My Highland Spy - Best Historical and Best Book of the Year!

The clan and I recently returned from New Orleans, LA where My Highland Spy was awarded the 2014 BTS Book Reviews Red Carpet award for Best Historical and Best Book of the Year! 

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. 

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."

I explained to my son that the cover model was escorting everyone 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..."

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!) 

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. 

It was a great night, and I'm so glad that I got to share it with my family, especially in New Orleans.

X Marks the Scot Wins Big

Aye! That's my Highland hero!

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

Funny story about that...

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

And then I won...

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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