VONDA SINCLAIR IS IN THE BLUE ROSE WRITING ROOM TODAY!

I’m all in a dither today. Vonda Sinclair, author of My Daring Highlander, is in the Blue Rose Writing Room. A Highlander on a book cover will always rev up my pulse but one in royal blue? I’m fanning myself here.

Welcome Vonda!

Thank you so much for inviting me!

How long have you been writing?

Off and on since I was around eleven years old. That was when I wrote my first few short stories. I found writing an almost magical experience because I could not only escape into a story world but also create one. After that exciting episode with writing, I didn’t create any more stories for about ten years. Then I got hooked on romance.

Chuckling here. And that was that!

What’s one thing you absolutely can’t tolerate during your writing? One thing you can’t write without?

I can’t write when other people are in the room, walking around and talking. I find that very distracting. The things I must have for writing are my laptop and a comfortable chair. I also enjoy writing while walking on my treadmill. Other things are optional. Sometimes I write with music and sometimes without.

I have to have quite when I write too. Can you tell us one place you absolutely want to visit before you die?

Scotland a hundred more times. 🙂 It’s the most beautiful, atmospheric place on earth and it isn’t hot. I don’t deal with heat well. As for the cold wind and rain in Scotland, I can wear sweaters, jackets and rain coats. I love exploring all the different fascinating places in Scotland from castles to Neolithic sites. It’s very inspiring to my writing.

Scotland is at the top of my places to visit too! With a name like Cameron, how could it not be. So, why did you choose to write in this genre? Have you ever written any other genre? Do you plan on doing so in the future?

Scottish historical romance is my favorite genre. Something about it connects with me on a soul deep level. I enjoy the settings, which are often wild and untamed if we’re talking about the Highlands. The heroes are also wild and untamed. Ha. They are tough, strong, honorable, brave warriors. I love escaping into the past. I have experimented with contemporary romance but I think my strengths lie in historical romance.

I adore Highlander’s and Regency. Is there any genre you won’t read? Write? Can you tell us why?

I don’t enjoy science fiction very much and I doubt that I would ever write it. It just doesn’t appeal to me. I don’t know why. It feels like the opposite of historical.

Understandable. Can you tell us one unusual, weird, or curious fact you discovered while researching this book.

While researching this book and the previous one (My Brave Highlander) I noticed that an infamous highwayman was active in and around the Durness area during the time period of my books, so I decided to incorporate him into these last three books (also the one I’m writing now) as one of the villains. His name was Donald McMurdo and he is buried in Balnakeil Church. He is believed to have murdered at least eighteen people and thrown some of them down the blow hole of Smoo Cave, a cave in Durness that is flooded by the river Allt Smoo. McMurdo also used to hide out in this cave, which has three chambers. It was fascinating going into the cave for research. They offer boat tours of the cave, but the river was too exuberant when we visited so no tours were offered. This summer, I was able to visit McMurdo’s tomb in Balnakeil Church. Fascinating! And also many of the sites for the scenes I’ve been writing for my upcoming release, My Notorious Highlander.

Now that’s fascinating! What are you most proud of about your writing?

That I write about the most powerful force on earth—love. I enjoy writing books which are uplifting. Yes, I do put my characters through the ringer and give them large stumbling blocks to climb over, but in the end I want my characters and the readers to be happy. I also want to give readers the impression and experience of traveling to Scotland, especially the ones who can’t visit in real life.

How do you respond to negative reviews?

I ignore them. Not everyone is going to love everything.

Love your attitude. Do you have a favorite quote?

“Whether you think you can, or think you can’t–you’re right.” –Henry Ford

Okay, now for the quickie questions: Answer in three words or less. Ready? Go!

Favorite Disney Character? Beast (in Beauty and the Beast)

Favorite Fruit? Pineapple

Favorite Hero? William Wallace

Favorite Eye Color?Blue

Best Vacation Destination? Scotland

Food you can’t stand? Shellfish

What annoys you? Judgmental people

Coffee, tea, or something else? Smoothies

Nightgown or Jammies? Nightshirt

Prefer dogs or cats? Love both

VONDA SINCLAIR IS IN THE BLUE ROSE WRITING ROOM TODAY! 2

A bit about Vonda

Vonda Sinclair’s favorite indulgent pastime is exploring Scotland, from Edinburgh to the untamed and windblown north coast. She also enjoys creating hot Highland heroes and spirited lasses to drive them mad. She is an EPIC Award winner, a National Readers’ Choice Award winner, and a past Golden Heart finalist. She lives with her amazing and supportive husband in the mountains of North Carolina where she is no doubt creating another Scottish story.

