Book Tour: Highland Homecoming by B. J. Scott Interview & Giveaway

BLURB:

The last thing Alasdair Fraser expects to find on an isolated beach in Northern Scotland is a beautiful, unconscious lass. Unable to turn his back on someone in need, he delays his journey and tends to her injuries–an act that has him questioning his destiny and his plans to rejoin the fight for Scotland’s independence.

Will he drop the shield that guards his heart or will the secrets she fails to reveal and his own stubbornness keep them apart forever?

  

EXCERPT:

An onslaught of desire threatened to override Alasdair’s good sense. He fought the urge to plunder Lauren’s sweet mouth with his tongue, to lift her nightrail, to make her his own.

He broke their kiss and raised his head, knowing if he didn’t stop himself now, he might not be able to harness the unbridled passion heating his blood.

“Forgive me.” He forced the words out on a strangled breath. He swept an errant wisp of hair from her brow and locked his gaze with the wide, hazel eyes of a woman obviously shocked by his impulsive actions.

He cupped her chin, stroked her cheek with the pad of his thumb, then brushed it across her lips. “I dinna mean tae make inappropriate advances or tae take liberties. I—”

She pressed two fingers to his mouth to silence him. “You have naught tae apologize for. I appreciate you staying with me, Alasdair. After my nightmare, I canna bear tae sleep alone.” 

This was the first time she’d used his name, and it sounded as melodic as the Celtic lullabies his mother used to sing. At a loss for words, he stared back at her and smiled, but inside, his stomach churned in turmoil.

What to do?

He’d rather be drawn and quartered than remain on the pallet with her lush, shapely body pressed against his side, and not sate his carnal needs.

She’d begged him to stay, so why shouldn’t he take her? But she also trusted him enough to seek safety in his arms. He could not betray that trust.

INTERVIEW:

1. Where did you get the idea for the novel?

I have always been fascinated with Scottish history and the time period around the Scottish War of Independence. While researching the time period, I discovered many interesting battles and historical facts about the cause and why the clans did not all fight on the same side. Very much like the north and south during the American Civil war, brothers fought against brothers to defend political beliefs. Sharing this information through a historical romances allows me to share what I learned and at the same time offer an escape to those lovers of the time period looking for a romantic adventure with a HEA ending. This is the third book in the Fraser Brother Trilogy so it basically fell into place after I finished book two, Highland Quest. Picking up where the second book left off.

2. Your title. Who came up with it? Did you ever change your title?

I chose my own titles. Highland Legacy, the title of the first book was originally a working title, but the editor loved it and thought it suited the book so it stayed. In keeping with the theme, the next two books started with the word Highland and the second word was chosen in conjunction with the plot of the story.

3. Why did you pick this genre? What do you like about it?

I am a history buff and love historical novels, especially Scottish historicals so it seemed the logical choice for me.

4. Since becoming a writer, what’s the most exciting thing to ever happen to you?

The day I saw my first cover, made me cry(with joy)  The day my first book released was pretty exciting, as was the day I got my first email from a fan who loved my book. But I think for me the most exciting day was when my third book, Highland Homecoming, was listed as the #1 hot new release on Amazon for Scottish Historical and the #1 best Seller in Scottish historicals, one week after it released.

5. What book are you currently reading or what was the last book you read?

Sadly, I am not reading anything right now. Since I work full time and have a small business on the side, finding time to write and edit my books and those of my critique partner take up most of my time. I have not read anything for pure pleasure in a long while but hope to get a chance in the near future. When I do, it will be a Scottish historical.

6. What is your writing process?

I am a combination of a plotter and a pantser. After I do my research and decide what the book will be about, I make a list of my characters and decide what their personalities will be like, their strengths and their weaknesses. None of my characters are without their flaws. Once I have the main characters figure out, I do an outline of the chapters from start to finish. That done, I flesh out the chapters. Nothing is carved in stone and the characters tend to take on more traits and are subject to changes as well.

7. At a book signing, do you just sign your name or do you write a note? How do you come up with stuff to say? 

When signing books I ask the reader if there is anything special they want written.  If they say anything is fine, I usually write something simple like best wishes or happy reading and sign my name. It just seems a little more personal than just my name. I am new to this so am getting accustomed to having someone ask for my signature ;)

8. What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

I do my best writing in the bath tub. Especially when faced with writer block. I fill my claw foot tub with hot water and lavender bath oil and soak. Amazing how much I can write when in the bathtub. I have been known to remain submerged for hours but usually come out with a finished chapter.

9. How do you react to a bad review?

I am human and my books are like my babies so when someone does not leave a favorable review it hurts. But I know that this is part of being an author and not everyone will love every book. Rather than brood or get upset, I read the review and honestly ask myself if what they are saying is true, is there some way I could have made the book better? I don’t discount anyone’s opinion and use their feedback to hopefully become a better writer.

10. How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?

After jumping up and down like a fool, and sharing the news with my family and friends, my hubby and I got a bottle of our favorite wine and celebrated.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

With a passion for historical romance, history in general, and anything Celtic, B.J. always has an exciting work in progress. Each story offers a blend of romance, adventure, suspense, and, where appropriate, a dab of comic relief. Carefully researched historical facts are woven into each manuscript, providing a backdrop from which steamy romance, gripping plots, and vivid characters—dashing alpha heroes and resourceful, beguiling heroines you can’t help but admire—spring to life. A member of RWA, World Romance Writers, Celtic Hearts Romance Writers, and Savvy Authors, B.J. also writes contemporary, paranormal, time travel, and romantic suspense.

C.S. Lewis first captivated B. J.’s imagination in the fourth grade, and her desire to write sprang from there. Following a career in nursing and child and youth work, B.J. married her knight-in-shining-armor, and he whisked her away to his castle by the sea. In reality, they share their century-old home in a small Canadian town on the shore of Lake Erie with three dogs and a cat. When she is not working at her childcare job, on her small business, or writing, you will find her reading, camping, or antique hunting.

http://www.authorbjscott.com/home

http://www.soulmatepublishing.com/highland-homecoming/

http://www.amazon.com/B.J.-Scott/e/B006NSQR9G/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Buy links

Highland Homecoming( book 3 of Fraser Brother Trilogy)

http://www.amazon.com/Highland-Homecoming-Brothers-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00F9U3SBO

Highland Quest (book 2 of Fraser Brother Trilogy)

http://www.amazon.com/Highland-Fraser-Brothers-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00AQKYPU0

Highland Legacy: (book 1 of Fraser Brother Trilogy)

http://www.amazon.com/Highland-Legacy-Brothers-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B0065KX8P8

email: bjscott@authorbjscott.com

web www.authorbjscott.com

blog:  http://authorbjscott.wordpress.com

  

facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-BJ-Scott/308663055834706

GIVEAWAY:

B.J. will be awarding a $50 Amazon gift card, Scottish shortbread cookies, can cooler and mouse pad (US/CANADA ONLY) to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour, and a beaded book thong with silver charms, book marks, pen, and canvas tote to a randomly drawn host (US/CANADA ONLY).

The more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here: 

http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/10/virtual-book-tour-highland-homecoming.html