Today at Book Savvy Babe, historical romance author Vonda Sinclair is here with an interview and giveaway of her book My Fierce Highlander. I loved this Highlander story, I rated it 4.5 of 5 stars! (read my review)
BSB:To Kick this inteview off, why don’t you tell us about My Fierce Highlander.
VS: Sure! Here is the official blurb:
Gwyneth Carswell, an English lady banished by her father to the harsh Scottish Highlands, wants nothing more than to take her young son away from the violence of two fighting clans–her own distant kin, the MacIrwins, and their enemies, the MacGraths. She risks everything to rescue the fierce MacGrath warrior from the battlefield where he’s left for dead by her clan. She only knows she is inexplicably drawn to him and he wants peace as she does. When her clan learns of her betrayal, they seek vengeance. Dare she trust the enemy more than her own family?
Laird Alasdair MacGrath is driven to end two-hundred years of feuding with the MacIrwins. But by taking in and protecting Lady Gwyneth and her son, he provokes more attacks from his mortal enemy. As the danger and conflict surrounding them escalate, Alasdair and Gwyneth discover an explosive passion neither of them expected. With the arrival of a powerful man from her past, a horrible decision confronts her–give up her son or the man she loves.
BSB: What made you decide to start writing Highlander Romances?
I’ve always loved Highlanders and Highland romance novels. Fierce warriors wearing kilts and swinging big swords to protect clan and country is irresistible. Also the Highlands are a romantic, atmospheric and forlorn place. At times the scenery is so beautiful and picturesque it seems unreal. But the reality is that the weather is harsh. Highlanders had to be strong to survive the tough conditions. What makes it seem forlorn is that sometimes when I visit a site, I remember that hundreds of years ago a clan or village of people would’ve been living there in groupings of stone cottages. Now, only the foundations remain. This is when my imagination kicks in and I try to imagine what it must have been like. When walking through the castle ruins, I try to imagine who lived there and what life must have been like. I’m a romantic at heart, so I always imagine sexy, strong chiefs and lairds who do their best to protect the clan.
BSB: If you could cast your characters in a movie, who would you choose to play your main characters?
VS: I would say perhaps Jason Momoa and Keira Knightly.
BSB: Oohh, I love Keira Knightly, great choices! What character in My Fierce Highlander is most like you?
VS:Probably the heroine, Gwyneth. She’s very practical and she deals with things as they come. She’s a survivor and refuses to give up when she wants something.
BSB: How do you research the setting and time period for your books?
VS:The best way for me to research the settings in Scotland is to visit to get a sense and feel of things for myself. The best way to learn about something is to experience it. Plus, trips to Scotland are among my favorite, most treasured times. I did write the first version of My Fierce Highlander before I visited Scotland. When I came home, I had to change a few details. Scotland is a lot more drenched with water than I realized. LOL Also visiting a furnished castle puts everything in perspective and makes it seem more real. As for the time period, I read nonfiction books on history and culture.
BSB: What 3 qualities must romance heros have?
VS: I love heroes who are strong, tough alphas, but at the same time they are compassionate and protective of those they love. I love that sort of fierce-tender duality they have going on. And they must be sexy! 
BSB: Just for fun, I always play a game of Would You Rather. Please have fun with the questions and explain your answers:
Would You Rather: have your flight delayed by 8 hours or loose your luggage?
VS: Oh wow, I hate layovers and flight delays with a passion. But I really can’t lose my luggage. So I’d have to say the lesser of two evils here would be the flight delay. LOL
BSB: Would You Rather: Watch a marathon of the TV show Mash OR watch the Food Network all day and not be able to eat?
VS: I’m not a Mash fan but I am a Food Network fan. Still, I like to eat when I’m hungry. I suppose I could tune out a Mash marathon and write while it’s going on.
Thank you so much for interviewing at Book Savvy Babe! To learn more about Vonda Sinclair, visiter her site: http://www.vondasinclair.com/
To buy the book: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords
Vonda Sinclair is offering a giveaway with her stop at Book Savvy Babe today! One commenter will get an e-copy of My Fierce Highlander! Contest open to anyone who reads e-books, US and International. Must be at least 18 to enter. Contest will run one week, from today (Monday the 27) through Sunday March 4th at midnight. How to enter:
Leave a meaningful comment, ask a question, answer a would you rather, comment on the interview, etc…
February 27, 2012 at 7:48 am
Oh How I wish I could visit Scotland your so lucky!
February 27, 2012 at 8:55 pm
Hi everyone, Sorry I’m so late! Danielle, I hope you get to visit Scotland someday soon!
February 27, 2012 at 8:15 am
I love the whole Highlander things and its so alpha male. Thank you for the interview is was really nice to read more about the author.
February 27, 2012 at 8:56 pm
Kerry, thank you for reading my interview! I’m a big fan of alpha males too!
February 27, 2012 at 8:21 am
Oh gosh, I have a soft spot for highland romances and have always wanted to visit Scotland just because of those romance books. I would love to win a copy!
February 27, 2012 at 8:57 pm
It’s nice to meet another Highland fan, Elizabeth! Thanks!
February 27, 2012 at 8:31 am
Scotland is on my wish list to visit someday, especially after reading Highlander books. I would love a copy of My Fierce Highlander. The guy on the cover is HOT!!
February 27, 2012 at 8:58 pm
Thanks, Julie! I’m so glad you like the cover! Scotland is an amazing place and I hope you get to visit!
February 27, 2012 at 8:55 am
I love strong protective heroes! Sounds like your heroine is no wimp either so I love the sound of this book, it’s got everything!
February 27, 2012 at 9:00 pm
Irene, thanks! I do love strong heroines who can stand up to those tough Highland alpha males. (And keep them in line. LOL)
February 27, 2012 at 9:31 am
Having been to Scotland a few times, I agree that the atmosphere in the Highlands, whether coastal or inland, is magical. The ruggedness of the terrain, the distances between holdings, and the weather all work to draw the observer back in time. Some places still hold an age-old feeling. Though, I must confess, I did somehow manage to schedule my trips when it was unusually warm and sunny. I actually bronzed some.
What I like about Highland fictions is that they encapsulate the atmosphere the author describes, and some of the men still hold that oldy-worldy concept of protecting kith and kin, but the women are equally bound to protect what is there, man, beast or land.
I’m always up for more Highland fiction, just to be able to imagine those sites, sounds and feelings again.
February 27, 2012 at 9:03 pm
How cool that you’ve visited Scotland! You’ve described it perfectly. Sometime I want to visit when it’s actually warm. The weather in Scotland is so unpredictable and changeable. I find the atmosphere of Scotland mesmerizing. Thanks!
February 27, 2012 at 9:39 am
Hi Vonda! Great interview. I’ve been a sucker for Highlanders ever since the movie. LOL The book sounds great!
February 27, 2012 at 9:04 pm
Thanks Paige! I loved the first, original Highlander. I’m sure that sort of sealed the deal for me. LOL
February 27, 2012 at 9:59 am
I would rather have my flight delayed. The Book Cover Art is Very Nice. Thank you for the Giveaway. Jerri Davis How long did it take to get the book on the shelf.? Its nice that you suggested going to Scotland. Jerri1962@hotmail.com
February 27, 2012 at 9:07 pm
Hi, Jerri, thanks! I’m glad you like the cover art. It took a few years from writing this book to releasing it. Things in the publishing world rarely go as planned.
February 27, 2012 at 10:08 am
I would much rather have my flight delayed than lose my luggage! While waiting I could still check out the airport bookshop, read on my Kindle, so I could still enjoy myself, but if I lost my luggage, all my clothes, shoes, cell phone/Kindle charger, etc. that would be like the end of the world! (Now I just hope I haven’t jinxed anything because I’ll just leave on a flight tomorrow…don’t want to sit another 8 hours in the terminal if possible)
I love Scotland, only have been there once, but I felt completely at home among the green mountains and mesmerizinbg lochs. I want to return maybe spend my honeymoon there
Thank you for the great giveaway and for making it international!
February 27, 2012 at 9:09 pm
Stella, thanks! I know what you mean. Losing luggage could be a nightmare. I hope your trip goes smoothly! Oh, and a honeymoon in Scotland would be awesome! I hope you get your wish!
