvVDygFshNDw1okbQk5dV-QCoYjr-KbBXXsq4yNPolQzpPZB3X4oWh17cjXEEQNczYJLUngQ/s1600/RWR+Ad_XMarksScot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr3LVxdwv0MthHZYW8ISU6KtoA28rECbPH55YSKXDceWqHpiEXYCjh9KrLQpM-x5QQBA6kvVDygFshNDw1okbQk5dV-QCoYjr-KbBXXsq4yNPolQzpPZB3X4oWh17cjXEEQNczYJLUngQ/s1600/RWR+Ad_XMarksScot.jpg" height="245" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #38761d;"><strong><span style="font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;">He was a Highland Rogue—Wicked with a Bow and Just as Wicked with the Ladies.</span></strong><b><span style="font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">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.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d;"><strong><span style="font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: BlackChancery; font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal;">She Never Asked for a Bodyguard... </span></strong></span><br />
<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsTznXOzGHnYychayu0zcRC1WnjW50Db4tfmEEWgI4BgYg2brSj5eUVZRTB9mj0HE7H6jQ142NUwyR2InFH10UpjE_tpu5nSi5zye-NWVmZHMHvcmYO4gaIZVHuUSkiGlU1Zh6bV6YlIP/s1600/My+Highland+Spy+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsTznXOzGHnYychayu0zcRC1WnjW50Db4tfmEEWgI4BgYg2brSj5eUVZRTB9mj0HE7H6jQ142NUwyR2InFH10UpjE_tpu5nSi5zye-NWVmZHMHvcmYO4gaIZVHuUSkiGlU1Zh6bV6YlIP/s1600/My+Highland+Spy+(1).jpg" height="400" width="243" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pray allow me to introduce you to my cover for <i>My Highland Spy. </i>*sigh*</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Before I had even started taking my writing career seriously, I had forever been a fan of </span><a href="http://www.jonpaulstudios.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Jon Paul Studios</span></a><span style="color: #741b47;">. 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 </span></span><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've literally been mesmerized by Jon's artwork for years. The man simply catches the true essence of romance. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #741b47;">I've followed Jon Paul on </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/romanceartistjonpaul"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Facebook</span></a><span style="color: #741b47;"> 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. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CcuP_Ui45twmYinWdzXaqFoGL9enoO4rJHPj84hakfR6LA5SXEFWEDfsLE_yIx0n5ZR713wzuXNQcwM2Pk33lFaBfnVP_UQMrnXWhrtnDKAbX-ghdFp1EjdL0qzxXutXawO1dMAn9XR-/s1600/Jon+Paul+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CcuP_Ui45twmYinWdzXaqFoGL9enoO4rJHPj84hakfR6LA5SXEFWEDfsLE_yIx0n5ZR713wzuXNQcwM2Pk33lFaBfnVP_UQMrnXWhrtnDKAbX-ghdFp1EjdL0qzxXutXawO1dMAn9XR-/s1600/Jon+Paul+8.jpg" height="400" width="282" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"I was going to call you, but then I thought I'd just send you <i>tha bomb... </i>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!!!!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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? </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“AN EXCITING HIGHLAND TALE OF INTRIGUE, BETRAYAL, AND LOVE</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">."</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">—Hannah Howell, </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>New York Times</i> bestselling author of <i>Highland Master</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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, <i>My Highland Spy</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>THIS HIGHLAND LAIRD </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>WON’T BOW TO THE CROWN</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Laird Ruairi Sutherland refuses to send his only son </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">away to be educated by the English. And he most </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">definitely will not appear in Edinburgh to pay homage </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">to a liege who has no respect for Scotland or its </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">people. So he does what any laird would do—he lies </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">to the king. The last thing Ruairi expects is a beautiful </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">English governess to appear on his doorstep.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>BUT THIS LADY SPY MIGHT MAKE HIM…</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lady Ravenna Walsingham is a seasoned spy who is </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">sent to the savage Highlands to uncover a nefarious </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">plot against the Crown. Playing the part of an English </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">governess—a job easier said than done—she infiltrates </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">the home of Laird Ruairi Sutherland, a suspected </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">conspirator. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>IF SHE DOESN’T BETRAY HIM FIRST</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ravenna soon discovers that the only real threat </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sutherland poses is to her heart. But will the proud </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Highland laird ever forgive her when he discovers the </span><br />
