Suzanne Enoch | Strong-willed, larger-than-life heroes and heroines

Suzanne Enoch is one of the more prolific voices in historical romance and with the release of her newest book -- the first in a brand-new series -- HERO IN THE HIGHLANDS she is ready to introduce her readers to the sexy Major Gabriel Forrester and the head-strong Highlander Fiona. Enoch took a few moments to answer some questions about HERO IN THE HIGHLANDS and why she loves writing Scottish romances and Regency romances.

What is your favorite part about writing historicals?

Suzanne Enoch: When I'm writing a historical romance, I get to immerse myself in a completely different world for weeks. I get to imagine big, sweeping moments and put them to paper, to orchestrate those clever conversations we all wish we could manage on the spot, to be, for choice moments, in the heads of people who are really a lot more exciting than I am.

Which is your favorite: Scottish romance or straight regency?

Suzanne Enoch: I love the larger-than-life quality of a Scottish romance, but I also love the intricate dance of a Regency. They're very different, but I don't think I can honestly choose one over the other. I do miss one when I'm working on the other; I think doing both keeps me fresh, like being on a working vacation.

Is Gabriel your sexiest hero yet?

Suzanne Enoch: He's pretty sexy, isn't he? It's funny, because he's very duty-minded and disciplined, but I kept imagining this guy with all this...not fury, but lust for life, I think, that's always ready to explode out as soon as his uniform comes off. Like the uniform's keeping him focused, and underneath it he's Tarzan.

Why do you think antagonistic relationships work in romance?

Suzanne Enoch: I tend to write very strong-will people, and by design this other person is trying to find a way to fit into what either protagonist may well think is a perfectly-balanced life. That creates conflict. I mean, it would be boring if the hero and heroine met, went "yeah, cool," and then lived happily ever after. You need friction to make a fire.

Why do you think Gabriel and Fiona are so well suited for each other?

Suzanne Enoch: Gabriel and Fiona are actually very similar in character. They're both very duty-minded, and very independent. They're both coming into the story thinking their livelihood, their duty as they know it, is ending. I love when they begin to realize that they're kind of on the same journey, and that as capable as each one is, together they're unstoppable.