My Highland Spy by Victoria Roberts (#Interview & #Giveaway)

Sean Connery, kilt wearing Scotsman, James Bond. Like that? Then you will love what our guest today has recently released. Welcome Victoria Roberts!

VR: Thank you so much for having me today, Lexi. I love chatting with readers.

Lexi: It seems not that long ago you came out with your debut novel, a sweeping romance with an irresistible Scottish Highlander. And you kept going! Thankfully, because you just released My Highland Spy, book one in the Highland Spy series and it has everything we have come to expect from your writing. Strong alpha highlanders, equally strong heroines, and the fun predicaments they find themselves in. So tell us, what was your inspiration for My Highland Spy? *crossing fingers hoping for Sean Connery*

VR: *laughs* I can tell you men in kilts are always an inspiration. I’m so glad you loved the Bad Boys of the Highlands series. I’ll let you in on a little secret. There may be a few more Bad Boys in your future. 

As far as my inspiration for My Highland Spy, it came to me at the oddest time and place—smack dab in the middle of a book signing for To Wed a Wicked Highlander. I remember the exact moment as clear as day. I was signing with the fabulous Nora Roberts at Turn the Page Bookstore Café, and a lovely reader came up and bought my book. When I asked her name so that I could autograph the book, she smiled. 

“Ravenna” was all she said.

I felt like I was punched in the gut. I even paused longer than I should have and my sister said, “Oh, what I lovely name.” I was thinking the same thing but couldn’t get the words out. I immediately thought the name reminded me of an English heroine. The idea for the series popped into my head and not only did I make Ravenna a spy for the Crown, but I gave her three wily sisters too. 

But you know my passion is Scottish historical romance. Yep, that was it. English spies in the Highlands. 

Lexi: Well I whole heartedly love the idea of this series. And I love Ravenna! She is a spy, not a nanny, yet you give her the job of being a governess. Not only does she need to infiltrate this group of Scotsmen but she also has to figure out how to take care of this little boy without looking like she is out of her element. How did you relate to Ravenna when you were writing her?

VR: Being that Ravenna was taking care of her younger siblings and did so during a “woman needs a man” era, I knew she’d have to be strong. When I made her a spy, I knew this heroine would need to kick some arse. But… Ravenna is still a woman underneath it all. She has feelings, desires, and loyalties. As a parent, I understand how you can give unconditional love to a child, even one who is not your own. 

Ravenna was torn between loyalty to her family, loyalty to her country, and even loyalty to herself. She wanted to be happy, but there were other people who depended on her. Sometimes you have to sacrifice all for the greater good. 

Lexi: It’s the little things that make your characters real for us and pull us in. Another great thing that pulls us in are the love connections. Ruairi and Ravenna flirt and have great chemistry yet they also don’t fall insta love. They dance around each other, Ravenna keeping her deep dark secret, and tangle in the sheets. Another plus, these two don’t come together as a blushing virgin and an overbearing man determined to keep her. What was your favorite part of Ruairi and Ravenna’s romance?

VR: I loved the fact that Ravenna and Ruairi were already wise in the ways of the world. They both understood politics and family loyalties. Neither of them wanted more than the other was willing to give. Although they recognized that fact, they found it difficult to remember when they started developing deeper feelings for each other. I really loved them as a pair, and I’m glad you did too! 

Lexi: Well, since your last visit your Royal Rebellion series changed into the Highland Spy series. I like the name change and hope that is an indication of the books yet to come. Spies are so much fun, whether they are shaking their martinis or brandishing broad swords. What is the plan for the series? Will Fagan be next?

VR: The concept for the Royal Rebellion series didn’t change, only the name. My publisher loved Highland Spies so much better as the description for the series. I agree.

The series will follow every Walsingham sister and their adventures in the Highlands. And yes, Fagan and Grace are next. Kilts and Daggers is the next book and scheduled for release May 2015. For those Bad Boys fans, Grace and Fagan’s relationship reminds me of Declan and Liadain in X Marks the Scot, but Fagan’s not a rogue. 

Lexi: We can’t wait for more of your Highland Spies! Thanks for stopping by again Victoria! Congrats on the release of My Highland Spy!

VR: Thank you so much for chatting with me, Lexi. Those were great questions, and I hope you and your followers enjoy the first book in my new series.

See our review of My Highland Spy HERE!

My Highland Spy 

(Highland Spies #1)

by Victoria Roberts 

Mass Market Paperback, 304 pages

Published September 2nd 2014 by Sourcebooks Casablanca

ISBN 1402292007

Goodreads | Amazon | Kindle | B&N | ARe

This Highland Laird won't bow to the Crown

Laird Ruairi Sutherland refuses to send his only son away to be educated by the English. And he most definitely will not appear in Edinburgh to pay homage to a liege who has no respect for Scotland. So he does what any laird would do—he lies to the king. The last thing Ruairi expects is a beautiful English governess to appear on his doorstep.

But this lady spy might make him...

Lady Ravenna Walsingham is a seasoned spy who is sent to the savage Highlands to uncover a nefarious plot against the Crown. Playing the part of an English governess—a job easier said than done—she infiltrates the home of Laird Sutherland, a suspected conspirator.

If she doesn't betray him first

Ravenna soon discovers that the only real threat Sutherland poses is to her heart. But will the proud Highland laird ever forgive her when he discovers the woman he loves in an English spy?

About the Author:

Award-winning author Victoria Roberts writes 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 was also a 2013 RT Reviewers’ Choice award winner for X Marks the Scot. 

Represented by Jill Marsal of the Marsal Lyon Literary Agency, Victoria is a member of Romance Writers of America® and several local chapters, as well as a contributing author to the online magazine Celtic Guide. 

Victoria lives in western Pennsylvania with her husband of twenty one years and their two beautiful children—not to mention one spoiled dog. When she is not plotting her next Scottish adventure, she’s dragging her clan to every Scottish festival under the sun. Visit her at www.victoriarobertsauthor.com

GIVEAWAY:
Sourcebooks is giving away one copy of MY HIGHLAND SPY to one reader (US/Canada only please. To enter, just answer Victoria's question: What’s your favorite activity in the fall?  Then, fill out the rafflecopter below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway