Books-n-Kisses is pleased to welcome Victoria Roberts to the blog for the first time to chat about her newest release X Marks the Scot.
Victoria, can you please share with us a little about yourself
First, it’s great to be here with you today at Books-n-Kisses to celebrate the release of the second book in the Bad Boys of the Highlands series, X Marks the Scot.
I’m a hard-working mother of two. Home is in western Pennsylvania, but my heart is in the Highlands.
Have you always wanted to be an author?
Does it count when I didn’t even know it? Before picking up a single romance novel, I penned a young-adult novel at sixteen years old. I pounded out the words on an old typewriter with nothing but a stack of paper and a bottle of white out. I sat in that room for hours on end. I guess I’ve always had it in my blood, but I became serious several years ago and renewed that passion.
Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?
There are so many wonderful authors out there. Some of my personal favorites are Lynn Kurland, Brenda Joyce, Janet Chapman and Karen Marie Moning, but there are loads more. They’ve all influenced me in one way or another.
How did you get into writing in this specific genre? Have you ever thought about writing in a different genre?
Would you believe I had never read a single romance novel until my thirties? A friend/co-worker of mine read with her nose in these books constantly. I was under a huge misconception about the genre as a whole and used to tease her relentlessly that she read nothing but porn. One day she got really ticked at me and slapped one of these books down on my desk.
“Read it. I don’t want to hear another word until you read it.”
Fair enough. It was a Scottish historical. Needless to say, I was hooked by the second page and didn’t stop there. I read every Scottish romance I could get my hands on. And that friend of mine? She’s my phenomenal critique partner. That woman has read my manuscripts so many times that she could probably recite most verbatim. Love her to death!
For right now, Scottish historical romance is where my heart lies. If I decide to try another genre, it would still be Scottish-based.
What are some of your writing rituals?
I strive to write 1k words/day or 5k words/week. Keep in mind that I still have a day job and have two kids under the age of twelve. I really push myself Monday-Friday so that I can spend time with the family. This also helps to prevent burn-out.
Can you please tell us about your latest book(s)?
X Marks the Scot is the second book in the trilogy. Declan MacGregor was Laird Ciaran MacGregor’s bad boy brother from Temptation in a Kilt. I think the back cover blurb says it best.
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…
How did you come with the idea for this story?
My wicked muse does not rest. The story formed in my mind as I wrote the first book. Since the series depicts the time of the reign of King James, I used the Gunpowder Plot with Guy Fawkes as a sub-plot. I tweaked and tweaked and it just snowballed from there.
Can you share with us your current work(s) in progress?
I’m currently working on a new series about a family of English spies. Nay worries. ʼTis still Scottish. You’ll have to wait and see.
Open your book to a random page and tell us what’s happening.
Lady Liadain Campbell just became acquainted with Lord Dunnehl. I’m not giving away any spoilers, but if you remember… Lord Dunnehl was that dastardly man who Lady Rosalia Armstrong was supposed to wed in Temptation in a Kilt.
What would you be if you were not an author?
The wife of a Scottish laird. My husband laughs since he’s 100% German.
What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?
Maeve Greyson’s new one, A Highlander in Her Past and Lynn Kurland’s new one, Dreamspinner.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you so much for having me today. I hope you enjoy the series as much as I loved writing it.
*****
Sourcebooks |Amazon | B&N
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..
Praise for X Marks the Scot:
5/5 – Reviewer Top Pick
“Enthralling Highlander romance. One of the best Highlander stories I’ve ever read. This is one author who just keeps on getting better.”
―Night Owl Reviews
“For a complex story brimming over with pride and passion, betrayal, trust and most of all the power to make a bad boy a hero, pick up this read.”
―RT Book Reviews/4 ½ Star Review
Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1M27gsMb4Ro
A little more about Victoria Roberts:
Victoria Roberts writes sexy, Scottish historical romances about kilted heroes and warriors from the past. She was named by RT Book Reviews as “one of the most promising debut authors across the genres” and is also a 2012 Reviewers Choice Nominee for Best First Historical novel for her debut, Temptation in a Kilt.
Her second novel, X Marks the Scot, is available February 2013 and the third, To Wed a Wicked Highlander, September 2013.
Victoria is a member of Romance Writers of America®, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, Western Pennsylvania Romance Writers, as well as a contributing author to the online magazine, Celtic Guide.
Victoria lives in western Pennsylvania with her husband of nineteen years and their two beautiful children—not to mention one spoiled dog. When she is not plotting her next Scottish romp, she enjoys reading, nature, and antiques.
Learn more about Victoria here: Website | Facebook | Celtic Guid
My dream job would be to sit home and read all day! Get paid to review books! I feel like I never have enough time to read as much as I want!
Thanks so much for having me today! Good luck on the contest everyone!
Wouldn’t that be delightful? I’m with ya!
Wow sad thing is I dpn’t know what my dream job would be.. I love my job now (most of the time) and I still find time to read all I want. I guess I would like a job that I could pick and choose to do certain things like if today all I wanted to do was curl up and read that would be my job for the day. If tomorrow I wanted to accounting (which I do) than I would be an accountant that day. I know I am weird 🙂
Not weird, Robin. Everyone has different ideas of happiness.