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">woman he loves is an English spy?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Now Available for Pre-Order!</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/My-Highland-Spy-Spies/dp/1402292007/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397410672&sr=8-1&keywords=my+highland+spy" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Amazon</a> </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-highland-spy-victoria-roberts/1116988453?ean=9781402292002" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Barnes and Noble</a> </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.booksamillion.com/search?id=5971543264989&query=my+highland+spy&where=All&search.x=0&search.y=0&search=Search" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Books-A-Million</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>GIVEAWAY:</b> Leave a comment for a chance to win a Highland Spies' t-shirt and an autographed postcard.</span><br />
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Victoria Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655411862542154351noreply@blogger.com83tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664128935862208505.post-28946411889237544142014-02-26T00:30:00.000-08:002014-02-26T00:30:08.004-08:00Two Years and Passing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5atdhVMDKhcDje7hIv5cDCF-36PjKJjMSwd4XASpBbr_MY5Yj9GuX206upav6Wv-BcVIXngvW0rqBA8rIMCIkck7Mnwla13vALyxmm8qLrOgXJO4xSFmnZlWj5bFLcoiUsB3SniP1tbmt/s1600/Mom+in+CA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5atdhVMDKhcDje7hIv5cDCF-36PjKJjMSwd4XASpBbr_MY5Yj9GuX206upav6Wv-BcVIXngvW0rqBA8rIMCIkck7Mnwla13vALyxmm8qLrOgXJO4xSFmnZlWj5bFLcoiUsB3SniP1tbmt/s1600/Mom+in+CA.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know many of you have seen me post this picture of my mom before, but this particular pic captured one of my favorite moments with her so perfectly. We were so happy and had such a great time in California.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's hard to believe my mom passed away two years ago today. She lost a three month battle with breast cancer. Everyone told me the pain would be easier to bear, but truth be told, there is still not a single day that goes by that she isn't in my thoughts. Don't get me wrong, I'm not sitting for hours on end in the depths of despair, but I do think about her every day, even if only for a moment or two. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My mom was the strongest woman I knew. In fact, my sister and I used to tell her that she was one tough bitch. lol When she passed, there was no funeral because the last thing the woman desired to be was mourned. Instead, she wanted everyone to celebrate her life. She was a class act up until the end. Many years ago, our elderly neighbor had passed away and his family held a good old-fashioned Irish wake. Although we weren't Irish, that was my mom's wish. How could we possibly refuse such a request?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We threw her a "Celebration of Life" party. Pictures of my mom's life played on a big screen, Motown (Mom's favorite) played in the background, and we knew she would've been proud. We had her friends and family come up to a podium and tell their favorite stories and memories of her.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I thought posting the speech I had written for her party would be fitting for today. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">* * *</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Although I feel a tremendous loss upon the death of my mother, I am thankful that she lived to see her daughter's marry, have children of their own, and she had an opportunity to know her grandchildren. My mom was here for every major event in my life, except one.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As most of you already know, my first novel will be released in September. Even though Mom passed away before she was able to share this new adventure with me, I am comforted by the fact that she read my first two books</span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 115%;">—</span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">which leads me to an interesting story.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For anyone who knew my mom, the woman was a fan of suspense and mystery-related works. You know, anything from Stephen King to James Patterson. Needless to say, she was not a fan of romance novels. In fact, if one of her favorite authors wrote something remotely close to a scene of an intimate nature, everyone knew Mom paged through the book until she cleared the pages of passion. She'd often say, "I get it. Move on."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I e-mailed her my first manuscript to read, she called me four hours later and the phone call was sort of like this.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"I finished your manuscript."</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There was a heavy silence.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Once I got through all the romance crap, I could not put it down. Dad came home and I even told him to be quiet until I was done reading it. I have no idea how you did it and kept everything straight. I really enjoyed it. Oh, and I even read the 'intimate' scenes and did not have to page ahead. It was really well-written. You tell a good story."</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Now after Mom read my second novel, the conversation was a little different. You see, my hero was a complete rogue who had been known to share many a bed. Mom proceeded to tell me that one of my scenes needed beefed up because if my hero was that much of a rogue, he should be able to go all night long. After I stopped laughing, she went on to say that she'd like me to change the fate of my heroine's mother because she couldn't stand her. I believe Mom's words were something like "she needed to get what was coming to her."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mom was so incredibly proud of me for this new adventure. On the last day she was fully conscious and lying in the hospital bed, I tried to convince her not to leave us. As any selfish daughter would do, I tried to say anything to keep her here and blurted out the first thing that came to mind.