Fresh Fiction Blog | Victoria Roberts

It's great to be back at Fresh Fiction. Thanks so much for having me.

I'm here to celebrate the release of the second book in the Bad Boys of the Highlands series, X MARKS THE SCOT. Declan MacGregor (Laird Ciaran MacGregor's bad boy brother from TEMPTATION IN A KILT) is back with a story of his own. No worries though. Lady Liadain Campbell (the bloody Campbell's sister from TEMPTATION IN A KILT) doesn't put up with much.

What is it about these bad boys that continuously draw our attention? We're perfectly aware the men are tough, bad to the bone, and yet we keep coming back for more. They're so good at being so verra bad. Although my newest release is a Scottish historical romance, Declan's character was loosely based on Ian Somerhalder's character, Damon Salvatore, on The Vampire Diaries—minus the vampires of course. Bad boys have no genre boundaries.

Here's a fun excerpt that shows Declan being—well, Declan.

Liadain wondered how she could be expected to stay here. The room even smelled of his spicy scent. She would just need to keep reminding herself that he was a rogue—a very handsome one, but a rogue nonetheless.

He dropped her sack on the bed, grabbed a blanket, and spread it on the floor. Not speaking a word, he started to remove his courtly attire.

She looked away. Perhaps it was her uneasiness, but the room was getting extremely warm.

"I hope ye donna mind, but I donna wear clothes to bed." His voice was a soothing murmur that sent a tingling shimmer down her spine.

Not able to stand the awkwardness, she slapped her hands over her face and groaned. "MacGregor! Will ye please?"

"Pray untwist your knotted self, healer. I don my plaid."

Hesitantly, she lowered her hands and cast him a quick look. His chest was bare and a plaid grazed his hips—very low on his hips, but he was more or less covered.

The man was massive, filled with self-confidence, and he had a ruggedness and vital power that she couldn't deny. She needed to keep telling herself that even though he was certainly fair of face, he was sinful enough to make any woman—well, every woman—fall under his spell.

He nodded to her sack. "Undress, healer. Surely ye willnae wear your gown to bed. I will turn. Let me know if ye need assistance," he spoke with an obvious hidden meaning. MacGregor lowered himself to the floor and turned his back—his very broad back.

Liadain froze, staring at the delicious sight before her. If there was ever a perfect specimen for a man, it would be MacGregor.

"I donna hear ye changing your clothes. Mayhap ye do need my help, eh?" He smirked.

He was so arrogant. Looking around for the first thing she could find, she tossed her pillow at him.

He grunted. "Why is it ye keep throwing things at me?"

"If ye would cease acting as a rogue, mayhap I wouldnae need to throw things at ye."

"I am nae acting."

Thanks so much for having me today. Sourcebooks will give away one copy of X Marks the Scot (US and Canada only, please) to a lucky commenter. Name your favorite bad boy.

X MARKS THE SCOT Blurb:

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
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.

Purchase/Links:

Comments

I always love the bad boys they seem to be so much fun the excitement is always there. Unfortunately I have made them in real life to often!
(Jane Thompson 12:17pm February 21, 2013)

I am of Scottish background, and an exciting Scot would appeal - big time.
(Annette Naish 12:35pm February 21, 2013)

Wow. This sounds really great. I can't wait to read.
(Pam Howell 1:09pm February 21, 2013)

I don't know if I have a Fav - Although Reyes from the Charley Davidson series has a definite spot in my mind
(Carla Carlson 1:49pm February 21, 2013)

I read Temptation in a kilt and got hooked the moment I started reading it! I gave it 5 stars! Love Scottish romance adventure!
(Nicole Laverdure 1:51pm February 21, 2013)

Fav bad boy... Roarke from NR's In Death series. Love the title for your book... sounds wonderful!
(Colleen Conklin 1:55pm February 21, 2013)

Thanks for having me here today. Good luck to the readers on the contest! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!
(Victoria Roberts 1:55pm February 21, 2013)

Bad boys are all well and good, but nice boys are under-loved!
That said, Declan and Liadain sound like they're going to be
an incredibly fun pair to watch keep each other on their toes.
(Alana Abbott 2:51pm February 21, 2013)

LOVE YOUR BOOKS THEY ARE MARVELOUS. LOVE TO WIN NEVER WON
ANYTHING IN MY LIFE AND I REALLY WANT TO WIN THIS
CONTEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Shelly Caggiano 4:39pm February 21, 2013)

I love bad boys! Hahah who doesn't? Historical Romance is one of my favorite sub-genre of
romance to read. I like the difference of time and place. I really do hope to get to read
this story! Thank you for the giveaway. :)
(Lazydrag0n Puff 4:57pm February 21, 2013)

I have read Temptation in a Kilt and it was great, looking forward to reading X marks the Scot!
(Kris Bowers 5:08pm February 21, 2013)

My favorite bad boy was named James MacPherson a true Scottish rogue and all too real! If you ever have the chance to have a man whisper gaelic poetry in your ear, no man will ever measure in comparison. The book sounds great!
(Janis Milford 6:39pm February 21, 2013)