The tantalizing blurb about My Daring Highlander

Beautiful and fiercely protective of those she loves, Lady Seona Murray captured Keegan MacKay’s attention when she first set foot in Dunnakeil Castle. Though she is a chief’s daughter and forbidden, Keegan has fallen in love with her from afar and burns to possess her. But so does the clan traitor, Haldane, an obsessive outlaw bent on murder and kidnapping.

Sinfully handsome, Keegan MacKay is a fearsome guard as well as the chief’s cousin, but Seona’s father would never consider him a worthy husband for her because he is not a titled laird. Seona has secretly watched the sensual, tawny-haired warrior from across the crowded great hall for months, but when he is tasked with escorting her across Scotland, back to her home, their simmering attraction flames into sizzling passion with just one kiss.

Though she fears she is endangering Keegan’s life, Seona cannot resist his seductive charm or his spellbinding kisses. Keegan sets fire to the memories of her sad past and shows her what it means to truly live. But her father has other plans. He’s arranged for her to marry a wealthy Lowland laird. Is Keegan daring enough to steal her away? Or will the vindictive Haldane snatch her first?

Enjoy an excerpt from My Daring Highlander

Haldane, an outlaw, attacks their camp in an attempt to kidnap Seona and kill Chief Dirk. Keegan takes Seona from the tent and rides away with her.

“Dirk told me to slip you away from the battle and hide you.”

Why? Seona wanted to ask, but found it almost impossible to hold a conversation with the horse galloping at such great speed, and her frantic heartbeat keeping the same rhythm. They flew along a trail, opposite the way they’d come earlier that day. Keegan’s arm around her near squeezed the breath from her. But she felt safe.

Moonlight reflected off a wide, sparkling burn that flowed alongside the trail. After a few minutes, Keegan slowed the horse to a trot but kept going. Unexpectedly, he guided the horse into a copse of trees. The fresh scent of pine was strong. The horse walked deeper, his breath wooshing in and out.

After a few hundred yards, Keegan stopped the horse and turned it about. They listened to the silence. No hoof beats approached.

“Were you injured in the fighting?” she asked.

“Nay.”

“Did you kill Haldane?”

“Hmph. He fled like a frightened rat.” Keegan’s arm tightened around her again, tugging her back against the hard wall of his chest. “He’s trying to steal you away,” Keegan whispered, his warm breath stirring her hair.

“What on earth? Why?”

“He said you were meant to be his.”

A shiver of revulsion passed over Seona. The last person on earth she would want to marry was Haldane. “’Tis because of the marriage contract the MacKays had with my father.”

“That cannot be the only reason. I’m thinking he’s greatly smitten with you.”

She was not flattered. Haldane was like a half-grown feral mongrel. She had always hated the way he’d leered at her at the high table or across the great hall. That was before he’d left the clan. Now that he’d turned outlaw, she was certain he’d be a hundred times worse.

“I thought he was trying to kill his brother,” she said.

“Aye, that as well. Two birds with one arrow.” Keegan leapt down, then helped her dismount. He tied the horse’s reins to a small tree. “I want to move you away from the horse in case he makes a noise and alerts the outlaws.”

“Very well,” she whispered.

Keegan lifted Seona, one arm beneath her knees and one at her back. She gasped in surprise, but he ignored her and carried her a few yards away. His warmth felt wonderful against her in the chill night air. When he stopped, he continued to hold her close, as if shielding her with his body.

His fierce protectiveness made her chest ache with tenderness. “I thank you for keeping me safe,” she whispered.

“You’re welcome.”

She wanted to say more, but could think of naught that didn’t sound daft. She would have to keep her thoughts to herself and focus on the danger of the situation. The leaves of the trees provided darkness and cover.

“Is Chief Dirk safe?” she asked, distracting herself from how Keegan’s powerful body affected her in a strangely exciting way.

“I know not, but I’m certain he can take care of himself and Isobel.” He turned his head this way and that, on high alert, listening for any enemy who might approach.

The silence stretched out and, with each moment that passed, she became more and more aware of Keegan’s fiery body supporting her.

“I can stand on my own two feet, you know,” she whispered.

“I thought you were barefoot.”

“I am, but what of it? You certainly cannot hold me the entire time.”