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"You can't leave. You promised you'd be here for my book signing," I said, tears welling in my eyes.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She reached over the rails of the hospital bed and grabbed both my hands. "I will be there. I promise. Always."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I knew she meant in spirit form and Mom was so feisty that I knew she'd be there, too. There are really no words that can accurately portray how I feel about losing my mom. I do know that a part of her will always live in me, pushing me to be better. It is with a heavy heart that the ones left behind must continue to live, but Mom would expect nothing less. She wanted her life to be celebrated and not mourned. She wanted a party and not a funeral. And she wanted everyone to remember her with a gentle fondness and to be able to give her a heartfelt goodbye.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">* * *</span><br />
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<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In loving memory of Rita L. Spak, an autographed copy of <i>X Marks the Scot </i>(Mom's favorite bad boy) and a Bad Boys of the Highlands t-shirt is up for grabs to one lucky commenter<i>. </i>Winner will be chosen on Friday, February 28th.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What's the funniest thing your mother ever did or said? My mom and I had a food fight with Boston Cream pie.</span>Victoria Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655411862542154351noreply@blogger.com62tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664128935862208505.post-77293098323765749882014-01-29T04:35:00.000-08:002014-01-29T04:35:50.338-08:00Cold Winter Nights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How many of us are tired of this scene? Cold days, cold nights, what's a girl to do?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These sub zero temperatures are just what I need because when the temperature is above twenty degrees, I have a tendency to feel guilty that I should be doing something other than curling up with my laptop in front of the fire. Yet, I long for the days of walking on the beach with sand between my toes.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This weather is far from desirable, but the cold winter nights are a writer's paradise. Love scenes in front of a raging fire. Being stranded in a deserted cabin to shield your loved one from a storm. A Highlander removing his kilt as a makeshift blanket. Och, aye. What was I saying? Oh, yes. The weather can definitely inspire an author.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But sometimes we're fortunate enough when an idea comes out of nowhere. I love those! In my latest novel, <i>To Wed a Wicked Highlander, </i>this was a scene I created in order to torture Lady Sybella MacKenzie. And yes, I had a strong desire to bathe after this one. I was kind enough to leave out the bug scene in the excerpt below. lol</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the middle of the night, she walked through the darkened halls in her bare feet dressed in nothing more than a nightrail and a blanket. She shivered, but it wasn’t from the cold. The pit was where her father threw the most unsavory of men…until they died. Their faint screams could sometimes be heard from the kitchens. Perhaps her father only had the men escort her to frighten her. Of course, that was it because her sire would never treat her this way. He couldn’t. She was his daughter. The daughter of the MacKenzie laird. A lady.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sybella quickly pushed back the thought when they descended the cold, damp stairs. The smell overwhelmed her senses, reeking of bodily excrement and making her gag. The guard reached down and lifted the gate from the floor while the other lowered a ladder. They forced her to climb down.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She took one step and tears welled in her eyes. “Please donna do this. I beg ye.”</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“We donna question our laird’s command. Please climb down, m’lady.”</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With no choice but to descend into the devil’s dungeon, she reached the bottom and the men lifted the ladder. The gate locked over her head and she was embraced by darkness. Muck of unknown origin squeezed between her toes and when she tried to step, she slid and fell into something thick and wet.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She screamed.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The hole was dark and foreboding, and she felt a wretchedness she’d never known before. A raw and primitive grief overwhelmed her. She pulled herself to her feet, and when she slid again on the slimy floor, she sat down.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sybella felt something move on her lap. She reached down and grabbed a ball of wiry fur, whipping it away from her body. Dear God, her father left her alone with the rats. She gulped hard, hot tears slipping down her cheeks. Perhaps Mary or Colin would hear her.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Please help me! Please help me! I’m here! I’m here!” she screamed. “Mary! Colin! Help me! Let me out!” When she heard no response, she bellowed, <i>“Mo mhallachd ort!” My curse on you!</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When cursing her father didn’t work, Sybella’s tears choked her. Her throat was raw from her screams of terror, her teeth chattered, and her body trembled. A sensation of intense sickness and desolation swept over her.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She jumped.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Where is the stone, Sybella?” Her father’s voice echoed from above. “Tell me where ’tis and I’ll lower the ladder.”</span><br />