My first highlander, the one that made me fall in love with the Genre at first read, was Iain Maitland. Yummy! I look forward to each and everyone that I meet and glad to have found another author sharing her men! :)
(Rosie Grindstaff 7:14pm February 21, 2013)

Congratulations on the release of your new book! Love those bad boys with a Scottish accent. Thanks for the giveaway.
(Bonnie H 7:54pm February 21, 2013)

I would love to win, it sounds like a fun read!
(Charlene Fraley 9:49pm February 21, 2013)

I love reading stories involving highland bad boys the most.
(Tina Rucci 9:51pm February 21, 2013)

can't limit myself to just one, I love them all ;)
(d Kenney 9:57pm February 21, 2013)

Bad boys are the kind that challenges us good girls to do things outside our comfort zone. OK, we may get into trouble but they definitely do show us how to live dangerously.
(Kai Wong 10:06pm February 21, 2013)

There is a "high good time" to be had when reading about the Highlanders. Looking forward to this story.
(Gladys Paradowski 10:22pm February 21, 2013)

Congrats on the release. I love those Scottish bad boys.
(Rita Wray 10:32pm February 21, 2013)

I love the title. I'm very tired but after a minute I got it!
(Laura Gullickson 11:23pm February 21, 2013)

Sounds great thank you for the chance.
(Holly Vanderhule 12:34pm February 22, 2013)

I'd have to say Barrons from the Fever Series. :)
(Kristin Bingham 12:35pm February 22, 2013)

My husband is Scottish and I love the Rebus detective novels by Ian Rankin. Set in Edinburgh, they are very gritty. At times Rebus himself is no squeaky clean cop, but only in a good cause.
Bad boys can have an air of glamour and excitement about them, but I'm usually thinking - no you don't want to fall for a man who'll treat you badly. As they often do. So I might like reading about them at times, but not for a partner.
(Clare O'Beara 6:43am February 22, 2013)

My Scottish ancestors are grinning.
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 6:46am February 22, 2013)

Awesome excerpt, I love a heroine with sass and a hero who brings the sass out!

Mindy :)
[email protected]
(Mina Gerhart 8:54am February 22, 2013)

All the bad boys are oh-so-fun. I can't narrow it down to just one - but love to see what other commenters have to say. Thanks for the chance to win. Sounds like a great book.
(Nancy Reynolds 9:24am February 22, 2013)

I love to read this kind of book...hope I win it!!
(Bonnie Capuano 9:59am February 22, 2013)

Johnny Duane Reed from Cindy Gerard's Black-Ops, Inc series
would be my favorite bad boy of the moment.
(Karin Anderson 10:20am February 22, 2013)

This sounds like a fun book. Can't wait to read it.
(Joanne Balinski 10:38am February 22, 2013)

This sounds like a very exciting book. I would love to win
it.
(Mary Hay 10:44am February 22, 2013)

I have to pick just one? The book sounds great!
(Jane Limback 11:00am February 22, 2013)

My favourite historical romances are about Scottish bad boys :)
(Aimee Robison 12:00pm February 22, 2013)

I love historical romances! This sounds like a great read
(Julie Parrish 12:32pm February 22, 2013)

Enjoyed your bad boy blog. Looking forward to reading the book.
(Sheila True 3:02pm February 22, 2013)

I love bad boys in books, but can't think of one right off hand except for Rhett Butler in Gone With the Wind.
(Cathy Phillips 3:34pm February 22, 2013)

After reading your excerpt, there isn't a bad boy I could write about that would hold a candle to Declan!! You had me start sweating and laughing at the same time!! I know that I have to do whatever it takes to get my hands on this book, and find out what happens, from beginning to end. The latest book that I just read was by Janet Evanovich, and of course the bad boy would be Ranger. But as I said, he's nothing compared to Declan. He also doesn't fit into the same category, because he doesn't wear tartan. I do hope that if you have read her, that he does get to your heart anyway, because I REALLY do want to read your book!! Have a great weekend!!
(Peggy Roberson 4:48pm February 22, 2013)

can't wait! Told my kids I like bad boys, just not in a 5 yo's body (when ds was acting up) lol
(Michelle Schafer 5:34pm February 22, 2013)

I love hot Scots. Thanks for the look into your book.
(Molly Wilsbacher 6:38pm February 22, 2013)

How about "Tad, the Cad" on All my Children - loved him!
(Beth Elder 6:54pm February 22, 2013)

Sounds really interesting but bad boys usually are! lol
(Dianne McVetty 10:45pm February 22, 2013)

this book sounds very interesting and would really love to win it and then share with my aunt, who loves your books too...thanks
(Kimberly Hoefs 11:58pm February 22, 2013)

I love bad boys and what could be sexier than one with a Scottish accent?
(Susan Dyer 2:31pm February 23, 2013)

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Praise for X MARKS THE SCOT:

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SPECIALS

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We Love

April's Affections and Intrigues: Love and Mystery Bloom

Authors To Watch

Fresh Fiction BlogGet to Know Your Favorite Authors

Victoria Roberts | Bad Boys Return

AVAILABLE

Praise for X MARKS THE SCOT:

Purchase/Links:

Comments

Services

SPECIALS

FOR AUTHORS

We Love

Fresh Fiction Blog
Get to Know Your Favorite Authors