Monday 23 May 2011

Interview and Contest: Anita Clenney - Awaken the Highland warrior

Please help me welcome Anita Clenney to my blog today. And at the bottom of the interview is a contest where you can win her newest book Awaken The Highland Warrior.

Welcome to Mur-y-Castell!


Tell us something about yourself, so that we can get to know you better…
AC: I live in Virginia with my husband and two kids, as well as a white boxer who thinks she owns us. I’ve always loved to read, which lead to wanting to write, but the notion didn’t occur to me until rather late in life. I’m admittedly obsessive about things I love. I have two speeds. Off and full blast. I’m working on happy mediums but it’s not working out well so far.


Your newest book is called Awaken the Highland Warrior; can you tell us what it is about?
AC: This story was so much fun to write. It’s loaded with big brawny warriors, castles, demons, and swords. The foundation for the story is Michael the Archangel has a secret clan of warriors. Faelan is the mightiest warrior of his time, but he gets trapped in a time vault while trying to save the world from a vile demon. Bree is a historian who feels more like Indiana Jones. When she finds a treasure map in the old house she’s inherited, she’s expecting anything but the Scottish warrior who comes leaping out of his tomb at her.

The attraction between Faelan and Bree is instantaneous, and for a good reason, but so is the frustration, because they’re from vastly different cultures. Faelan can’t fathom a female being so bold and rash. The woman attracts danger like a bloody magnet. And she won’t let him protect her; he, a renowned warrior since before she was born. If he could drive that bloody thing she called a car, he’d toss her over his shoulder and get her away from her house before the demon who locked him up comes looking for him.

Bree feels something for Faelan that goes way beyond attraction, frighteningly so, but on the other hand she’s ready to stick him back in the time vault if he doesn’t stop with this over protective nonsense. It’s not the 19th century, for God’s sake, and he’s treating her like a child. Women are tough and independent. But after she finds out what has this big, bad warrior so worried, she’s glad to have all that muscle close by. And she’d give her pinkie toe to get her hands on that talisman hanging around his neck.


Where did the idea for this book come from?
AC: It started with a dream. A very scary dream, but the story isn’t really dark, just lots of suspense to go with the sizzling romance, adventure, and humor.


If this book became a movie, who would you see in the lead roles?
AC: I think Bridget Regan of Legend of the Seeker resembles Bree in looks, but the personality is probably more Rachel Weisz of The Mummy. Faelan could probably be played by Gerard Butler, especially in his Attila role.


 What’s coming next in this series?
AC: Embrace the Highland Warrior comes out in November. There is a lot of history and betrayal between the hero and heroine. It’s very poignant. And we’ll see all of the characters from the first book as secondary characters. Including Ronan. Everyone seems to be in love with Ronan. But his story won’t come for a while. Unleash the Highland Warrior comes out Fall 2012. It will have a unique twist. Again, all the characters will return in secondary roles. Here are blurbs for books two and three.

EMBRACE THE HIGHLAND WARRIOR. When the powerful demon that left Shay for dead discovers her empty grave, he comes seeking retribution, believing she possesses an ancient book he has sought for centuries. Knowing she can’t fight the demon alone, Shay returns to her clan and the Scottish Warrior who betrayed her…the only man she’s ever loved, where she discovers that betrayal isn’t always what it seems. Sometimes it’s far worse.

UNLEASH THE HIGHLAND WARRIOR. A talisman belonging to Tavis Connor’s brother is the only weapon powerful enough to kill the demon hell-bent on stealing the clan’s Book of Battles so he can destroy the world. But the talisman has been locked in a time vault with Tavis’s brother and won’t open for 150 years. In desperation, the Scottish warrior breaks the clan’s sacred rules and uses another time vault to travel forward so he can protect the book and rescue his brother, or if he’s dead, finish his quest. But when Tavis finally wakes in modern-day New York, he discovers he’s the one in need of help. Anna MacKinley has been searching for her clan’s Book of Battles which has been missing for 150 years, but instead she finds a warrior with no memories who claims he’s come to save the world.   

Answer me this, what is so sexy about a man in a kilt? ;)
AC: I wish I knew, but it’s just about the sexiest thing there is. I’m trying to get my husband in one. He already has the tattoos.

And last, do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
AC: Don’t give up. Learn all you can from other writers, but don’t judge your journey by theirs. Writing isn’t one size fits all. Then write a book that would knock your socks off as a reader. Think big and write deep.

Thank you!


Giveaway:
Two winners /Awaken the Highland warrior
1. US and Canada
2.Edited: It will end on May 29th instead
3. Just enter or
Ask Anita a question, comment on the interview or tell me this: Why do you like highlanders or why are men in kilts so hot?

Winners: barbara and Mckenzie


AWAKEN THE HIGHLAND WARRIOR BY ANITA CLENNEY - Out NOW

A Man From Another Time…
Faelan is from an ancient clan of Scottish Highland warriors, charged with shielding humanity from demonic forces. Betrayed and locked in a time vault, he has been sleeping for nearly two centuries when spunky historian Bree Kirkland inadvertently wakes him. She’s more fearsome than the demon trying to kill him, and if he’s not careful, she’ll uncover the secrets his clan has bled and died to protect…

Could Be the Treasure She’s Been Seeking All her Life…
When Bree inherits an old treasure map, she discovers a warrior buried in her backyard. But the warrior isn’t dead. Bree shocks Faelan with her modern dress and her boldness, and he infuriates Bree every time he tries to protect her.

With demons suddenly on the move, Bree discovers that Faelan’s duty as protector is in his blood, and that her part in this fight was destined before she was born. But nothing is ever what it seems…

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anita Clenney writes paranormal romance and romantic suspense. Before giving herself over to the writing bug, she worked in a pickle factory, at a preschool, booked shows for Aztec Fire Dancers, and was a secretary, executive assistant, and a realtor. She lives with her husband and two children in suburban Virginia where she is working on her next book, Embrace the Highland Warrior, which will be in stores in November 2011. For more information, please visit www.anitaclenney.com and www.sourcebookscasablanca.com

63 comments:

  1. Highlanders in kilt just have an x-factor; don't explain it, just savor the view *grin*

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  2. Great choice of cast for the movie! Rachel Weisz is one of my favorite actresses.

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  3. This one sounds interesting...looking forward to it. I don't have a lot of highlander books, but love the ones I have.

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  4. I can tell you what's sexy about a man in a kilt, that he has the confidence to wear one. I love Scottish men! As for the cast, perfect choice!

    Kitty Bullard - Great Minds Think Aloud Book Club

    greatmindsthinkaloud@gmail.com

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  5. I have loved Highlanders since I started reading! I don't know why, but something about kilts and those lovely Scottish brogues gets me all excited - and I think I will leave my answer at that before I get too detailed and can't get past the censors :)
    jwitt33@live.com

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  6. Yep, Leontine, it's hard to explain, it's just there.

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  7. Hi Misha. I like Rachel Weisz. She's awesome. Loved her in The Mummy. I actually had someone who'd read Awaken the Highland Warrior when it was in its early stages say that Bree reminded her of Rachel Weisz. I hadn't even considered it until she mentioned it.

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  8. Kaleigha, there are a lot of highlanders in this book. They're not exactly typical. I hope you love them as much as I do.

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  9. Kitty, I think you've hit on part of it. I mean a kilt looks a lot like a skirt, so there's just something so compelling about a man with the courage to wear one. :) Sort of like long hair. I've always loved long hair on men and I think it looks powerful, not feminine.

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  10. Hi Julie. Glad to see you here.

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  11. Thanks for the interview Anita :)

    I do have a question: Do we get to meet Michael?


    And to answer my own question. Highlanders are hot in their kilts = love LOL. Oh and the accent.

    I also like who you cast in the roles. I would like to see that movie.

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  12. Good morning, Anita! Great interview. Next to cowboys (of course, I'd say that) Highlanders are just the sexiest ever! I'll be first in the long, long line to buy tickets for this movie when it comes out!

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  13. Great interview! There's nothing like a man in a kilt!
    I'm looking forward to reading this book.
    Neecy

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  14. Question for Anita: Will we see more of Bree's Mother?

    Why men in a kilts are so hot?
    Well first I have to say that not all men in kilts are hot, but a highland Warrior is hot hot hot! Because:
    1. They just ooze Masculinity.

    2. Usually extremely fit,and an old fashion attitude to protect everything near & dear to their heart.

    3.There is the speculation of what is or should I say what is not under that Kilt!

    And last I'd like to say That I really enjoyed Highland Warrior & look forward to the rest of the series.

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  15. Men in Kilts??? I think that will always be one of the greatest mysteries of any time. They are sexy, masculine, mysterious (what is he wearing under his kilt?), well just plain hot. then you add a nice strong muscular chest and bulging biceps. Damn, I need to stop this line of thinking. *whew*

    This sounds like a wonderful read. It has many things I just love. Thanks for a great interview!!

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  16. Great post! It's nice to know I'm not the only one who has a dog who owns everyone and everything in the house too! lol.

    No need to enter me. Too many books in the house as it is.

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  17. I love the advice for aspiring writers as I am one myself! Sadly I have not read a highlander book yet so I have not yet had the joy of finding out what a highlander is all about.

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  18. A nice interview but I can't enter the giveaway - the wrong side of the pond. Highlanders are legendary tough guys so their appeal is understandable...it's enough to look at contemporary specimen ;)

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  19. For some reason, those kilts have always fascinated me! Would love to win. Donna
    http://mylife-in-stories.blogspot.com
    dkmtheriot@yahoo.com

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  20. Blodeuedd, oooh Michael...well you'll get a glmipse of Michael, that's all for this book. Michael is very mysterious. But we'll see about future books.

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  21. Hey Carolyn, love those highlanders and cowboys. :) If only a movie deal would come along. Guess I'd better worry about the book selling well for now.

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  22. Thanks Neecy. I hope you like it.

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  23. Hi Fawn. You have a LOT of good reasons to like men in kilts. I'm so glad you liked the book!!

    As far as Bree's mother, we will see her again in book two, and probably book three as well, since something very shocking happens to Bree in book two. There is a lot more to her story. :)

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  24. Toni, cool down there girl! :) It's very mysterious, this thing we have for kilts. I would love to get my husband in one. He's got the tattoos. My critique partner knows a woman who bought her husband a kilt and makes him wear it when he mows the grass.

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  25. Hi Darlene, thanks for stopping by. Our boxer is a stinker. She's mischievous, but she's so affectionate we let her get by with a lot.

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  26. I happen to love men in kilts because to me they happen to be more manly and have strong personalities. They tend to have more of a protective/possesive nature that is sexy to me. They claim what is there's and there's no wishy washy-ness about it. They generally are very straightforward.

    Great interview!

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  27. Amanda, there's a whole new world waiting for you. :) I've read some great highlander books. Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series is just incredible. If you give Faelan a try, let me know how he is. :)

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  28. Hi Anachonrist, I'm honored to see you here. You're the one with the fabulous earrings, if I'm thinking of the right person. We talked about them at WRW Rrtreat last year.

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  29. Book Girl!

    AWESOME interview! Lady, I LOVE your two speeds! Most of us are running on them, but not many are making the balance, so you're not alone!

    I've only read a hand full of time travel romances, and yours sounds so much fun. Hope to win it! And if not, well I'm willing to keep Borders in business!

    Do you really want me to answer HONESTLY the questions about WHY I love a man in a Kilt?! Is it not obvious? You're going to make me say it...OK, you asked for it!

    B'coz I'm so hoping there's NADA under that skirt!

    You HAD to ask!

    Melanie

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  30. Hi Donna, those kilts are something else. Have you seen the William Lawson whisky commercials on youtube? They're so great.

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  31. Hi Lolarific, good points about the kilts.

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  32. @Leontine
    Hihi oh I will

    @Misha
    She is really good, would love that movie :)

    @Kaleigha
    Thanks for stopping by!

    @Kitty
    So true. It takes a real man to wear one

    @Julie
    Lol, I could not agree more.

    @Carolyn
    Well yes of course, we can say that cowboys are the American highlanders :D I do love them both

    @Neecy
    Thanks!

    @Fawn
    Ahhh the age old what is under the kilt. I do wonder

    @Toni
    All this talk about Highlanders makes me wanna go to Scotland and see if I can find some kilts, lol

    @Darlene
    I only have had cats but they sure owned the place too ;)

    @Amanda
    Not yet, oh then you have fun days ahead of you

    @Ana
    Hihi, you are so right, they sure got some nice specimens, lol

    @Donna
    And they are pretty, well I think so :)

    @LOla
    You are so right there, that is sure how it is

    @Melanie
    Well you certainly tell it like it is, I love it :D

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  33. Great post! Awaken The Highland Warrior sounds right up my alley! I agree, a man in a kilt can be very hot...lol.
    Whenever I read highland romances, I enjvision Gerard Butler as the hero.
    Please include me, thanks :)
    naidascrochet@yahoo.com

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  34. @Anita
    I am looking forward to that then, even if there is only a little of him. He just sounds so fascinating.

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  35. Thanks for the invite Anita! I'm so jealous your hubby has the tattoos, my own has none :( lol and doesn't want any. oH well. Loved the interview!


    leanne_gag[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  36. Hello Anita!
    If everyone seems to love Ronan than I cannot wait to read about him too! Awaken the Highland Warrior and the 2nd and 3rd books in the series sound fantastic.

    I love highlanders because they are Alphas who are rough around the edges. The kilts really don't need any explanation. LOL

    Congrats on the new and upcoming releases!

    user1123 AT comcast DOT net

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  37. I don't know what it is about those Kilts but.....okay, I'm drooling--not attractive. Loved the interview. Can't wait to read the book. Thanks. Shanon Grey

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  38. Hi
    I sent a friend request on Facebook~~and since I cannot comment on your page there for the contest (or maybe it is on here)~~I thought I would here~~~I would love to read this book as well as what follows~~

    I love to read stories such as these involving time travel, magic etc~~and of course~~True Love~~~I cannot wait until I am able to read it~~either by being lucky enough to win the book or buying it on my own~~~
    Thank you for the book/story

    Tina Rene'e

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  39. I think it takes a real man to wear a kilt. One who is pretty sure of his masculinity. I guess that's why they are hot! I had a highland fling once lol! Although I don't recall him ever wearing a kilt. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Margaret
    singitm@hotmail.com

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  40. This sounds like a great book. Excellent interview!

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  41. This is a wonderful blog - so beautifully set up! I'd like to know if Anita has ever been to Scotland, Wales or Ireland? Thank you!!!

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  42. Oh put me in this contest! And my answer to why they are smexy... easy access! LOL I suppose it depends on what they wear underneath... ;)

    Oh I love a smexy Highlander who is surprised by a brash woman. I need to read this one. :)

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  43. Hello again Anita! Can you tell I am stalking you on the blogs? Err..ahh I mean following along on your blog tour of course. ;)

    When I think of highlanders, I think of big, muscular men with a sword in hand. I see them as warriors fighting for their way of life and doing whats nessessary to survive. I also see them as being determined when they see what they want which includes any lady that has caught their eye. I find that attactive in a man. Especially in a man willing to show off those great legs of his with a kilt.

    My question is, "How amazing was it to put a dream into a story that became the start of this amazing series? What did you do celebrate?"

    LadyVampire2u AT gmail DOT com

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  44. I used to never like men in kilts because I thought they were silly looking. But for some reason, my interests have changed. I don't mind seeing powerful legs on a man and the kilt allows that. Plus, lots of goes with kilts go topless which adds more pleasure.
    Scottish accents are dang hot, too.

    I would love to enter.

    dazzlekitty (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  45. Great review and I'm off to buy Awaken the Highland Warrior based on your review and Anita's interview!

    I'm not here for the contest, you already sold me!

    Thanks for such and honest and fantastic review :o]

    Kristi

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  46. I enjoyed the interview and can't wait to read Awaken the Highland Warrior. Who doesn't like big brawny warriors, castles, demons and swords? I've always loved Highlanders and kilts, because it takes a special kind of man to wear a piece of cloth wrapped around his waist and nothing under it, especially in the cold of the Scottish highlands.

