Release Day

It's finally here. Release day for Temptation in a Kilt.

As I unleashed my new baby into the world, I took a step back, realizing my emotions were so out of whack. Frankly, I don't know how debut authors do it. How can one feel excited, thrilled, joyful and scared to death all at the same time? Seriously. If anyone knows, please fill me in.

"Get a grip, Roberts." That's what I keep telling myself over and over.

I know one thing for certain. My heart and soul went into this book and I hold my head high with pride. It touches me dearly when a reader takes the time to send me a personal note to tell me how much this book touched them. And you know what? That one reader makes it totally worth the ride. 

I'd like to thank the following people for their support.

Sabrina Jeffries, for making me realize it’s never too late to try something new.

Hannah Howell, for her support while I was bogged down in synopsis hell.

Eliza Knight, for giving me the courage to put myself out there.

To my agent, Jill Marsal, for her endless support and encouragement.

To my editor, Deb Werksman, for giving me a chance.

To my critique partner, Mary Grace, there are really no words to express the tremendous amount of gratitude I hold for you. All those times I ruffled your feathers about having your nose planted in a book, even when you walk… For your brutal honesty and endless reads, your unwavering support and encouragement, these Bad Boys came to life. Thank you for believing in me.
 

To my family, for their unwavering support and dedication to this Bad Boy. For my son, who understood at such a young age that Mommy was editing. For my daughter, the only Gaelic-speaking lass in the fifth grade. And for my husband, who makes dinners countless nights. I could not ask for a more encouraging bunch. I love you all, and you have my heartfelt thanks and appreciation. I could have never done this without you. 

  

Mom, Dad and Michelle, thank you for believing in me. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you or miss you, Mom. I hope I made you proud.

 

Thanks for helping me spread the word, and I'm raising a cyber glass of champagne to all of you.

RT Book Reviews and a Whisper of Faith

The clan and I recently returned from a much needed vacation at Myrtle Beach, SC. If you're like me, getting back into the working groove can be somewhat grueling. While I was beach bound, I took my laptop to check e-mails because nothing irks me more than coming back from a break with 200 e-mails to sort through. Grr...

As a debut author, everything is new for me. Between working through editorial comments, copy/edits, galleys, ARC's (Advance Reader Copies) sometimes it's a little unnerving because you don't know what to expect. Since Temptation in a Kilt is virtually ready to go for its September 1st release, I now swim the uncharted waters of editorial and reader reviews. That being said, when I received an e-mail from Sourcebooks on vacation and they advised me that RT Book Reviews posted a review of Temptation in Kilt, my eyes widened, I literally froze and my stomach knotted tighter than a kid caught with his hand in a cookie jar.

I read the following caption from my publisher. 
RT Rating: 4 Star Review
"Roberts' debut novel will charm fans of Scottish romance. Her love of Scottish history and Highland heroes is quite evident in the fast-moving plot. Well written, full of intrigue and a sensual, believable romance, this book captivates the reader immediately. Definitely an author whose next book will be eagerly awaited by her readers."

My family was thrilled. My sister and brother-in-law were so excited and my Dad's eyes bordered on tears. He gave me a hug and said, "Your mother would be so proud of you."

Thoroughly ecstatic, I truly thought that was the end of it. Imagine my complete surprise when I started getting e-mails from my chapters telling me I was in September's issue of RT Book Reviews. I assumed it was the review that Sourcebooks told me about and gave polite thank-you's to my writing clan. When one of my chapter sister's said that I polluted the pages of RT in a good way, I rushed out to Barnes and Noble and bought the latest issue.

It all started on page 17 where I was listed in First Books in a New Series Launch.

Victoria Roberts
BAD BOYS OF THE HIGHLANDS
Temptation in a Kilt

That was awesome. Who doesn't love seeing their name in print? As I scrolled through the magazine, my breath hitched on page 32.

The top section indicated my RT review rating, 4, Victoria Roberts, TEMPTATION IN A KILT, 9781402270062, Sourcebooks. I thought that was sort of neat and then I glanced down.

OMG! Is that MY book cover in the corner? WHAT is going on?

The caption says, "K.I.S.S. (es) for SEPTEMBER Knights in Shining Silver."

Among the heroes of Tessa Dare, Eloisa James, Kieran Kramer, Anna Randol, Nina Rowan, Sara Luck, and Margaret McPhee is me, Victoria Roberts. There were cute captions such as "Eloisa James' James Ryburn knows a confident woman isn't The Ugly Duchess."


I kept reading to find "Victoria Roberts' hero, Ciaran MacGregor, embodies honor, sensuality and Temptation in a Kilt."

