Fresh Fiction Blog | Mia Marlowe | What's so special about a guy in a kilt?

Getting him out of it, of course. In SINS OF THE HIGHLANDER, "Mad Rob" MacLaren peels off his own plaid to take a bath after a sleepless night. The poor guy has had to flee from his pursuers, sleep in a cave without a fire, and fight off a wolf-pack. Of course, he brought all this trouble on himself when he abducted his enemy's bride from the altar. To make matters worse, he's having difficulty thinking of Elspeth Stewart as simply a means to a vengeful end.

Exclusive Excerpt from SINS OF THE HIGHLANDER:

Rob stripped off his filthy clothes on the loch's shore and left them in a pile as he walked to the water's edge. He squatted down and splashed himself all over, sucking a breath over his teeth at the cold.

Normally, he'd have skipped a bath in this weather, but Elspeth Stewart was getting clean somewhere inside Angus Fletcher's cluttered wattle-and-daub home. He didn't want to smell like a boar pit beside her.

Rob scooped out a dollop of soap from the stone jar Angus had loaned him and smeared his whole body with it. He even gingerly sudsed up his hair, working out the matted blood and hoping not to reopen the gash left when he knocked himself out in that fall against a log.

The savory smell of richly spiced sausages frying wafted out to him.

He turned around to look at the house. Elspeth was behind one of the vellum-covered windows. Did she wonder where he was? If it had been high summer and the windows were left uncovered to let in a breeze, would she have peeked out at him as he stood naked as God made him on the shoal?

He soaped up his groin. Just the thought that Elspeth might spy on him at his bath made part of him happier than it ought to be considering the temperature.

A cloud covered the sun and the air cooled even more.

Rob turned and dashed into the loch, the chilly water snatching his breath as he dunked under the waves to rinse off the tallow soap. Then he splashed back out to the shore and rubbed his body briskly with the cloth Angus had lent him.

He sincerely hoped Elspeth wasn't looking now. After a November dip in Loch Eireann, no man was at his best.

"Ye half-wit," he mumbled to himself as he pulled the fresh thigh-length shirt over his head. It was an old one of Fletcher's so it was a tad long and worn thin in spots, but at least it was clean.

Why should he care whether she looked or no'? She was his prisoner, not his sweetheart. If he muddled that fact, he was destined for trouble.

***

And of course, Rob and Elspeth are destined for plenty more trouble, but Connie Mason (my co-author) and I feel a "happily ever after" has to be earned. We had great fun writing the Highlander's exploits and hope you'll love them as much as we do. If you'd like to learn more, please visit miamarlowe.com .

While you're poking around MiaMarlowe.com, Mia hopes you'll enter her contest. The Grand Prize is a KINDLE and the drawing will be held on January 30^th! You can also connect with Mia at @Mia_Marlowe and Facebook .

Sourcebooks is offering 2 random commenters the chance to win SINS OF THE HIGHLANDER here on FreshFiction today. Just leave a comment or question for Mia. She'll get the conversational ball rolling:

What is your "must have" trait in a hero?

SINS OF THE HIGHLANDER BY CONNIE MASON & MIA MARLOWE – IN STORES JANUARY 2012

Abduction

Never had Elspeth Stewart imagined her wedding would be interrupted by a dark-haired stranger charging in on a black stallion, scooping her into his arms, and carrying her off across the wild Scottish highlands. Pressed against his hard chest and nestled between his strong thighs, she ought to have feared for her life. But her captor silenced all protests with a soul-searing kiss, giving Elspeth a glimpse of the pain behind his passion—a pain only she could ease.

Obsession

"Mad Rob" MacLaren thought stealing his rival's bride-to-be was the prefect revenge. But Rob never reckoned that this beautiful, innocent lass would awaken the part of him he thought dead and buried with his wife. Against all reason, he longed to introduce the luscious Elspeth to the pleasures of the flesh, to make her his, and only his, forever.

With two clans against them burning for battle, they must find a way to join together—body, breath and soul. Or both will be made to pay for the Sins of the Highlander.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Connie Mason is a New York Times bestselling author of more than 50 novels. She was named Storyteller of the Year in 1990 and received a Career Achievement Award from RT Book Reviews in 1994. She currently lives in Florida. Mia Marlowe is a highly acclaimed new voice in romance whose debut novel released in Spring 2011 from Kensington. She lives in Boston, MA. Together, they are working on a new Regency romance series for Sourcebooks Casablanca, the first of which will be in stores in early 2013. For more information, please visit http://www.conniemason.com/, http://miamarlowe.com/ and follow Mia on Twitter @Mia_Marlowe.

