I’d like to thank Books-n-Kisses for having me today. It’s great to emerge from my writing cave upon occasion.

What type of research goes into writing historical romances?

The type of research conducted for writing historical romances depends much upon what the author is aiming for. Perhaps the story is only going to be told during a certain timeframe and setting i.e. England, 1705. In this situation, the author would want to research England in the early 1700’s. What happened during that timeframe? What politics were involved? What was life like in those days? What was the dress? What was the landscape like? All of this is necessary in order to set the stage for the author’s tale.

Some authors weave actual historical events into their stories. In those cases, rest assured, there’s much more research involved.

While doing research for Temptation in a Kilt, I kept thinking in the back of my mind that I did not want to give readers a history lesson. Don’t get me wrong. King James was indeed King James I of England, and the MacGregors and Campbells did have a turbulent past. Whereas Archibald Campbell, the seventh Earl of Argyll did exist, Laird Ciaran MacGregor did not. I remember my eyes glazing over in history class as the professor lectured about something I didn’t care a darned thing about. Reading provides escape for us all.

I truly love Scotland and try to be respectful of its heritage. With Highlanders, it was very important for me to get the details right i.e. the colors on the clan tartan. And Ciaran’s kilt on the front cover is definitely the MacGregor kilt. If I didn’t do my homework, the MacGregors and Campbells would’ve been waving some other clan’s tartan. It would’ve been an injustice to both clans had I not done the research.

So how much research is involved in writing historical romance depends on the author and what he/she is writing. As I look around my office surrounded by my favorite romance novels, Scottish castles, Highlander books, Scottish customs, and too much Scottish paraphernalia to name, I believe a good author researches and draws a fine line between reality and fiction.

Thank you so much for having me today! Happy Reading!

Victoria

www.victoriarobertsauthor.com

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.

Praise for Temptation in a Kilt:

“Roberts’s debut features appealing
characters and an interesting background
of ancient clan feuds and spurned lovers.”
—Publishers Weekly

“Well written, full of intrigue and a sensual,
believable romance, this book captivates
the reader immediately”
—RT Book Reviews/4 stars

About the Author:

Victoria Roberts writes sexy, Scottish historical romances about kilted heroes and warriors from the past.

An avid lover of all things Scotland—simply, she writes what she loves to read. Prior to ever picking up a single romance novel, she penned her first young-adult novella (never published) at sixteen years old. Who knew her leather studded motorcycle hero would trade in his ride and emerge as a kilt donning Highlander wielding a broadsword?

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.

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