OK. By this time, I'm jumping up and down. I didn't know this was going into the magazine. And then came page 38.

Tears strolled down my cheeks and all I could say was, "I did it, Mom!"

To some, this may seem trivial. To me, it meant the world. I finally found myself on this side of 40-ish. The memory of my mother on her deathbed holding my hand and talking to me about my book, so proud, so loving, telling me she would be there for me. Always. It touched a special place in my heart. So this is for you, Mom! 

In honor of my first good review and in memory of my Mom, I will give away a signed ARC and a Bad Boys of the Highlands t-shirt to one random commenter. Just tell me your favorite memory of your mother. Winner will be announced Monday, August 6th. (US and Canada only, please.)

Happy Father's Day

That's my Dad. Yep, coming out of the outhouse that my uncle used to own in Tionesta, PA.

Many of you know that this has been a traumatic year for me and my family. With the death of my mother in February, there isn't a day that goes by that we don't think of her. With Father's Day approaching, it makes me appreciate my Dad that much more.

I have a lot of fond memories of my Dad spending time with my sister and me, but the one which stands out is our annual trip to my uncle's camp in Tionesta. Believe me, this was truly a camp, a hunter's lodge. No running water which meant no shower, no toilet, no TV, no phone, no comforts of home. If we needed water, my sister and I carried a huge jug down to the spring well and carried it back. If we needed to wash our hair, we walked down to the spring. If we had to go to the bathroom, we went to the outhouse. Ick!

The camp's musty smell grew on you like a second skin. We had to pack our clothes in garbage bags because luggage would be ruined. Note: One time my Dad actually packed the garbage from home instead of his clothes, but that's another story! The kitchen and living room were connected with only a center island between them. Eerie magazines (horror comics) rested in the corner basket. Over the couch was a huge picture-puzzle that took up the entire wall. One bedroom with two queen beds shot off from the kitchen. Yep, that was it! In fact, when you pulled into the camp, there was a sign nailed into a tree that said, "Camp. This is it!"

We sat for countless hours at the center island playing cards, normally UNO. My Dad would crack jokes, poke us and make us laugh. He taught us how to fish and even though I never wanted to bait my own hook, he was forever patient and never complained about doing it. He ensured that my sister and I had a great time. And we always did!

Down the road was a very small animal habitat with deer, raccoon, rabbits and Rosie and Jiggs. Rosie and Jiggs were two black bears that we never failed to stop and visit.

My uncle's camp was the last camp at the bottom of the hill and sat next to a heavily wooded area. Bears have been known to visit. Sometimes at night, my Dad would light a bonfire and we would cook hot dogs or roast marshmallows. If I close my eyes, I can still hear the fire making popping noises into the night and smell the smoky wood and crackling leaves. I can still see the glowing embers floating up into the tall, dark pine trees. 

I'll never forget the fun times we had there. And even though it didn't have any amenities, my Dad made it a place for a wonderful family gathering.

What was the best memory you have of doing something with your father?

You're a What?

I've lost count of how many times I've seen this look upon the faces of many. What causes such a judgemental, horrified expression?

I would like to think I'm a nice person, easy going, and I do genuinely care about my friends and family. I want to know how the people in my life are doing. And I enjoy meeting new people. But what I don't like is a one-sided conversation. Particularly this kind.   

It irks me when someone pretends to play nice in the sandbox. You know the feeling. You had a nice time, chatted, got to know one another. And like a bucket of cold water was thrown over the conversation, it changes, becomes cold. 

For the umpteenth time. I'm a romance writer! I write Scottish historical romances! No, I am NOT ashamed or embarrassed. Why would I be? My family supports me. My CHILDREN support me. YOU. KNOW. NOTHING about me. 

No matter how many times I prepare myself for these type of people and conversations, it's completely annoying. If that's not bad enough, some of them choose to continue their rant. 

"So... you're published. How did you manage to accomplish that?" Snicker.

Straightening my spine, I hold my head high and say, "I won a writing contest and was asked for a full submission." I pick up my glass and take another drink before other words escape me. 

"Really?"

"Yep. Imagine my surprise when the publisher not only loved it, but she asked me to pitch three, a series."

Smirks. "So... do you have an agent then?"

"Of course."

"Well, I suppose you don't make enough money to quit your day job."

Is life not too short?

God, if they only knew of the blood, sweat and tears, edits and re-edits, writing goals, countless hours, 2:30a.m. revisions to make a deadline, the dreaded synopsis, copy/edits, galleys, hooks, marketing, sales, reviews...

I want to scream at the top of my lungs, "I hate stupid people!"

My writing friends know this feeling all too well. Tell me. What is the best line you ever used on these type of people?

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?