Victoria Roberts | MY HIGHLAND SPY Teaser Tour

I’m so happy to be here today at Fresh Fiction, the eighth stop on the MY HIGHLAND SPY Teaser Tour! MY HIGHLAND SPY is the first book in my new Highland Spies series, and I hope you enjoy the story as much as I enjoyed writing it. We left off yesterday where Laird Ruairi Sutherland met his new English governess. Let’s see what Ravenna thinks of this Highland laird.

Excerpt Eight: Chapter Two

With all her might, Ravenna held back a groan. The laird didn’t speak a word of English. How would she be able to figure out if the man conspired against the Crown if she didn’t understand a word of Gaelic? Praise the saints. This was nothing short of a disaster. She was stuck in the Highlands with a widowed laird and his son. She didn’t like this at all.

As she stood in the great hall trying to suppress the urge to flee, Ravenna
noticed tapestries hung on the walls that depicted swords, shields, and men in
the throes of battle. Laird Sutherland certainly had an odd way of making his
guests feel at home. Perhaps that was his intention. A stone fireplace dominated
the far wall, and there were long tables and benches on the floor in front of a
raised dais.

Trying to compose herself, Ravenna gave Laird Sutherland a sympathetic smile for
the loss of his wife. She stretched her neck to look up at him because the top
of her head only reached the middle of the massive man’s chest. These Highland
men were definitely differ­ent from their English counterparts. The English
lords didn’t look that formidable in their waistcoats, whereas the Scottish men
looked big, brawny, and battle-ready.

Laird Sutherland and Fagan sported the traditional kilt of green, black, blue,
white, and orange, which Ravenna presumed was the Sutherland tartan. They also
had large swords sheathed at their waists. She’d never met a Highlander before
and realized she’d made a grave error in judgment by believing the words of her
countrymen. She had foolishly assumed these Highland men were nothing but a
bunch of chest-pounding barbarians.

She was never so happy to be wrong.

The laird’s green eyes continued to study her intently. His straight, long
chestnut hair hung just past his shoulders and had traces of red. He had an air
of authority and the appearance of one who demanded instant obedience. The set
of his chin suggested a stubborn streak, but his boldly handsome face held a
certain degree of sensuality. Somehow she knew she would never forget a single
detail.

When their eyes locked, her heart turned over in response. Her gaze roamed to
his powerful set of his shoulders, and he stood there like he didn’t give a damn
about her or what she thought of him.

Ravenna cleared her throat. “You have my sincere condolences on the loss of your
wife.”

When he raised his brow, Fagan spoke, and she pre­sumed the man translated her
words. The laird must have understood because he nodded in response and then
left without as much as a backward glance.

“Your trunk will be carried up to your chambers,” said Fagan. “Ye must be weary
from your journey. I will escort ye to your room and leave ye to rest.” He was
about to walk away when Ravenna spoke.

“Might I at least meet Torquil?”

His eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Ye arenae weary?”

“Captain, I’ve come all of this way. Perhaps you could introduce me to the boy?”

The man was just as big and imposing as Laird Sutherland. He had a strong,
chiseled jaw and his dark hair hung well below his shoulders. He had a kind,
almost tender smile that was difficult not to notice.

“Fagan, if ye will.”

Ravenna nodded in response.

“I donna know where the lad is at the moment, but I will be sure to introduce ye
when he returns.”

“Very well. I suppose I will unpack my trunk.”

Ravenna was placed in a modest chamber of her own, while Mary and George were
given rooms with the other servants. The two of them would depart in the morning
and tell Uncle Walter that she was safely delivered into the lion’s den. For a
brief moment, Ravenna silently wished this would all be over and she could
return to her family, but she quickly reminded herself of the greater good.
After all, that’s why she did what she did.

***

Sourcebooks will give away one copy of MY HIGHLAND SPY to a lucky commenter (US and Canada only, please.) Do you ever judge someone on first impressions? “An exciting Highland tale of intrigue, betrayal, and love.” —Hannah Howell, New York Times bestselling author of HIGHLAND MASTER “Roberts’ newest features a surprise-laden, quick-paced plot, replete with unconventional and fiercely independent characters. Her lyrical prose grabs readers’ attention, and the high level of emotional tension simply adds to the depth of the story. This book begs to be read and reread.”

—RT Book Reviews

About MY HIGHLAND SPY

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?

Comments

23 comments posted.

Re: Victoria Roberts | MY HIGHLAND SPY Teaser Tour

I believe that first impressions are very important, and
they count for part of what I think about a person. After I
talk to them for a bit, that counts for the other part. Of
course you can't just look at a person and form an
impression!! You have to know a little about them first.
Everyone has a story about themselves, and you don't know
what they're going through, until you've walked a mile in
their shoes!!
(Peggy Roberson 10:35am August 27, 2014)

Well said, Peggy. Well said.
(Victoria Roberts 11:25am August 27, 2014)

PI will often pick up and look at a book that has caught my eye because of
the title or the cover. That doesn't' mean that I'll buy it, but if I like the story
premise I will.
(Janet Breton 11:41am August 27, 2014)

As to first impressions, I find them valuable. If someone does not put forth a good first meeting, then what would you expect from future contacts? I know that someone could be having an off day, but in general, friendliness shows through on people who will be someone that I want to know better. Also, now that I have to be either in a wheelchair or using a mobility scooter, I find out very easily how nice people can be or NOT be when they slam a door in your face or won't bother to even ask if they can hold it open for you or help a handicapped person in any way. That to me shows what a person is like, most of the time. I am referring to those who rush ahead or you or push past you, fully well knowing that you are there and need help. Just my feeling on this I know but other handicapped people have related the same kind of stories to me too.

