Kilted Bliss!

Look what arrived in my mailbox! I just placed my hands on my first baby! Sorry if you heard me scream (again!)

I cannot tell you the feeling of accomplishment, the sense of completion, the thrill of the moment, touching my first completed book.

The ARC's (Advanced Reader Copies) have arrived for Temptation in a Kilt. In celebration of this moment, I am giving away a free ARC and a Bad Boys of the Highlands t-shirt to one lucky commenter. 

All you have to do is enter a comment below, including your e-mail address, and I will select one random winner. Be sure to check back tomorrow for the name of the winner!

Temptation in a Kilt Back Cover Blurb

It's here! I just received my back cover blurb for Temptation in a Kilt. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

She’s on her way to safety

It’s a sign of Lady Rosalia Armstrong’s desperation that

she’s seeking refuge in a place as rugged and challenging

as the Scottish Highlands. She doesn’t care about

hardship and discomfort, if only she can become master

of her own life. Laird Ciaran MacGregor, however, is

completely beyond her control…

He redefines dangerous…

Ciaran MacGregor knows it’s perilous to get

embroiled with a fiery Lowland lass, especially one as

headstrong as Rosalia. Having made a rash promise

to escort her all the way to Glengarry, now he’s stuck

with her, even though she challenges his legendary

prowess at every opportunity. When temptation

reaches its peak, he’ll be ready to show her who he

really is…on and off the battlefield.

What do you think?

Jimmy Thomas, a Book Signing and a Little Lad in Training

What in the world does Jimmy Thomas, a book signing and a little lad in training have in common? Yep, I thought the same thing.

I've posted several times before about the wonderful sayings that come out of the mouths of babes. And just when I think nothing else would surprise me, bang, there it is.

It all started when Temptation in a Kilt was published. As every author would do, I privately reflected and asked myself, "What if this is a NYT Bestseller? What if this is a USA Today Bestseller? OMG! What if it's both? Wait, reality is sinking in... What if it gets really bad reviews and bombs?" *shaking head and clearing out negative thoughts*

When things start to bother me, I like to talk instead of keeping all of my musings inside to fester. I started talking to my kids about how I would promote the book. We talked about promotional items, what I would take to the book signing, etc. You know--anything to lighten said dark thoughts.

My daughter smirks and says, "Boy, it's too bad you can't have Jimmy Thomas attend. How great would that be to help you sell your book?"

For those of you that don't know, Jimmy is the Highlander gracing my website and blog and also the Highlander in the Temptation in a Kilt book trailer.

Of course I agree with my daughter. How could I not?

Right on cue, my son says, "I'll do it. Buy me a kilt and I'll do it. But... I will only do it if you buy me the shirt, shoes and dagger. I want to look like a Highlander. Then I can pass out your bookmarks and say, "Thank you for buying my Mom's book." And I swear this was entirely my little lad's idea. Both of my kids are verra proud of Mom.

As any mother/author of Scottish historical romance would do, I ordered my little lad the complete Scottish get-up from Heritage of Scotland. 

And it arrived...

I can admit that I may be a wee bit partial. But I think my son will do great at the book signing! What do you think? A future Highland laird mayhap?

Celtic Guide

Imagine my surprise when I opened an e-mail from Jim McQuiston, Editor and Publisher for the Celtic Guide asking me if I'd like to be a contributing author for the on-line magazine. That was indeed a no-brainer. The purpose of the Celtic Guide is to promote and preserve Celtic culture. What another amazing opportunity for Bringing my love of Scotland to life...

When I wrote the article for the April issue, I knew two things. First, I wanted the readers to connect with my love of all things Scotland. Second, I wanted a way to bottle the mystical lands of Alba. And what better way to express the breathtaking beauty of the lochs and moors than by my favorite Scottish photographer, Cameron Morrison, providing the pictures? Cam's photos amaze me on a daily basis.

Please check out the latest issue of the Celtic Guide and let me know what you think. I always love to hear from readers!

Temptation in a Kilt

Did you hear the scream? Sorry, it was me! Imagine my surprise when I opened an e-mail from my wonderful editor and saw... this! Who wouldn't?

It's official and I'm telling the world.

Coming September 2012 from Sourcebooks Casablanca is my debut novel, Temptation in a Kilt. This is Book 1 of my Bad Boys of the Highlands series.

Please excuse me while I pop open a bottle of champagne and raise my glass to the Highland hotty that graces my first cover...

This is a verra fine day indeed.

Women Read/Women Write

Yes! That's me and New York Times Bestselling Author Madeline Hunter! When this picture was taken, I was hoping her literary expertise would rub off on me--literally. As she strolled through the crowd passing out bookmarks, I was so nervous that I froze like a complete dolt. My heart was beating faster and faster. If not for my friend snagging her attention, introducing us and telling her about my Scottish historical coming out in September, I would have missed my chance to meet her. (Thanks, Karen! I owe you one!) In all honesty, the moment was almost lost, but my daughter kept poking me in the ribs. I don't think she would've let that happen.   

I attended the first Women Read/Women Write event in Pittsburgh celebrating the books women love to read. There were a vast panel of authors ranging from literary novelists, women's fiction, mystery and of course my personal favorite--romance!

Many authors shared their personal journeys about dredging through the publishing world and were very open and honest about how difficult this business can be. Between query letters, submissions, rejection letters, agents, publishers, marketing, no subject was left unturned. It was a meeting of the minds like no other.

The event would not have been complete without New York Times Bestselling Author Gaelen Foley.

Gaelen's new release, My Ruthless Prince, just hit the New York Times Bestseller list after one week! These ladies are indeed an inspiration to all. 

I also had the privilege of meeting RITA® Award winner Gwen Cready.

Needless to say, there was a ton of hometown pride. These ladies, *clearing throat* and one gentleman were indeed awe-inspiring. It was an educational experience I thoroughly enjoyed. I hope to join the panel next year and learn a great deal on the coattails of these wonderful authors. 

Celtic Woman

I watched Celtic Woman perform on television with a back drop of a beautiful Irish castle and was mesmerized by their talent. Granted, the show was in Ireland and I was only dreaming, but when they came so close to home I had to get tickets. I am so glad I did!

It didn't take long to convince my daughter to go with me to Heinz Hall and we had a blast. The women were beautiful, talented, and with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra accompanying them... need I say more? I have to admit, *bowing head* my eyes welled with tears on a couple of occasions. Angelic is probably the best word to describe the show. 

Although this was their Christmas show and they gifted us with songs such as Ave Maria and O Holy Night, they were still kind enough to grace us with Danny Boy and You Raise Me Up. Not to mention Máiréad's Irish jig's which are out of this world!

We were not permitted to take pictures once the show started, but this should tell you how fantastic our seats were. If you have the chance to go, don't miss it!

This was definitely a mother/daughter function that I will cherish forever. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!