Kill or Be Kilt is Almost Here

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?

This is the first scene where Ian sees Elizabeth again. 

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

God help him.

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.

“Munro, ye do remember Lady Elizabeth, eh?”

How could he forget the reason why he’d avoided Sutherland lands for the past three years?

"I adore this series, and as usual, Victoria Roberts has written another well crafted book with brilliant characters..."
—Night Owl Reviews TOP PICK

Pre-order:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

iBooks

Kobo 

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.

Outlander and the Greatest Scottish Historical Romance Author

Photo from Starz

We all have it, and it's highly contagious. What is it? Outlander fever.

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.

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.

But...

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. 

I've been watching Outlander 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.

"You write this stuff. How would you write it? What would you write next? Would you have written that scene that way?"

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.

"There isn't enough of Jamie and Claire together in this episode. Is that what you would've done?"

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!"

I shrugged with indifference. "I don't know. You asked me how I would write it. Scottish historical romance author, remember?"

"Mom, you are AMAZING! I knew you were good, but that was GREAT! You are really awesome!"

What she doesn't know won't hurt her. I know. I'm verra bad.

Want an autographed copy of ANY of my books? Order now through Turn the Page Bookstore and I'll sign them for you at the September 13th event. Turn the Page will mail the books out to you that week.

First Chapter Teaser

Rain, rain, go away. Seriously, go away.

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.

I hope you're enjoying your summer. I'm getting pretty excited about the upcoming release of My Highland Spy, 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.

Here's a little sneak peek of what you can expect in September.

* * *
London, England, 1609

She had made a deal with the devil, King James to be precise.

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.

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.

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.

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.

She made her way toward the back of the brick building. The stairs leading to the door were dark. Of 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.

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.

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.”

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.

The Devil’s Tavern held many secrets.

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.

Without warning, Ravenna was roughly pulled down onto a lap. The man’s breath reeked of ale and he smiled, fingering her locks.

“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.”

She didn’t think it wise to tell the man what he smelled like so she politely nodded. When she tried to stand, he pulled her back down and held her with a firm grip.

“Let me tell you a little secret.” He lowered his voice and leaned forward. “I think you are by far my 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.

Dear God.

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.

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.

She placed her finger to the man’s lips. “I have something for you. I’ll be right back.” When the man 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.

She did not look back.

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.

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.

“Lady Walsingham, did you find what you were looking for?”

“Thankfully, yes.”

“Home, my lady?”

“Yes, please.”

Ravenna climbed into the coach and breathed a sigh of relief. She sat back, closed her tired eyes, and 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.

“My lady, we have arrived.”

She took George’s hand and climbed down. “Thank you. Could you please ask my uncle to pay me a visit on the morrow?”

He nodded. “Of course. Have a pleasant evening, Lady Walsingham.”

Ravenna walked to the front of the manor house and quietly opened the heavy door. It was nearly 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.

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.

A voice spoke from her bed and Ravenna jumped.

“Where the hell have you been? And what in the name of God are you wearing?”

My Highland Spy is now available for pre-order! 
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Chapters Indigo
Books-A-Million

Cover Reveal for My Highland Spy + Giveaway

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Now Available for Pre-Order!
Amazon 
Barnes and Noble 
Books-A-Million

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