February 27, 2012 at 10:16 am
My Fierce Highlander sounds like an awesome read! I love the blurb! I find that anytime the word “Highlander” is used, my senses are raised.
)
Thanks so much for the giveaway opportunity.
February 27, 2012 at 9:10 pm
LOL I’m the same way, Sandy! When someone says Highlander, I say gimmie!
Thanks!
February 27, 2012 at 10:25 am
Thanks for a great post! I haven’t read any good “highlander” books in a while so I’m definitely interested in this one! I love how you “casted” your book. Now if I read it, I’ll picture your “cast”. You’re so lucky to have been able to visit Scotland. Definitely on my top 10 and I’m hoping to go soon!
February 27, 2012 at 9:13 pm
I hope you get to go to Scotland. If it’s something that interests you… it is definitely worth it. I didn’t really fall in love with Scotland until after I visited the first time. It’s kind of addictive.
Thanks!
February 27, 2012 at 11:14 am
I love to see Scotland one day. I bet it is beautiful. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read this book. Tore923@aol.com
February 27, 2012 at 9:14 pm
Thanks, Victoria! Scotland truly is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Hope you get to visit.
February 27, 2012 at 11:18 am
Thank you for the chance to win this great book-I love the ones set in Scotland! edysicecreamlover18@gmailDOTcom
February 27, 2012 at 9:15 pm
Thanks for entering, Krystal! I’m glad you like Scottish romance books!
February 27, 2012 at 11:54 am
I’d rather have my flight delayed by 8 hours. I actually don’t mind waiting because I always have my reader and tons of ebooks with me!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Kanya
kanyachhetATyahooDOTca
February 27, 2012 at 9:16 pm
That is a great way to look at it, Kanya! I like a positive attitude.
And reading is always a fun time. Thanks for checking out my interview!
February 27, 2012 at 12:49 pm
I always appreciate the intense research an author does for their book.
February 27, 2012 at 9:18 pm
Thanks, Lisa! That’s a good point. Lots of research goes into writing.
February 27, 2012 at 2:36 pm
Vonda is a new to me author, so thanks for the intro! Read BSB’s review too and I cannot wait to read this story!
yadkny@hotmail.com
February 27, 2012 at 9:19 pm
Yadira, thanks for checking out the wonderful review! I’m so glad you’re interested in reading it.
February 27, 2012 at 4:25 pm
There’s always something super sexy about a Highlander. To me, they are the ultimate Alpha because their focus os protecting family/clan and homeland – the hearth and home ideal! The fact that Alasdair wants peace is a great idea. A fierce warrior shouldn’t always want war to prove his abilities as a leader. I’[d love to read the book and congrats!
MJB
msmjb65 AT gmail DOT com
February 27, 2012 at 9:21 pm
Thanks, MJB! I agree with you about why Highlanders are sexy! Whew! Love their protectiveness, among other things.
February 27, 2012 at 4:55 pm
I enjoyed the interview. This book sounds very good. What was your inspiration for this book?
February 27, 2012 at 9:24 pm
Thanks! I woke up one morning and one of the early scenes was playing out in my head. The healer heroine had saved the unconscious hero’s life. She’d rescued him from the battlefield where he’d been knocked out. I had to find out what happened next.
February 27, 2012 at 7:14 pm
I want to visit the Highlands some day and I enjoyed the interview learning how you research and come up with your stories. The book sounds good. How can the poor woman choose love of son or lover? Very intriguing!
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.
sophiarose1816@gmail.com
February 27, 2012 at 9:26 pm
Sophia, thanks! I hope you get to visit the Highlands very soon. I’m glad you find her difficult decision and the premise intriguing.
February 27, 2012 at 8:55 pm
Hi, Thanks for the chance to win. I enjoyed the reading the interview. Will there be a book two after My Fierce Highlander?
February 27, 2012 at 9:28 pm
Thanks Julianne! Yes, My Wild Highlander is the second book in the series and it is already out also. The heroes of the two books are brothers. I’m working on book 3 of the series which features a friend of the hero of book 2. I love series (both reading them and writing them) because I get to follow characters through more than one book.