Comments

First thing in the morning I had to laugh at his happy body part....not that I would laugh in person of course. I'd probably be awe-struck.
(Sheila Mulholland 6:34am January 12, 2012)

I am laughing just at your description of the hero!
Blessings,
Marjorie
(Marjorie Carmony 6:47am January 12, 2012)

Cold water will unman a man, so I hear. Loved the excerpt!! My must have trait would be a quick wit.
(Mary Preston 7:28am January 12, 2012)

My must have trait for a hero would be strength, but yet he would have to know when to be tender. I enjoyed the excerpt very much, and would love to read the entire book. This is truly one that I could cozy up with!!
(Peggy Roberson 7:51am January 12, 2012)

I love this type of hero- strong, brawny, sarcastic and brash, but with a
vulnerable, slightly self-depreciating side and a sense of humor. A nice
combination. I liked the excerpt, and will definitely be looking into this
book! Thanks for the contest and the chance to win it.
(Debbie Burdeen 7:53am January 12, 2012)

A Must-Have trait for me in a hero? Oh wow...definitely a sharp mind and wit - and a nice voice - LOL - loved your description and excerpt, BTW :-) - and definitely enjoy reading everyone else's "must-haves"!
(Felicia Ciaudelli 8:02am January 12, 2012)

Is this the first time you have co-authored with Connie Mason? Was it weasier or harder than writing on your own?
(Betty Hamilton 8:05am January 12, 2012)

Love highlander books. Love those guys. And how on earth can it be narrowed to one trait? Cant happen. Courage, generous, sense of humor too. But I like the ones that can laugh at her, but then see no humor in their own funny. haha They have to be tough, quick, and always willing, willing, willing.
So yes, I would love this book!! Thanks for offering! :-)
(Lisa Hutson 8:10am January 12, 2012)

My must-have traits are intelligence and a sense of humor. I tried to pick one over the other, but couldn't. This scene tells me a lot about Rob and makes me want to know more!
(Karri Halley 8:10am January 12, 2012)

LOL! What's so special about a guy in a kilt? The fact that they don't wear undies! I do love a naked hero! Congrats on the new release!
(Cheryl Brooks 8:16am January 12, 2012)

I can hardly wait to read this books, have been a long time fan of both authors.
(Danny Brüggemann 8:20am January 12, 2012)

This sounds like just my cup of tea, can't wit to read it.
(Barbara Hanson 8:38am January 12, 2012)

How much research do you do? Do you travel?
(Beth Elder 8:48am January 12, 2012)

I'm sitting here smiling after reading that terrific excerpt. The cougar in me
wanted to ask him if he needed me to wash his back! ;-) The remark about how
he hoped Elspeth wasn't looking after he emerged from the Loch as he wasn't at
his "best" made me laugh out loud. "Sins of the Highlander" promises to be a
very delicious read and I am adding it to my Wish List!
(Connie Fischer 8:50am January 12, 2012)

thanks for the excerpt :) must have trait would be patience as that helps foster some other traits I'd like my hero to have :)
(d Kenney 9:10am January 12, 2012)

What a fun excerpt. It just made me laugh. I'd love to get to
know Rob better.
(Joanne Balinski 9:19am January 12, 2012)

Great excerpt!! A trait needed for me is mindfulness of others..
(Cate Sparks 9:35am January 12, 2012)

That's funny. :) My must have trait for a hero: total love for the heroine.
(May Pau 9:58am January 12, 2012)

Mia -

I can't reading an excerpt that was this much fun! I wish I could have sat in on one of your sessions with Connie when you were colaborating on this story. I'm sure there was more laughing between you than arguing on the story line.

I really got a sense about Rob in the excerpt and now I can't wait to find out more about Elspeth as well in fact I can't wait to find out how she reacts when she sees Rob for the first time without his kilt! Hum, in fact that's the best thing about a kilt - how easy it is to remove it!
(Jeanne Miro 10:21am January 12, 2012)

Your book sounds great - and I'd love to win a copy. Best of luck with it. Happy 2012.
(Nancy Reynolds 10:25am January 12, 2012)

My favorite trait for a hero? That would be a man like an Oreo cookie--crunchy on the outside (okay, macho sounds better) and sweet softness on the inside!
(Dolores Feagin 10:32am January 12, 2012)

Must have trait? That is a toss up between intelligence and humor.
(G. Bisbjerg 11:12am January 12, 2012)