“I don’t mind.” His deep whisper in her ear was sensual and seductive.

Her rebellious body responded to his in shocking ways. Tingles moved from her breasts downward. The only time she’d ever felt like this was when she thought of Keegan in scandalous ways, such as when she imagined him kissing her.

“I insist,” she said, fighting down her disturbing reaction to him. “You cannot wield a sword while holding me.”

“Och. Very well, then.”

When he lowered her to the ground and released her, she missed his warmth. His body had obviously been overheated from the exertion of battle. She tried to ignore the pine needles prickling her feet and the spongy wet ground beneath them.

They stood in silence for a few minutes. An owl hooted in the distance. How far were they from camp?

Seona shivered, her teeth chattering, and she realized she wore naught but an ivory linen smock. Though the material was somewhat thick, the night air was cool. She’d not had time to belt her arisaid about her before Keegan dragged her from the tent. Besides, some of the maids had been sitting on it, and she’d had to leave it behind.

“Och, Lady Seona, you’re cold.”

In the near darkness, the rattle of Keegan’s belt startled her. What was he about? A moment later, a warm wool plaid surrounded her like a blanket. He pulled it around her and attached it beneath her chin with the brooch that had been fastened at his shoulder.

He had disrobed for her? Her face heated. “I cannot take your plaid.”

“Aye, you can and you will. I’ll not have you freezing to death on my watch.” He belted his weapons about his waist again.

“I wouldn’t freeze this time of year.” Though it was May, late spring in the far north of Scotland was much cooler than it was further south, where she’d grown up.

Keegan still wore a long linen shirt that reached almost to his knees, but to have taken his plaid… she couldn’t be so stingy.

“We could share this plaid,” she suggested.

She could only see an outline of him and the dim glow of his shirt in the night, but somehow she knew he was observing her, or trying to.

“I’m plenty warm,” he murmured, his voice husky. He withdrew his sword from the scabbard and turned his head. “Tell me if you hear anything.”

“Very well.” She knew he needed to concentrate on listening for enemies, but the time they had alone was rare and precious. After several minutes of peaceful silence, she felt it safe to whisper, “Earlier, you were going to tell me what you wished for.” She but wanted to know more about him, to learn who he was on the deepest level.

He turned to face her, his breathing close. She perceived his outline in the dim moonlight, but not his features or expression.

“I shouldn’t tell you,” he finally said.

“Why not?” Now, her curiosity was piqued. She wished to know all Keegan’s secrets.

“I’m not sure you would like it,” he murmured in a warning tone.

“Why? Do you wish to be an outlaw?” Could he have such shocking aspirations?

He gave a brief, low chuckle. “Nay.”

“What, then?”

After a long, tense moment of silence, he stepped closer and placed a hand on her shoulder, then ran it into her unbound hair. He drew nearer still, his breath teasing the skin of her face.

“Seona,” he whispered against her forehead, then kissed her there. “This.” Slowly, he kissed her temple, her cheek. “This is what I wish for.”

All the breath left her and she could not draw more in. The kisses on her face created tingles that spread quickly throughout her entire body.

Lightly, he brushed his warm, tempting lips over hers. Her eyes slid closed for surely she had drifted into a dream world.

With his thumb, he gently stroked her face and jaw line. His lips were firm, but at the same time, soft and smooth. The short, rough whiskers on his chin scratched against her tender skin, but it wasn’t painful; it excited her and made her realize how very masculine he was.

His insistent lips compelled her to return his kiss, though she knew not how. She had never been kissed before, but she followed her instincts, pressing her lips against his and mimicking his movements.

“Mmm,” he breathed and kissed her more firmly. His lips nipped at hers, snatching her thoughts and scattering them to the breeze. When he touched the tip of his tongue to her lips, as if he wanted to taste her, a sound escaped her before she could stop it. Heavens! His tongue felt wicked. She wished he would do it again.

Trying to figure out how kissing worked, she parted her lips. He growled and darted his tongue into her mouth. That sultry move stole the strength from her legs, but she held on around his neck. Her breasts and other, lower, parts of her body tingled with a strange magic. What was happening to her?

Keegan tore his mouth away from hers. “Listen.” He turned his head toward the north.

She held her breath, trying to listen. With her heartbeat thumping in her ears, she could perceive naught.

Finally, she heard it. In the distance, horses’ hooves pounded, louder and louder with each moment that passed.

Thank you again, Vonda!