My dream job? Retirement!! I do take care of my granddaughter so its not all fun and games. However, I do get to do a lot of reading. AND…sometimes I get to travel! I LOVE to read “new to me” authors and Romance novels are my favorites…. even better if they are about Highlanders!! Oh, how I would love to win this book!!
That sounds like a dream job to me, too! Retirement’s a long way off though. *groan* Good luck on the contest!
I’m living my dream job. I’m a stay at home mom, after 25 years working outside the home. Love being home full time for my kids! Thank you for the giveaway! 🙂
jukyjoauka(at)aol(dot)com
Kyla, that’s hard work being a stay-at-home mom. Kudos to you!
My dream job was to be a Secretary. I’m pleased to say that I was one for most of my life. Now, my dream job is being home, and not having to rush to get ready to go to work.
I love the cover of your book, and would love to read this. Thanks for this opportunity. 🙂
Don’t you just love not having to rush to work?
I’m glad you like the cover. My dad claims he’s the cover model. 😉
dream job?? Billionaire please
don’t hafta work – read all day – travel in my private jet —
oops gotta go to work
You know it! How awesome would that be to jet-set everywhere? Thanks for stopping by.
I basically do my dream job, I am a book reviewer I get free books to read and review. It feeds my addiction, I get to talk to and meet great authors, I get to tell everyone what I think. Thanks for your giveaway! Carin
mawmom at gmail dot com
Carin, that is a phenomenal job! Good for you, and how great is it to meet new people?
I’d love to own a small bookstore, but I don’t know if that’s my dream job.
e.balinski(at)att(dot)net
Joanne, that’s a great idea for a story! *taking notes*
My dream job is what I am doing right now. Help run 5 review sites as well as my own.
My boss is someone I admire, and in awe with. The best part is all the amazing books
I get to review, I enjoy discovering new authors, as well as picking their minds to see
to see what makes them tick. *grins*
Thanks for the awesome interview, and this is a new authir for me.
deb.loverofbooks@gmail.com
Hi Deb. It’s wonderful that you have a great boss. As long as you love what you’re doing, the job is all worth while.
I would love to do something involving books but I happen to have my second choice of a dream job. I am a early childhood education teacher. I work with ages birth to three.
Kassandra
sionedkla@gmail.com
Kassandra, you have a job that molds great minds. I bet you also have a bottle of aspirin on hand.
My dream job is being a writer.
“All dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” –Walt Disney
thanks for the fantastic post and giveaway! I’d love to own and operate a bookstore 🙂
It seems like a nice, quiet escape. Me too!
My dream job would be to own two businesses – one a bookstore/internet cafe and the other a clothing store with a cafe attached where women could eat as they peruse average sized models walking through with different fashions ….
Two? You’re a hard worker, Maria.
Just from the cover I can tell that this book would make the perfect gift for my daughter in law. She loves romance novels, and Scottish romance is a favorite of hers.
Ah, it’s hard nae to like a man in a kilt. 😉
Sorry, I missed the question to answer… I’ve had my own business, and managed others. I would love to manage a free standing bookstore that has enough open space to host author reads and meet and greets.
Sounds like a plan.
I would like to own a book store/Coffee shop. Two of my favorite things 🙂
I hear a lot of that going around. Sounds delightful.
To be a writer, or own a bookstore 🙂
Be adventurous, Chelsea. Have both!
Coming from a book nerd, of course it’s to own a bookstore or perhaps work in a library. I used to work for a book and magazine distributor, that was as close as I got, and it was pretty sweet – got lots of books for free and got to meet some authors occasionally. Unfortunately, the horrible boss I had didn’t make the job a dream job by any means.
You can’t go wrong with free books, Barbara! The horrible boss, I think we could all do without.
I have my dream job which is being home with my children and we homeschool. I’ve worked for years outside the home as a social worker in mental health.
The book looks/sounds awesome. I will be adding to my TBR pile.
Thanks,
lorih824 at yahoo dot com
Thanks, Lori. That sounds like a tough current job. Good luck in reaching your dreams!
Hi Victoria! *waving* My dream job is to be a published author. That’s why I’m a member of Celtic Hearts. =) Hopefully, with lots of hard work and luck, my dream will come true…very soon.
I loved your debut book, and can’t wait to read Declan’s story. Thanks for the chance to win!
Hey, Celtic Sister! Great to see you here. Keep plugging away and NEVER give up!
I would love to work in a Library or a Bookstore!
That would be a dream. *sigh*
travel around the world
What time are we leaving?
My dream job would be to become a wildlife rehabilitator .I love animals and work with domesticated animals but I d love to work with and help save hurt wildlife growing up in the country I love nature and all the creatures that abound in it.
My cousin has a very similar job in MN. She loves it and says it’s very rewarding.
Astronaut
Wow! Shoot for the stars!
I used to be able to answer that. But now not so much. I really couldnt say
I would love to own my own business and be a wedding planner/coordinator. I worked at a country club for many years and helped put on a lot of weddings and it is just something that I think would be a ton on fun.
I think a book publisher would be fun also. Since I am such a big reader I think it would be great finding new authors or helping them publish new books.