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<i><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“Cha leig thu leas.” Don’t bother.</span></i><br />
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<i><br /></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Temptation-Kilt-Boys-Highlands-Book/dp/1402270062/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372468941&sr=8-1&keywords=temptation+in+a+kilt"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Temptation in a Kilt</span></a><span style="color: #0b5394;"> 2012 RT Reviewers' Choice nominee</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Marks-Scot-Bad-Boys-Highlands/dp/1402270097/ref=tmm_mmp_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1390876157&sr=1-1"><span style="color: #cc0000;">X Marks the Scot</span></a><span style="color: #0b5394;"> 2013 RT Reviewers' Choice nominee</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wed-Wicked-Highlander-Boys-Highlands/dp/1402270127/ref=tmm_mmp_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1390876312&sr=1-1"><span style="color: #cc0000;">To Wed a Wicked Highlander</span></a><span style="color: #0b5394;"> RT Book Reviews and Night Owl TOP PICK</span></span></div>
Victoria Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655411862542154351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664128935862208505.post-26786488614335552082013-12-27T05:01:00.000-08:002013-12-27T05:01:22.848-08:00'Tis the Season for Making Holiday Memories<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKIm27RNZJlGgcPqlYx4I1yahUkRICa2hsptQ0M-47yXyBykzcFJee-O2TQSPf0yJ1QlfAByglXUA1jZrTLo2hp0WSYHjgXblhpsAvVmpyfeiypwk6b8tyTZyYdExi7d1Kev7s6skqBo/s1600/DSCF2138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwKIm27RNZJlGgcPqlYx4I1yahUkRICa2hsptQ0M-47yXyBykzcFJee-O2TQSPf0yJ1QlfAByglXUA1jZrTLo2hp0WSYHjgXblhpsAvVmpyfeiypwk6b8tyTZyYdExi7d1Kev7s6skqBo/s320/DSCF2138.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Can you feel it?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The holiday spirit is definitely in the air. With the cold winter temperatures, fresh snow, children laughing, people passing...wait, that's a Christmas song, but I think you get the picture. Nothing says the holidays like family being together for the season.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Although my son is eight and my daughter thirteen, I still find joy in watching them open their gifts on Christmas morning. My husband starts a fire, turns on all the Christmas lights, makes coffee and hot chocolate and turns up the Christmas carols all before the kids are allowed downstairs. My daughter taps her fingers with impatience while my son shakes his legs in excitement as they sit at the top of the stairs and ask for the millionth time, "Can we come down yet?" I wouldn't trade those memories for anything in the world. I fondly remember my parents doing the same thing and proudly pass down the tradition to my own kids. As I think back to holidays past, one of the most romantic things EVER was with my pre-husband over twenty years ago on Christmas Eve.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mr. Roberts grew up on a horse farm. We just had a fresh blanket of snow, and the man was bound and determined to make our first Christmas together a memorable one. This was also the first Christmas I didn't make it home for the holidays and needless to say, I was feeling a little down. He told me to wait in the house as I watched him through the window walk out to the barn. I had no idea what he was doing out there because he was gone forever.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To my surprise, Mr. Roberts emerged from the barn with a horse-drawn sleigh complete with sleigh bells. He pulled up to the house, put the horse in "park," and climbed down from the sleigh. He walked around and held out his hand, assisting me into the sleigh. He reached over and covered me with a heavy woolen blanket, and then he gave me a smile that would melt the winter snow. *sigh*</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was thankful when he left my side and sauntered around the sleigh because I definitely needed time to compose myself. He picked up the reins and leaned closer. "Merry Christmas," he whispered as he leaned in for a kiss. *another sigh* We rode through the fields and then took to the streets, sleigh bells jingling...wait, I think that's a song too, but who cares? You get the picture.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have no idea why I write about Highlanders when I have a cowboy for a husband. To tell you the truth, Mr. Roberts doesn't have an answer either, especially since he's 100% German.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">No matter what holiday you celebrate, I wish everyone a safe and happy season filled with love and laughter. May you all find a Highlander/cowboy of your own.</span>Victoria Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655411862542154351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664128935862208505.post-23604936766895025592013-11-01T05:29:00.002-07:002013-11-01T05:29:42.261-07:00Antwerp, Gent and Brussels, Oh My!<span style="color: #cc0000;">When my sister asked me to tag along with her to Belgium, how could I have refused such an offer?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">My birthday was yesterday. Yep, a Halloween baby. As a birthday present, my dear sister let me come along while she worked and I played. Och, aye, and I played hard.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">We stayed in Antwerp (Atwerpen/Dutch) and I toured everything I could.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">From the beautiful cathedral:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9visAx6fLmhEgX7MgsyWFLaYAdixBkADcl6EVo1MdsMi1snaHjfoSzvYmPrn6z_CFPlKr9qKx0b7cGXTUb96stThk2h_6wsDGnS5-ryd2r_HplECXaUs6kVwejO4IUSRGPsdziMJv4k/s1600/Belgium+2013+233.