An amazing story! Definitely a keeper.
A must read. A good page turner.
A enjoyable read. An average book.
A book that has flaws and is hard to finish.
Terrible and couldn't finish it.
Today I have author Amanda Forester on my blog doing a guest post and giveaway. If you missed my review of her book you can click here to read it. I enjoyed it very much so I'm very excited to have Amanda on my blog today.
The
Endless Inspiration of Medieval Scotland
by Amanda Forester
Medieval
Scotland combines so many interesting aspects of history, custom, and culture,
it is incredibly fun to write. Where
else can you find arranged marriages, fierce warriors, clan rivalry, political
intrigue, warfare, secret lovers, and yes, kilts!
True Highland Spirit, which released last
week, is a great example of how the historical backdrop can play such an
important role. Set in 1355, Morrigan
McNab is not your typical laird's daughter.
She learned to survive with a sword in her hand and raids neighboring
clans to help feed her own. She meets
Sir Dragonet a French knight who has come with a company of French soldiers to
encourage the Scots wage war against the English. Soon she is not only caught up in a disastrous
war but also in a race against Dragonet to find a secret Templar treasure
before it can fall into the wrong hands.
So True Highland Spirit combines a feisty Highland lass, a French
knight, a failed war, clan rivalry, treasure hunting, religious intrigue, great
medieval costumes, sexy accents - where
else but Medieval Scotland can you get all that?
So here
are my Top Ten reasons why Medieval Scotland provides endless inspiration for
romance:
11.
The
chivalrous knight in shining armor is not some unattainable ideal, but a
reality. And yes, I'm sure all the armor
was shining and every knight was gorgeous!
22.
The
political intrigue of the times - the frequent wars between Scotland and
England along with the constant clan rivalry in Scotland provides the perfect
backdrop for star-crossed lovers.
33.
The
accent - I love to hear it in my head - so sexy!
44.
The
importance of church and faith, which not only makes for areas of personal
growth, abut also conflict with Church officials who do not always act as they
should.
55.
Romance is idealized, but marriages are still
typically arranged, providing for many a plot twist.
66.
Color
and pageantry of the times, including banners, heraldry, tapestries, and the
beautiful flowing gowns of velvet or silk.
77.
Even
warfare was fanciful with broad swords, jousting lances, maces, crossbows, etc.
88.
Highland
warriors make great heroes - fierce, independent, and honorable.
99.
Highland
lasses who are equally fierce, independent, and honorable!
110. Kilts! Need I say more?
Do you enjoy Scottish romances? Why do you think they are so popular? Comment on this blog with why you enjoy
Scottish romance novels for a chance to win a print copy of True Highland Spirit!
1. Leave your email with your comment so we can contact you if you win.
2. You must be 18 years or older to enter.
3. Giveaway ends on 3/26.
4. Giveaway is only open to US and Canada.
17 comments:
I do enjoy Scottish romances as long as the heroine has spirit. I think they're popular because they have tough, hot men running around in kilts.
Enjoy that she is named after the Goddess of War. The Morrigan! Yes, she is my favorite celtic goddess! I do hope she can live up to the namesake!
Why they are popular? Well many cannot get passed the kilts. Brawny, masculine men in kilts, with those broughs.
Raonaid at gmail dot com
I love Scottish romances because I enjoy that unique spirit of courage, dark humor, and tenacity in its men and women. And if I'm being totally honest- the man in the kilt thing does perk me up.
I love the synopsis on this book and would love to win it. Thanks for the opportunity!
sophiarose1816@gmail.com
Thanks for the great interview! And the synopsis...nice!
I have always loved Scottish/Irish historical romances. It was the first I ever read and couldn't put down. There is a bit of romanticism in being able to tame that "wild" Scotsman. And yes the kilt is an added bonus. Who doesn't love easy access?
Mel
bournmelissa AT hotmail DOT com
Kilts, spot on Amanda! I have always loved Scottish romances, can never go too long with out reading one. It just seems like the perfect time in history for romance, the warriors had honor (and I agree, they were all handsome) and the women were a little fiesty (not the typical faint in the drawing room kind). So much going on at that time with the wars, uprisings and as you said the Church. Hope you continue to love writing about Highlanders because we love to read about them!
eyesofblueice (at) gmail (dot) com
USA
I definitely enjoy Scottish romances, but don't read nearly enough of them. I think they appeal to reader's because of the accents and kilts of course:) Or at least that's me!
yadkny@hotmail.com
I am enjoying reading about what you all like about Scotland! Seems like I am not alone in my appreciation for all things Scottish!
Raonaid - I'm impressed you know Morrigan! I'd be interested to know what you think of my version of Morrigan McNab!
I enjoy Scottish romances because I think the men are hot and the stories are really good. Please enter me in contest. I am a follower and email subscriber. Tore923@aol.com
There is something about the Scottish romance - it's a bit of a wild place, even today; and the accents are just lovely. And the heroes are usually very large & brawny.
sallans d at yahoo dot com
I have 65 scottish romance novels & count keeps going up as I discover new authors and my favorite ones come out with more!
What I love about scottish romance is one the dreamy men in the kilts with the sexy accents! I also like the heorines who can stand on their own against the men. Also love them cause I try to picture the castles and towers.
motorlips19@aol.com
I think I'm drawn to Scottish romance because sometimes the books include some history of the country, besides the men wearing kilts. I really enjoy a historical Scottish book. Just imagining what it would be like to be part of that history.
luvfuzzzeeefaces atyahoo dot com
Yes, I enjoy these books. I think they're popular because of the hero's protectiveness, loyalty, and accent.
bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
I think they're so popular because they're sexy men in kilts!
riverinaromantic AT aol DOT com
This book has "a feisty Highland lass, a French knight, a failed war, clan rivalry, treasure hunting, religious intrigue, great medieval costumes, and sexy accents"? I am SO there!! I would love to win a copy of this awesome sounding book! Thanks so much for the giveaway:)
jwitt33 at live dot com
For me I like Scottish heroes because of where they live. All that open space and land really appeals to me. Plus if they have an accent that helps too.
Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love Scottish men, so therefore, I love Scottish romances.
volta2173 at sbcglobal dot net
I love reading historical romances based in Scotland. Maybe it's my Scottish blood that draws me to them, let alone the thought of a man in a kilt, Wow!! I really like the honor and protection they have. I really want to read this book. Thanks for the chance of winning it.
purpleunicorn19(at)yahoo(dot)com
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