February 28, 2012 at 3:18 am
great an interview vonda…hm..i like read a highlander series so i wish i win this book…and the cover it is very nice…
thanks for the giveaway…
February 28, 2012 at 4:12 am
Scotland is on my bucket list of places to travel. I have been overseas plenty of times just never have gotten there or Ireland!
I like your attributes for a hero, they definitely need a balance to their alpha male ways or they are just plain unlikable
February 28, 2012 at 5:26 am
I hope you get to visit Scotland, Felicia. I would also like to visit Ireland. I agree with you about the alpha males. I like for them to be tough and fierce but also likable.
Thanks!
February 28, 2012 at 5:35 am
My Fierce Highlander sounds wonderful. Best of luck with it.
February 28, 2012 at 8:18 am
Thanks so much, Callie!!
February 28, 2012 at 11:30 am
absolutely love a good Highlander story – Looking forward to reading this book – have added it to my TBR list… looks and sounds delicious!
February 28, 2012 at 4:15 pm
Thanks, Erin! I’m glad you’re a Highland story fan!
February 28, 2012 at 1:58 pm
Your stories are the best – I know when I start reading one that nothing else is going to get done around the house until I finish the book. Best of luck always on your writing. Can’t wait for another one to get done – you are writing, writing, writing, aren’t you, Vonda?!
February 28, 2012 at 4:17 pm
Aww thanks so much, Paisley! I can’t tell you how much that means to me! Yes, I’m writing up a snow storm!
Thanks for asking!
February 28, 2012 at 4:24 pm
I love your answer Vonda to the 3 characteristics a hero must have question. The “fierce-loyal duality” is a great turn of phrase!
February 28, 2012 at 7:03 pm
Oh thanks, Megan! I love multi-dimensional heroes. They’re fascinating and sexy.
February 28, 2012 at 5:55 pm
Great interview! I love Highlander heroes! Their family fued reminds me of Romeo & Juliet.
I would love to see Jason Momoa as a Highlander! Who am I kidding? I would love to see JM in anything!!
I am with Vonda, I would rather watch Mash than watch the Food Network and not be able to eat. Talk about torture!
February 29, 2012 at 5:03 pm
LOL Tina, that really would be torture, especially if they were making something chocolate. I am with you about Jason M. I’d love to see him in anything.
February 28, 2012 at 8:38 pm
there is just something so yum about a highlander, Have you been to Ireland? I love the lore there. This tale sounds wonderful and i have added to my list
Great interview!
February 29, 2012 at 5:05 pm
Thanks! I haven’t been to Ireland yet but would love to go. I simply can’t move beyond my addiction to Scotland yet. LOL The neat thing is that Ireland and the Scottish Highlands share some lore and ancestors.
February 29, 2012 at 8:16 am
I have read 100′s of “Scottish” novels and finally went there about 7 years ago. The place is so small compared to Calif, but I spent 2 weeks driving around seeing the country and really managed very little as there is so much to see and lots of water to around. I’m planning on going again some day when I can spend a month. In the meantime I’ll keep enjoying it through a Highland book… Looking forward to yours!
February 29, 2012 at 5:10 pm
You’re right, Cathy. Scotland is about the size of South Carolina but it seems it would take years to see all the amazing historical sites and the gorgeous natural scenery. I love all the water, both the lochs and the coasts. I want to see more of the islands. It would be awesome to spend a month there and hope you get to do that soon.
February 29, 2012 at 6:06 pm
Gwyneth sounds like a heroine I can root. She doesn’t give up
March 1, 2012 at 7:30 am
Thanks, Na! That’s true. She is a tough one.
March 3, 2012 at 12:46 am
I have loved the Highlands and Highlanders since I was a young girl. My ultimate vacation would be to have the chance to visit Scotland and specifically to spend time in the Highlands. Thank you for bringing the authenticity to your writing =)
March 3, 2012 at 3:11 pm
I love reading about highlanders, it’s because of the protection and strength they used to protect loved ones back then. My wish is to visit Dalhousie Castle on of these days (maiden name of Ramsey) I want to see some of my heritage. Thanks for the chance to read another one.
March 9, 2012 at 8:56 am
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