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9visAx6fLmhEgX7MgsyWFLaYAdixBkADcl6EVo1MdsMi1snaHjfoSzvYmPrn6z_CFPlKr9qKx0b7cGXTUb96stThk2h_6wsDGnS5-ryd2r_HplECXaUs6kVwejO4IUSRGPsdziMJv4k/s320/Belgium+2013+233.JPG" width="213" /></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWqRStgEztZPH47qlbFL6ayY6yObElazkF4alrqgqu8LgllXT2q3D0DjrkjN4Em4FqYAgMKiiB07fNP0My5hAP9eB7hCgNx0kLxxZDtNziYnXZHmLdMX_Q73kzyKEYBSh0zHIxuEa8Oo/s1600/Belgium+2013+230.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWqRStgEztZPH47qlbFL6ayY6yObElazkF4alrqgqu8LgllXT2q3D0DjrkjN4Em4FqYAgMKiiB07fNP0My5hAP9eB7hCgNx0kLxxZDtNziYnXZHmLdMX_Q73kzyKEYBSh0zHIxuEa8Oo/s320/Belgium+2013+230.JPG" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">To the fun markets:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbd0t9kzGk6Cf1fmO3a6fMZWyvOqUYLxg1cfEnCeWpJ9CtRNxwdpE8fjJVqFiSBDfzlhTLh3J91ewHbAhOeBemwyD2EFesFEy1zZxrv5y3RVZmGcsGgnclzEtyRNNqjXbSX3UHpwB_YxM/s1600/Belgium+2013+305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbd0t9kzGk6Cf1fmO3a6fMZWyvOqUYLxg1cfEnCeWpJ9CtRNxwdpE8fjJVqFiSBDfzlhTLh3J91ewHbAhOeBemwyD2EFesFEy1zZxrv5y3RVZmGcsGgnclzEtyRNNqjXbSX3UHpwB_YxM/s320/Belgium+2013+305.JPG" width="213" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">To the beautiful churches:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvalFupnuRP5vTSOfXo85BX8FEyIw9oPWd-cqHmEDmfjtZGw6YPLALYp1J2VuTS685mR712-nv0Okig_AcJlVJd89pRDZ3EWs88-fS0YPnC6S4TWD-MOT5hbyn2ZpK8ACZ7wj6U2NaaNo/s1600/Belgium+2013+351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvalFupnuRP5vTSOfXo85BX8FEyIw9oPWd-cqHmEDmfjtZGw6YPLALYp1J2VuTS685mR712-nv0Okig_AcJlVJd89pRDZ3EWs88-fS0YPnC6S4TWD-MOT5hbyn2ZpK8ACZ7wj6U2NaaNo/s320/Belgium+2013+351.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">I could have lived there in a heartbeat. The rich history and architecture was simply breathtaking. To be honest, the pictures didn't do the country justice. My mouth dropped repeatedly at the sights.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">My sister decided to take me to Gent for one day. Apparently, there was a castle there she wanted me to see. Oh, boy. A castle indeed. This was the castle they used in the TV show <i>The White Queen.</i> This awe-inspiring structure was built in 1100. You read that right. 1100. Needless to say, I was in heaven and didn't want to leave. Could you imagine the inspiration to be had? Even if I do have a Scottish fetish, a castle is a castle.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">I learned a lot of things from my trip and thought to share.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">1. Americans eat like crap. Seriously, we do. Everything is so fresh over there. No preservatives. The Belgium people cook everything according to what's available that season.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">2. I'll never look at Olive Garden the same way again. With Italy being so close, this was the first time I had authentic Italian spaghetti. Enough said.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">3. With all that Belgium chocolate one would think there would be a weight problem. Nope. Men, women and children all ride bikes and/or walk everywhere. The country is entirely flat for an added bonus. Let's not mention the fact that I stowed 20 pounds of chocolate in my luggage on the way home. I gained 20 pounds just looking at it.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">4. The typical Belgium woman: skirt above the knee or mid-thigh, black tights, ankle or boots to the knee, nice top, jacket and a scarf. Men and women alike dress up their attire with scarves. Scarves, scarves, scarves, everywhere you look. The motto is even "Antwerp...It's all about the fashion."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">5. Belgium people would never survive Pittsburgh in the dead of winter. While I was in Antwerp, we had 65-70 degree weather. I was the ONLY one in short sleeves. Seriously. I looked. The Antwerpians had winter coats on for goodness sake. The temperature there was killer for this western PA girl because every store, hotel, museum and restaurant kept the thermostat 75 degrees or higher. I swear the outside cafe's were a blessing. One hostess actually asked me if I wanted to sit closer to the heat lamp. Are you KIDDING me?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">This was definitely the trip of a lifetime, and I'm so thankful to have shared the experience with my sister. I can't think of anything better than spending a girls-only week away with your closest friend. Castles, cathedrals, history and chocolate. What could be better than that?</span><br />
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Victoria Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655411862542154351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664128935862208505.post-61394460598606771752013-09-15T15:09:00.000-07:002013-09-15T15:10:55.545-07:00A Book, a Heroine and a Baby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Friday, September 13th, I received the most memorable news <i>ever. </i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It all started with a book. This book.