I am hoping to win this book for a dear friend who has very very limited funds and whose computer died and she cannot do any of the contests herself. So, as her friends, I am hoping to win this to send her or have it sent directly to her if I were lucky enough to be chosen. Thank you so much.
Cynthia Blain
Massachusetts
ceblain(AT)tmlponline(DOT)net
(Cynthia Blain 11:52am August 27, 2014)

Janet, I agree. The cover is what catches my eye, and then I
read the back cover blurb. That's where I make my decision to
buy or not to buy.
(Victoria Roberts 11:53am August 27, 2014)

I honestly try to never judge on first impressions...
(Amanda Ray 1:04pm August 27, 2014)

I will say that I give everyone a chance to show me who they are... but sometimes I get a feeling about someone right off the bat... and later down the line they show their true colors.
(Colleen Conklin 1:25pm August 27, 2014)

As much as I don't want to judge someone, it is hard not to
be affected by first impressions (appearance as well as
actions). That said I like to think that I let subsequent
interactions drive a relationship more than those initial
ones. :-)
(Glenda Martillotti 1:35pm August 27, 2014)

I don't think that you can help but judge to some degree right
away, but you should be careful to continue to evaluate. I've
had good impressions that proved wrong and poor impressions
that were explained satisfactorily.
(Diane Sallans 1:37pm August 27, 2014)

I started this book last night. It is wonderful. Not reading the excerpt since I have not gotten that far. However I love that Victoria used Celtic speak. This is what makes the book for me. Well and the men in kilts.

Thanks so much for sharing!
(Suzie Welker 2:05pm August 27, 2014)

Cynthia, I believe that starts with the parents. We need to
teach our kids to be respectful of others. If the parent
isn't, how can we expect the kids to be, right?

Smart lass, Amanda.

Colleen, sometimes I agree. My gut is usually right.

Hi Glenda. Well said.

Diane, it is difficult to evaluate someone fairly after one
meet. If they act like an arse after further meetings, so be
it. You have your answer.

Aww... Thank you, Suzie. I'm glad you're enjoying the book.
Yes, I use Gaelic in all my books. Translated, of course. ;-
)
(Victoria Roberts 2:27pm August 27, 2014)

Of course I do...although I try NOT to. I do give people the
chance to undue a first bad impression in all fairness. It
depends on who it is and what situation. We all make judgments
on what we see and hear. It's human nature. When we CHOOSE to
re-evaluate is what shows what's in our hearts :)
(Lenna Hendershott 2:51pm August 27, 2014)

It seems natural to judge a person by first impressions, but
after a few youthful misconceptions on my part that caused
me no end of trouble, I try very, very hard not to judge by
first impressions. I ask questions and listen to answers
and often "wait and watch" to see what will unfold in a
given situation. What I call a "snap" judgment is often a
mistaken one and I don't wish to get myself in hot water
with such a rush to judgment. At least, I wouldn't want
someone else to make a snap judgment about me! It's only
fair that I return the consideration. Thanks for the very
interesting question. jdh2690@gmail.com
(Janice Hougland 9:08pm August 27, 2014)

I think everyone judges a bit on first impressions. You
adjust your assessments as you get to know a person, but there
is always that first meeting.
(Karin Anderson 8:56am August 28, 2014)

I have judged people on my first impression by there attitude and dress but have learned that most time it's best to get to know them too. By the way I love this cover!!!! Thanks for the chance to win this book!!!!
(Bonnie Capuano 3:29pm August 28, 2014)

ooh, love the teaser
(Denise Holcomb 8:47pm August 28, 2014)

I try not to judge people, especially negatively, by my first
impression, because I found, when I was much younger, how
wrong I could be.
(Janie McGaugh 10:55pm August 28, 2014)

right summer just hit
(Kent Cook 11:49am August 29, 2014)

First meetings are important, but it's difficult to form a real opinion when you meet a person for the first time. It takes time to find out more about the person and to decide if you want him/her for a real friend or a casual acquaintance. Thanks for the sweepstakes. This sounds like a fun read.
(Anna Speed 12:49pm August 29, 2014)

Yes, I have made a decision about someone based on my first impressions. I feel that a person's personality shows through at all times. I go with my gut instinct about someone.
(Laurie Gommermann 4:31pm August 29, 2014)

Sometimes I do. I know I shouldn't but my gut is usually
right!
(Denise Austin 5:19pm August 29, 2014)

I try not to judge on first impressions. I once worked with
two men and before I knew them, I would have chosen to stand
next to one on an elevator and after I knew them, I chose the
other one. This was discussed by some of us and we all had a
change of mind.
(Leona Olson 8:33pm August 29, 2014)

Looks like a winner! First impressions are hard to shake, that's for sure.
(MaryAnne Banks 9:44pm August 29, 2014)

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