AN INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR
I am captivated by the backdrop in B.J.Scott's books, and I asked her why she wrote historical novels set in Scotland. Here is her response:
Thanks for
hosting me on your blog today.
When it comes to
romance novels, especially in the historical genre, the location and setting
has a lot to do with reader appeal. People who enjoy romance novels are often
looking for an escape from reality. They want to be whisked away to another
place and time, somewhere mysterious, exciting, and different from their
everyday life and surroundings.
The vastness and beauty of the Scottish moors
and Highlands, heather dotted glens, majestic mountains, imposing castles
looming on the horizon, crystal clear streams and icy blue lochs provide the
perfect backdrop for a historical romance filled with passion and adventure.
But why Scotland and not another place in the
world that has similar attributes? Part of the reason is that along with the
setting, the Scottish heroes and heroines hold a special appeal. Blockbuster movies
like Rob Roy and Braveheart, bestselling books and TV series of the 1990s and
their depictions of epic events in Scottish history have not only left an image
of Scotland in our mind. but of the Scottish hero. Tall, muscular, powerful,
dangerously sexy men who fearlessly push the limits, and command respect, yet
their dedication to clan, king and country show their honorable side. A man
that can only be tamed by a feisty, intelligent, independent woman.
The covers of
Scottish historical romance novels hold their own special appeal. Most are bright and bold, boast a swoon-worthy, strapping
hero with long hair, often bare-chested, and usually wearing a kilt—even though
many Scottish romances are set in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries,
before kilts were worn. While some readers will pick up on that fact, most are
enthralled by the dashing hero and very forgiving of the historical inaccuracy
of the attire. Add a lovely lass staring longingly into her Highlander’s eyes
and you can almost feel the heat emanating from the book.
Another reason
for the attraction is the growing interest in history, ancestry and genealogy.
Many American and Canadians can trace their roots back to the immigrants who
flocked here from Scotland and Ireland during the 1700s and 1800s.
Be it the
setting, the hero, or the fascination with Scottish history, Highlander books
are popular with historical romance fans.
ABOUT THE BOOK
The last thing Alasdair Fraser expects to find on an isolated
beach in Northern Scotland is a beautiful, unconscious lass. Unable to turn his
back on someone in need, he delays his journey and tends to her injuries–an act
that has him questioning his destiny and his plans to rejoin the fight for
Scotland’s independence.
Will he drop the shield that guards his heart or will the secrets
she fails to reveal and his own stubbornness keep them apart forever?
AN EXCERPT
Northern
Coast of Scotland. Summer 1308
Hooves
pounded against rocks, surf, and sand as Alasdair Fraser pushed his mount
beyond reasonable limits. Few things rivaled the thrill and exhilarating rush
of mastering the powerful destrier between his thighs, controlling the
magnificent beast with reins and will. The wind whipped through unbound hair
and the tangy scent of the salty sea air filled Alasdair’s nostrils.
He’d
ridden hard all afternoon, hoping to reach the stronghold of his longtime
friend, Jayden Sinclair. But the sun had slipped below the horizon, the
twilight sky ablaze with orange, red, and purple hues. Darkness would soon be
upon him and he’d be forced to make camp for the night. He licked his parched
lips and his stomach rumbled. Many hours had passed since he’d last eaten, but
a hot meal and a tankard of ale would have to wait. Water, oatcakes, and a bit
of dried venison would suffice until he reached his destination.
He
dug in his heels, and the steed surged forward. The more distance they covered
before nightfall, the shorter the journey would be on the morrow. But as they
rounded a bend in the shoreline, Odin faltered, reared up on his hind legs,
then began to dance nervously from side-to-side. The battle-hardened warhorse
didn’t spook easily so Alasdair took heed of the animal’s uneasiness.
With
one hand resting on the hilt of his sword, the other fisting the reins, he
carefully surveyed the immediate area. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary,
yet the niggling of trepidation gnawing at his gut led him to believe there was
something amiss. He nudged the horse’s flank and the pair advanced with
caution.
They’d
only traveled a short distance up the beach when the sight of something a few
yards ahead at the water’s edge brought them to an abrupt halt. With his heart
hammering in his chest, Alasdair cupped his hand over his brow and narrowed his
eyes, trying to get a better look. The image came into focus and he could make
out the unmistakable outline of a person sprawled out on the shore.
“What
is it, Odin? Or, should I say, who is it?”
While
this could be someone in need, it might also be a trap, an enemy or bandit
lying in wait. Without hesitation, Alasdair slid from the saddle, pulled a
claymore from the baldric slung on his back, and raced down the beach on foot.
Stopping a few feet away, he sucked in a sharp breath.
“Mo
chreach!”
He
sheathed his weapon and took a step closer. A young woman, wearing nothing more
than a thin nightrail, lay motionless in the sand, the waves of the incoming
tide lapping at her bare feet.
SPECIAL LINKS
B.J. will be
awarding a $50 Amazon gift card, Scottish shortbread cookies, can cooler and
mouse pad (US/CANADA ONLY) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and a
beaded book thong with silver charms, book marks, pen, and canvas tote to a
randomly drawn host (US/CANADA ONLY).
Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:
Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:
Buy
links
Highland
Homecoming( book 3 of Fraser Brother Trilogy)
Highland
Quest (book 2 of Fraser Brother Trilogy)
Highland
Legacy: (book 1 of Fraser Brother Trilogy)