Compassion and a sense of humor top my list to go along with honor,
intelligence, strength and courage. Looks are secondary and of little import.
Self-knowledge is a good baseline for a hero--but he can surprise himself
occasionally.
(Sandra Spilecki 11:14am January 12, 2012)

Compassion is the number one trait my heroes must have---then all the other traits can be added later.
(Sue Farrell 11:20am January 12, 2012)

What a great excerpt. I laughed out loud at the happy part of his anatomy and his worrying that she was looking at him after he got out of taking his bath in the loch. My must have traits in a person are honesty, humor, and caring.
(Cathy Phillips 11:36am January 12, 2012)

must have trait of a hero is a sense of honor or what is right.
(Pam Howell 11:48am January 12, 2012)

Nice excerpt. Just love the name Mad Rob, for some reason it's
adorable.
(Gayle Cochrane 11:49am January 12, 2012)

I love a bit of humor in my heroes - sound like Rob has one.
(Diane Sallans 12:34pm January 12, 2012)

This sounds like a fun book. I look forward to it coming to
our area.
(Cindy Olp 12:47pm January 12, 2012)

HI MIA!! ;OVE HIGHLANDERS, PUUUUUUUUUUUUURRRR!!
(Linda Bass 12:51pm January 12, 2012)

Love me some highlanders, so must have this book.
(Gail Hurt 12:54pm January 12, 2012)

Absolutely Love Highlander books, once I start reading I can't put it down. For the past 4 months I've read a book a day.
(Maritza Fleming 1:11pm January 12, 2012)

I love books about Highlanders. Book sounds great,thanks for giving me a chance to win it.
(Linda Hall 1:45pm January 12, 2012)

Highlanders have been my favorite since I can't remember when. Just something about that raw manlyness.
(Jeanne Sheats 1:53pm January 12, 2012)

Must have hero trait... being dependable! Love Highlanders!
(Colleen Conklin 2:05pm January 12, 2012)

I can't pick one "must have" trait in a hero. For me besides
being a kilted Highlander, he must have a great sense of humor
and a deep velvet brogue. The twinkle in his eyes with give
away the humor. Highlanders just make my toes curl and are my
first pick on the shelf to read.
(Lenna Hendershott 2:19pm January 12, 2012)

My "must have" trait in a hero can be summed up in two words - ALPHA MALE! He must be confident, challenging, commanding, strong, sense of humor, loyal, intelligent, passionate and sexy. I can't wait to read how many ALPHA traits "Mad Rob" MacLaren has in your new novel (and find out just what is hiding beneath that Kilt!). Thanks for the contest.
(Darchelle McKesson 3:26pm January 12, 2012)

What a great excerpt--Inned to finish the story as Mad Rob MacLaren holds me
breathless!
(Susan Mahaffey 3:42pm January 12, 2012)

All the wonderful things like a conscience, caring for family and friends....yadda, yadda, yadda. One of my physical traits is a wide set of shoulders. John Wayne is one of my heroes, and my husband Mike is the other hero with a great set of shoulders.
(Debra Simning-Chapman 3:53pm January 12, 2012)

Loved that sneak peak - she was his prisoner, not his
sweetheart. My must have trait in a hero is integrity. If he
says he's going to do something, he better do it: Honesty.
And that just goes along with tall, dark and a bit handsome
with some brute strength added in.
(Cynthia Netherton 4:21pm January 12, 2012)

Love the excerpt, Mia. Rob's a keeper of a kilted hero and Elspeth's just the gal to keep him. My gotta-have is intelligence and a sense of humor-dry, preferably. I don't want a clown. And I'd like him to be strong but to have a neck--so none of those over-developed muscle maps, please.
(Barbara Huddleston 5:37pm January 12, 2012)

Would love to read this book which sounds so-o-o good from the great excerpt. It's impossible for me to choose just one "must have" trait. My hero must be strong, brave, sexy and passionate, handsome, have a sense of humor, be loyal and intelligent. That about sums up what he needs to have to spark my interest...maybe, light my fire!
(Linda Luinstra 5:43pm January 12, 2012)

It sounds to me like Elspeth is not being kidnapped but saved to experience a more interesting, adventurous life with a handsome stanger! What a fun concept for a story!
(Sandy Fielder 6:12pm January 12, 2012)

Mad Rob stripping down...can that be the trait I pick? =)
My hero's must have a vulnerability, they can be the biggest bad out there
but they have to have a vulnerability. And I love when that vulnerability is
his woman!
Can't wait to check out this book! It sounds like a wonderful read! Thanks
for sharing this excerpt today!!!
(Lexi Hansen 6:36pm January 12, 2012)