    Barbed1951 at aol dot com

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  47. I thought this book was fun! I'm game to read the next one for sure. I too have a dog that thinks she OWNS us!!

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  48. Great interview! Enjoyed reading it. As to why I like Highlanders, I think it's mainly their accent, physique and their fierce alpha-maleness :)

    Thanks for the chance to win a copy of this!

    chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com

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  49. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  50. Love Highlanders! Good looking in a kilt or in "street" cloths and they have accents to die for! They seem to have grown up "old age" and really know how to treat a woman!

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  51. Men in kilts - they're strong confident men, there's the legs ;), and there's always the naughty thought of running the hand up that leg and finding out what they DO wear under one. Highlanders - are strong alpha men who follow their own code of honor and loyalty.

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  52. Yes, a man in a kilt is so super sexy, but I didn't realize it until I watched Braveheart years ago.

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  53. My dog thinks he owns us too. LOL. Great post. Good luck to all that enter.

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  54. I have yet to do an author interview but yours are always so fun!

    So the reason I think guys in kilts are so hot...well men in uniform are hot in general. That is why women are attracted to Firemen, Police officers, Soliders, etc...so I think kilts resemble a uniform for us and that's why they are so hot. Plus, kind of like guys enjoy girls in skirts for "easy access", doesn't that kind of go for women too??!! LOL. Fantastic giveaway again and sounds like a great series!

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  55. I don't usually read these types of books but wow this one sounds really good!

    Why they are sexy? Because kilts show off more skin than pants but in a sophisticated way...unlike shorts!

    erikadlugoATyahooDOTcom

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  56. @Naida
    Hihi, good choice of leading man ;)

    @Leanne
    Thanks for stopping by!

    @Stacie
    Alphas sure do not needed to be explained more than that :)

    @Shanon
    Lol, they can sure make you drool

    @Tina
    You found the place in the end

    @Margaret
    Ohhhhh sounds absolutely fantastic, even if he had no kilt

    @Yvonne
    It was fun

    @Florence
    Awww thanks :D

    @Melissa
    LOL! Easy access

    @ladyvamp
    I am glad your stalking made you come here :) She sure wrote an intersting book.
    And true, it takes a real man to show of his legs like that

    @Mckenzie
    Aye, those accents are sexy

    @Kristi
    I am glad we sold it to you :D

    @Barbara
    It does seem that all women just love them

    @Staci
    Don't let that dog take over now ;)

    @Winnie
    3 great things indeed

    @Nicole
    They sure have, and now I melt again

    @MM
    Not much more than that needs to be said :)

    @Missie
    Aye, good movie lass

    @Vivienne
    Oh those dogs

    @Paper
    True, I do like a man in a uniform :D And easy access...I could sure see how that comes in handy

    @Erika
    I never thought about that but yes so much more sophisticated

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  57. Can you believe my husband offered to wear a kilt for me? (In private, of course!) A kilt isn't something you can find at Target, so I'll have to do some internet shopping...

    Awaken the Highland Warrior sounds fantastic. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Diana
    bookofsecrets(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  58. Men in kilts...all i can say is that they're totally "interesting"

    Great interview!

    Looking forward to reading this, sounds like a great read.

    hamnamirza(at)gmail(dot)com

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  59. i like the way highlanders are portrayed in historical romances!
    chey127 at hotmail dot com

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  60. Diana
    Hold on *asks bf if he would wear a kilt*
    Hm the answer came out yeano, some sort of yes and no in once..hm will work on that ;)

    And thanks everyone for stopping by!!!

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  61. What is not to love about a Highlander, espically in a kilt, the wondering what is under that kilt, that Scottish accent and the eye that look at you with that Scottish accent. I have read alot of Highlander books and love them all, cant read enough of them. This one sound fantastic, I would love to read it. Thank you for the awesome giveaway.
    Natalie nataliej0209@yahoo.ca

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  62. Thank you for the advise for aspiring writers. It must be very frustrating at time :-) hootowl1978@gmail.com

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  63. Winners:
    barbara and McKenzie

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