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; text-align: left;"><i style="color: #274e13;">To Wed a Wicked Highlander </i><span style="color: #274e13;">is the latest release in my Bad Boys of the Highlands series. Of course I was absolutely thrilled when Laird Alexander MacDonell and Lady Sybella MacKenzie were given a TOP PICK from </span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-review/wed-wicked-highlander"><span style="color: #cc0000;">RT Book Reviews</span></a> </span><span style="color: #274e13;">and </span><a href="http://www.nightowlreviews.com/V5/Reviews/Debrataylor-reviews-To-Wed-A-Wicked-Highlander-by-Victoria-Roberts" style="color: #cc0000;">Night Owl Reviews</a><span style="color: #274e13;">. Who wouldn't be? I was completely honored to be recognized for my latest novel. But imagine my surprise when I received the following m</span></span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">essage from a reader:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"I wanted to tell you that I LOVED <i>To Wed a Wicked Highlander, </i>as I knew I would. I let my sister-in-law read it and she fell in love with Sybella. Two hours ago, she had my beautiful niece, Sybella Marie. Thank you for your amazing stories. She named her after your heroine, and she fell in love with the name and the character. I love your work and I fall in love with every hero and heroine. I reread every one of them so many times and they are some of my most beloved treasures."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My jaw dropped, my heart thumped, and I couldn't believe the words I'd just read. A reader...named her first born...after my heroine! In my opinion, there was no greater honor for an author to receive. I was completely humbled. I still am. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So without further ado, </span><span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">allow me to introduce you to the beautiful Sybella Marie. And yes, her family calls her Ella, the same as Lady Sybella. Isn't she adorable? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Congratulations, Letha! Hugs to you and your family.</span></div>
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Victoria Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655411862542154351noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664128935862208505.post-21647925854686064512013-09-03T05:02:00.001-07:002013-09-03T05:02:21.036-07:00Release Day for To Wed a Wicked Highlander<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXfNO3e3IXwKg7ecjXO0Iu8IZIpIDVI8GBU_roM3LipQFQcRslfB592IxNCx0v3wqmcvTsBrL4RBFR4J57t8axOHJlxcKCvcX-j07PO0m4OpdUNmLLPYVeiFF4z5Kf0NM9DPtLE9OiG6B/s1600/towedwickedhighlander-FINAL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyXfNO3e3IXwKg7ecjXO0Iu8IZIpIDVI8GBU_roM3LipQFQcRslfB592IxNCx0v3wqmcvTsBrL4RBFR4J57t8axOHJlxcKCvcX-j07PO0m4OpdUNmLLPYVeiFF4z5Kf0NM9DPtLE9OiG6B/s400/towedwickedhighlander-FINAL.jpg" width="242" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy Release Day to Laird Alexander MacDonell of Glengarry and Lady Sybella MacKenzie of Kintail!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Night Owl and RT Book Reviews TOP PICK</span>Victoria Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655411862542154351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664128935862208505.post-72875814081580758802013-08-13T14:30:00.000-07:002013-08-13T14:31:06.383-07:00Last Summer Vacation<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After having wonderful adventures in Colorado Springs, CO this summer, safely avoiding all natural disasters, the clan and I took our final summer vacation to the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, MD.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My husband and I haven't been there in over twenty years. Needless to say, a lot has changed since then. For instance, imagine my delightful surprise when I spotted the biggest Barnes and Noble EVER. As if the clouds parted and the angels sang...This. Was. Awesome! The picture below sort of resembled that feeling. At least, I thought so. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">BTW Sourcebooks sisters...your new releases were on the tower as soon as I walked through the door.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGGKWESXuaGxog1VCXqQFK5SqlGqx5haWsw18PnG-0r9Se1vYNQrQbWDP5PEPtT-8FZ0HuP_G22-vm0ntyFQ9ppF-O1HxGU4rlOiFtmacrZLvnJOzlt8WSVgcdaotF0p5U2SIhZLIlaA/s1600/053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrGGKWESXuaGxog1VCXqQFK5SqlGqx5haWsw18PnG-0r9Se1vYNQrQbWDP5PEPtT-8FZ0HuP_G22-vm0ntyFQ9ppF-O1HxGU4rlOiFtmacrZLvnJOzlt8WSVgcdaotF0p5U2SIhZLIlaA/s320/053.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just to give you an idea of how truly big this place was...The building used to be a power plant.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6wZcVs3b7k4HvvClhnzOpNLR8BqSSl8ucVgbgi3NimR94R2fmuMEjciM_SlrRp-DgNqi2s_auNfDJfDxsNnJsLSmHqW1CDJLLWvxXF3WMaN8zMIcM6qY_EehpQWBMr4r2ky5ovTYL-k/s1600/074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6wZcVs3b7k4HvvClhnzOpNLR8BqSSl8ucVgbgi3NimR94R2fmuMEjciM_SlrRp-DgNqi2s_auNfDJfDxsNnJsLSmHqW1CDJLLWvxXF3WMaN8zMIcM6qY_EehpQWBMr4r2ky5ovTYL-k/s320/074.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In 92 degree heat, we played the typical tourists and did most of the attractions like touring the ships. During which, we had a hard time trying to convince my son he wasn't a pirate.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was so incredibly hot that we found some much needed solace in the National Aquarium. The building had definitely expanded since we were there last. They had some amazing species of jellyfish that I wouldn't want to necessarily swim with but were beautiful nonethel</span><span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">ess.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The highlight of the aquarium visit had to be my son with his warped sense of humor. Being that he's only eight, I still haven't decided if I should be worried or not. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There was an interactive computer and you had to type one sentence on how you felt water impacted life around you. So everyone wrote about frogs, how water is used to drink, dolphins, fish in the sea, etc. Well...in lieu of Shark Week, this was my son's sentence (in the middle): Yep, all sharks love to eat humans.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We took a boat ride over to Fells Point and walked around the shops which were a lot of fun. There were a couple of Irish pubs that I would've loved to visit, but when in Maryland, you have to go for Maryland crabs. How could you not? The Old Bay seasoning could be smelled everywhere! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I told you about my son and Shark Week. Now I have to tell you about my husband. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I swear the man watches everything on Discovery, Travel Channel, etc. Between Duck Dynasty, Man vs. Wild, Bizarre Foods, Alaska something-or-other...He saw a clip on the Travel Channel and took us to the World Famous (which my mom would've loved since she was obsessed with everything labeled "world famous") Lexington Market. Andrew Zimmer from Bizarre Foods was there and my husband had to be there, too. We went to Faidely's Seafood and had to have their awesome crab cakes and oysters. Unfortunately, the crab cakes were demolished before I had the chance to take a picture.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">While we were in Baltimore, one of my Facebook friends told me her child was conceived there. In Baltimore, not the market. And I can see why. There were a ton of these signs all around the raw bars. We had a good laugh until my son asked as loud as can be, "What's Viagra?"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So the Roberts clan had another amazing mini-vacation before the start of school. What about you? Any last minute vacation plans for the summer?</span></div>
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Victoria Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655411862542154351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664128935862208505.post-49207639207959170372013-06-21T12:28:00.002-07:002013-06-21T12:31:25.431-07:00Thunder, Lightning, Forest Fires and a Tornado<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'll admit that I do spin tales of fiction, but there is no way I could possibly make this up.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The clan and I recently returned from a family vacation in Colorado Springs, CO. For those of you who have never seen this beautiful state, place it on your bucket list!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">As our flight traveled from Denver to Colorado Springs, we saw the raging forest fire below that destroyed thousands of acres in the Black Forest. Yep, you guessed it. The fires were in Colorado Springs. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Being from Pennsylvania, this type of natural behavior is not something that we're readily accustomed to and frankly, we were more than a little nervous. We said a silent prayer the fire wouldn't impact our vacation and it didn't, but our hearts certainly went out to the five hundred families who lost their homes. We were somewhat surprised that Colorado natives continued to go about their business as if the fires were a common occurrence. I guess they were. I suppose California natives act the same way about earthquakes.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Our travels took us to Garden of the Gods in which the name spoke for itself.</span> <br />
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We also chuckled when we spotted the sign below since the signs in PA normally mention to clean up after your pet. lol</span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We took the cog train up to the very top of Pikes Peak. Yep, all 14,115 feet above sea level. They even sold oxygen at the train station.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">That night, when we arrived back at the hotel, one of the hotel staff had asked me what we did that day. I told her that we had a great time taking the cog train up to Pikes Peak and a strange look crossed her face. She said, "Oh, please tell me your train was not the one that got struck by lightning today." </span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thankfully, the Roberts family had managed to avoid the fires and did not get struck by lightning.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">On another day, we traveled to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo and we still hadn't had any rain. The sun was shining, there was a cool breeze in the air, a great day for visiting the zoo.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Yeah, well, let me tell you that mountain weather is totally unpredictable. Within minutes, rain, thunder, and it poured buckets! At least we saw most of the zoo.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We were stuck under a small roof for over a half an hour, but we were so thankful because we knew the rain would help the Colorado firefighters. As soon as the rain had quit pelting us, we made a mad dash to the car. Imagine our surprise when a huge crowd stood at the entrance to the zoo for tickets in the rain. I turned to my husband and asked him if they were nuts. We get in the car, I back out, and guess what folks? You got it. The clouds parted, the rain stopped, and the sun was blinding. Grrr...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">During our vacation, I even managed to swing by two Barnes and Noble bookstores and both stores were sold out of </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/X-Marks-Scot-Victoria-Roberts/dp/1402270097/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371839999&sr=8-1&keywords=x+marks+the+scot"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">X Marks the Scot</span>.</span></a><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Woot! So I signed stock of </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Temptation-Kilt-Boys-Highlands-Book/dp/1402270062/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1371840092&sr=1-1&keywords=temptation+in+a+kilt"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Temptation in a Kilt</span>.</span></a><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> I found myself in the romance section in both stores and turned out the covers of my Sourcebooks sisters and "rearranged" them in a prime location. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">When we arrived back at the hotel that night, we found out a tornado touched down at the Denver airport. Seriously. I didn't think Colorado was that dangerous.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The highlight of our vacation had to be the wolves. Yep, you heard me right. Wolves. My daughter has been forever fascinated with all-things wolves. Imagine her surprise when her awesome mother paid for her to get her picture taken with a wolf pup.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Priceless...</span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Through thunder, lightning, forest fires and a tornado, emerged a wonderful family vacation that I know we will always hold dear.</span> </div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">What about you? What is the best family vacation you have ever taken?</span></div>
Victoria Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655411862542154351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664128935862208505.post-54417511711190015772013-05-20T04:53:00.001-07:002013-05-20T04:53:38.578-07:00Fan-girl at RT<br />
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<span style="color: #20124d;">I thought I'd be a pro by now. After all, not many debut authors get to sign with the fabulous Nora Roberts. But did that stop me from going all fan-girl on some of my favorite writers at the Romantic Times Convention? Nope.<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3mYbV_A4wQ2sP5pf0y2A5uhcn12RtkrPBlRD23v8gNcaNi1Mjfn777OE5bCF6OhZbfYRjHiFV2uaTdZxrN1MYIp0O5TuuLpN8JclDKoyQ6xyliw8PjM_va3W0CFaXsC4GxY1czwcGgk/s1600/Sabrina+Jeffries.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU3mYbV_A4wQ2sP5pf0y2A5uhcn12RtkrPBlRD23v8gNcaNi1Mjfn777OE5bCF6OhZbfYRjHiFV2uaTdZxrN1MYIp0O5TuuLpN8JclDKoyQ6xyliw8PjM_va3W0CFaXsC4GxY1czwcGgk/s200/Sabrina+Jeffries.JPG" width="149" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: #20124d;">The first person I stalked *clearing throat* sought out was Sabrina Jeffries. I'm a huge fan. We had started chatting over Facebook several years ago. When I told her that I had started writing again, the first thing she told me to do was join Romance Writers of America. If not for Sabrina's encouragement and advice, my stories would still be floating around in my head. It was such an honor for me to finally meet her in person. <br /><br /> Sourcebooks has it right. "Authors are my rock stars."<br /><br /> As my dad and I were standing in line for the awards ceremony, Miss <em>Thrill Ride </em>herself, Julie Ann Walker strolled by. And I must say, she's just as delightful in person. I was also thrilled (no pun intended) to meet fellow Sourcebooks sisters Sara Humphreys, Shana Galen, C.H. Admirand and Gina Lamm. I've had the privilege of knowing the multi-talented Lady Grace Burrowes for a while now. Lucky me!<br /><br /> One of the biggest highlights of the convention for me... Mary Wine. To be truthful, I could've sat for hours and listened to her stories about costume making for the movies, renaissance fairs, and Mary's take on writing. She had me completely mesmerized with her tales. We sat and talked so much at the Sourcebooks party that I literally had to pull myself away to </span><a href="http://casablancaauthors.blogspot.com/2013/05/fan-girl-at-rt.html#" id="_GPLITA_1" in_rurl="http://i.trkjmp.com/click?v=VVM6MjAyMzA6MTI4Om1pbmdsZTo2OWZjYTE3M2EzNjE0OWQ4NmJhMTM3MjBkMGJkMDg4ODp6LTEwNDEtOTE1NDU6Y2FzYWJsYW5jYWF1dGhvcnMuYmxvZ3Nwb3QuY29tOjI3NzU1OjQ5NDg0MDdlNzcwZDMzMWE1OTY1NDM1YTdlZjFiMzU1" style="text-decoration: underline;" title="Click to Continue > by Text-Enhance"><span style="color: #20124d;">mingle</span></a><span style="color: #20124d;"> with the book sellers.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #20124d;">And one thing I learned about the convention? Being a Scottish historical romance writer definitely had its perks. Look at these Highland hotties who stopped by my table. Aye!</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Victoria Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655411862542154351noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8664128935862208505.post-69077616248482849922013-04-15T05:29:00.003-07:002013-04-15T05:29:44.899-07:00Readers Choice Contest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEFfjOieZ-VgmkTRYBFYx-qf3bdUZeBSynDVkhhtTACKZuKe3r8Q3GbXjfuLEiH1ryJU_Z6AS3Znpfahk0XSOEiEZrFdRyf_qAmTeQSPS-KpliyKgUR3UfBWJyHvgwVajFTmB2zgoPn_5/s1600/Temptation+Final.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPEFfjOieZ-VgmkTRYBFYx-qf3bdUZeBSynDVkhhtTACKZuKe3r8Q3GbXjfuLEiH1ryJU_Z6AS3Znpfahk0XSOEiEZrFdRyf_qAmTeQSPS-KpliyKgUR3UfBWJyHvgwVajFTmB2zgoPn_5/s320/Temptation+Final.gif" width="196" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqE2hcerZgyRzGeqznD6CbCJUwqK4ojyC6xHFVHpgP3m5a-92GEmMv0uHrRvl4lDC7iBTKuLBW0iyRYpBgbFw0T9G3k25qbo74i_U2pzgoRHTGQwlB2qSP6aHWC6_NpqLtbLS1eltraGz/s1600/X+Marks+the+Scot+Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOqE2hcerZgyRzGeqznD6CbCJUwqK4ojyC6xHFVHpgP3m5a-92GEmMv0uHrRvl4lDC7iBTKuLBW0iyRYpBgbFw0T9G3k25qbo74i_U2pzgoRHTGQwlB2qSP6aHWC6_NpqLtbLS1eltraGz/s320/X+Marks+the+Scot+Final.jpg" width="194" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Wednesday, April 17th, I'll pick another random newsletter subscriber to win either an autographed copy of <em>Temptation in a Kilt</em> and Laird Ciaran MacGregor's Bad Boy t-shirt or <em>X Marks the Scot</em> and Declan MacGregor's Bad Boy t-shirt. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia;">Not a member? Not a problem. Join my newsletter at <a href="http://www.victoriarobertsauthor.com/"><span style="color: #cc0000;">www.victoriarobertsauthor.com</span></a> for a chance to pick your favorite bad boy!</span></div>
Victoria Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14655411862542154351noreply@blogger.com0