Must have a sense of humor, that will always win me over.
(Deb Pelletier 6:42pm January 12, 2012)

My hero would have to be committed. Book sounds great.
(Sheila True 8:27pm January 12, 2012)

I guess getting a man out of his kilt is something special
about him being in one. I just think it's plain sexy seeing a
man and all that bare skin.
He must have trait is honesty.
(Julianne Keller 9:01pm January 12, 2012)

He must be protective of the heroine. If I don't believe he would do anything to keep her safe then I'm really not interested.
(Stacie Deramo 9:03pm January 12, 2012)

Every hero must be slightly broken. It is something that the heroine heals. Honestly, it doesn't have to be an earth shattering issue but it has to be something personal.
(Jennifer Beyer 9:11pm January 12, 2012)

Why the 2 names? I never understood that especially since you also write historicals. Just curious.
(Molly Wilsbacher 9:14pm January 12, 2012)

MY DAUGHTER'S KIND OF BOOK....ESPECIALLY SINCE HER TRIP TO SCOTLAND.
(Linda Fickling 9:42pm January 12, 2012)

First of all I love love love highlanders. I guess I like my heroes when they are honorable/loyal/passionate and have a sense of humor. Flawed is fine. I expect human not perfect.
(Patti Paonessa 10:59pm January 12, 2012)

It would be hard to narrow one trait that I would prefer in a hero. It would be a collaboration of several traits. I would say honor would top the list and of course in order for him to be a hero he would be brave. I would say if he has honor all the other traits will follow.
(Lori Harvey 11:04pm January 12, 2012)

love a highlander book and a kilt. sounds like a great read:) Hope I am the lucky one!!
(Barbara Studer 11:38pm January 12, 2012)

The trait that does it for me is that he's a good guy deep down inside.
(Renee Pajda 7:44am January 13, 2012)

This book is on my TRL. I love a Highlander with or without his kilt. :) Preferably without. Congrats on this release and I'm looking forward to your next work with Connie. My Hero needs to have Loyalty, compassion and a sense of humor.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
(Carol Luciano 10:16am January 13, 2012)

Congratulations on the release of Sins Of A Highlander! My must have hero trait is honor. He can be a troubled bad boy, but deep down in his soul he must be honorable.
(Christine Stack 10:43am January 13, 2012)

a sense of humor ;) Thanks for the wonderful post and excerpt!
(Erin Fender 10:50am January 13, 2012)

I enjoy highlander books! This one sounds great!
(Cheryl McEwen 6:02pm January 13, 2012)

My favorite hero trait is a sense of humor.
(Maureen Emmons 6:49pm January 13, 2012)

Flaws, humor and and unwillingness to makeup for awhile are all important to me in a hero. I do like kilts on men, women and children.
(Alyson Widen 6:56pm January 13, 2012)

this book sounds so wonderful, I've never have read your boooks either..love to find a new author for me to read your book.
(Carole Fiore 9:14pm January 13, 2012)

I loved the inner dialogue Rob had on the shore, and I can't
imagine what it would be like to have to bathe in a cold loch
either...brr...Thanks for the excerpt. This sounds really
great:)
(Maria Durst 9:47pm January 13, 2012)

I cannot resist a highlander. Love of Scotland must be in my blood. My mother spent about 6 months there when she was 17, living with different members of one family in different parts of Scotland and she broadened her knowledge of English. After what she told me about it, it was no wonder that I wanted to go there and see it at least. I loved the highlands but the visit was altogether too short. Reading any book set there always brings back very vivid memories.
(Sigrun Schulz 2:07am January 14, 2012)

Sounds like a great read. I love Highlander stories.
(MaryAnne Banks 8:13am January 14, 2012)

I am part Scottish - must be why I love a highlander story You book sounds
great. My favorite hero trait is integrity.
(Tammy Yenalavitch 1:38pm January 14, 2012)

The one trait in all my "heroes" is integrity. Simple, though in life hard to
find.
(Carla Carlson 7:49pm January 14, 2012)

The necessary traits of a hero would include dedication to duty and unquestionable loyalty.
(Joanne Hicks 8:57pm January 14, 2012)

My must have trait is honor. He must have a sense of right and wrong. So many today do not. I love a highlander any way I can get him!
(Renee Brown 10:56am January 15, 2012)

I like alpha males. I like ones that take control and take over the situation or just control it.
(Chris Bails 2:59pm January 17, 2012)

My alpha male would possess bravery and strength to go with his honor. He would know when to be tender or wildly passionate. Oh, and a kilt...Mmm Mmm
(Margie Gagarin 12:46pm January 20, 2012)

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