The wait is finally over! The second installment of my award-winning Highland Spies series is released tomorrow.
I had so much fun with this one. For those of you who loved Declan and Liadan from my Bad Boys of the Highlands series (X Marks the Scot,) I think you're going to love the banter between Fagan and Grace in Kilts and Daggers. These two were destined to despise each other, especially since Fagan is a Scot and Grace is English.
Here's a little snippet.
Kilts, daggers, and men in the throes of battle—that’s what she tried to overlook while standing in the great hall of her brother-in-law’s home. Granted, the kilts and daggers belonged to the Sutherland clan, but she couldn’t understand why her sister hadn’t taken down those dreadful tapestries before her wedding day. Why would someone want to depict the ghastly scene of warriors on the battlefield, especially on such a celebratory occasion? That was not something she would permit on the day of her own wedding, but her sister was blissfully happy, and Grace supposed that was all that mattered.
When the men paid her no heed, Grace turned and left them. She could take a hint that she wasn’t wanted. She stepped around the bagpiper, placing her hands briefly over her ears to shield them from the dreadful performance. The kilted man tapped his foot while he played the ungodly instrument, which sounded a great deal like pigs in the midst of being slaughtered. If his actions were any indication, he clearly thought he was engaged in some kind of lovely Scottish melody. She didn’t want to tell him that the music, if she could even call it that, had given her a headache as big as London.
God, she felt like she was drowning in a sea of Sutherlands. She said a silent prayer of thanks when the bagpiper finally ceased his incessant piping. Her head was pounding. She thought perhaps she could make an early escape to her chamber, but then a raised voice stopped her in her tracks. Although the man was rarely comprehensible, she’d recognize his voice anywhere.
“He is such an arse. Ye do know when he tells the tale, he was naught but a mighty fine warrior. Anyone who knows him recognizes the truth. I donna even think he remembered to grab his sword before he cowered and ran away like a dog with his tail between his legs.”
The men around him laughed in response, and Grace chided herself because she couldn’t resist a peek. When her eyes met Fagan Murray, the captain of Laird Sutherland’s guard, for some unknown reason, her heart started hammering in her chest and she found it difficult to perform the simplest of tasks—like breathing.
The captain’s dark hair hung well below his shoulders, and he had a smile that grated on her nerves. Although he had the craggy look of an unfinished sculpture, he exuded masculinity in a way that unsettled her. He wore a kilt of green, black, blue, white, and orange, the Sutherland tartan. When the man caught her staring, his eyes twinkled, and a smile played on his lips.
“In a classic story of disdain leading to love, Fagan and Grace’s banter strengthens their connection... Grace and Fagan make visiting the Highlands worth the trip.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Roberts continues to craft fast-moving, well-written plots populated by real-life characters, keeping readers in the story from beginning to satisfying conclusion... a fascinating romance.”
—RT Book Reviews
“An exceptionally nuanced Highland romance.”
—Booklist
Do you love when a hero and heroine verbally spar with one another, or do you prefer the gentle cat and mouse game? I'm giving away autographed paperback copies of My Highland Spy and Kilts and Daggers, two Highland Spies t-shirts (Ruairi and Fagan) and swag to one lucky commenter (US and Canada only, please.) Giveaway ends Friday, May 8, 2015. Be sure to check back to see if you're a winner.
I tend to be snarky myself, so I enjoy spirited exchanges, as long as they aren't deliberately mean-spirited. Congrats on the release!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much. Yes, I love snark too.
DeleteI should add this to my reading list.
ReplyDeleteThis is the second book in the Highland Spies series. Although it can be read as a stand alone, I would recommend MY HIGHLAND SPY to see how Fagan and Grace meet. ;-)
DeleteOoh I love the sparring! I've been waiting for more Fagan/Grace banter since I finished My Highland Spy! Happy New Release!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Heather! I'm a fan of sparring. I love sarcasm. :)
DeleteI love clever banter! love the cover, too!
ReplyDeleteDenise
Hi Denise. I think it would be boring without the banter. I'm glad you agree.
DeleteLOL! I love how you described the bagpipes from the heroine's point of view! Best of luck with the book. It sounds awesome!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ash. I hope to see you at RT!
DeleteCongrats on the soon to be release book. Love the excerpt.
ReplyDeleteI love the banter between hero/heroine and between hero (or heroine) and secondary characters. Cat and mouse can be lots of fun, too, depending on how it's done - and couple it with some banter along the way and it's great. :) Looking forward to reading your books, Victoria.
Thanks, Liette. Witty banter does make great sexual tension between the hero and heroine.
DeleteI prefer the H and h sparring, it makes for laughter and an adventure. It reminds me of my own marriage, lol. We are both stubborn and opinionated but we love each other very much.
ReplyDeleteThat's what makes a great marriage, Martina. Kudos to you.
DeleteI've been waiting! Congrats on the release.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Shana!
DeleteCan't wait to get a copy of this. The the verbal sparring definitely makes it interesting and intense in a sense that you can feel the sexual tension between the two. You never know what consequences will arise!
ReplyDeleteThat's what makes it so fun, Jessalyn. You never know what the other one will say next.
DeleteCan't wait to read. Sounds amazing and has everything I LOVE to read..Congrats and Best wishes!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Michelle!
DeleteOh, I love verbal sparring!
ReplyDeleteI think the majority are ruling in favor. ;-)
DeleteI love snarky and witty banter between my couples. It always adds a bit of tension which just spices up a romance. My favorite trope has always been enemies to lovers mainly because of the snarky banter and verbal sparring.
ReplyDeleteI hope you love Fagan and Grace, Steph. These two were definitely enemies. lol
DeleteI absolutely love the spirited duels between the characters. I feel like thats what makes it even more entertaining... To have the witty banter between two characters brings more spice to the romance. Then once they finally give in to one another it makes it more exciting, riveting, and explosive and you have a feel of contentment once they finally admit their feelings for one another. So I always say YES! to a little dueling and sparring between two romantic couples. Even after they admit their feelings its always fun to see the hunky highlander have a hard time with his heroine not obeying his demands. :) Thanks for the chance. I have been trying to win a Tshirt and things from this book for a while now!
ReplyDeleteLOL, the disobeying is the best part!
DeleteI also wanted to say CONGRATS to Victoria Roberts for publishing another amazing book from her Highland Spies series! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ashley!
DeleteI'm frustrated with trying to post a comment!
ReplyDeleteGrace and Fagan's story is so fun. When two people have a chemistry they don't recognize, their snide comments brought snickers while reading. Loved how the story unfolded and their relationship progressed. A must read!
Thank you so much!
DeleteI definitely like the verbal sparring between characters. And I love a bit of humor in the books I read. Thanks for the excerpt/giveaway. Your newest book sounds like a winner. Congrats on the release.
ReplyDeleteI like a wee bit of humor too. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI do love witty repartee! Witty implies humor to me, which also implies that the characters like each other (whether they are willing to admit it or not).
ReplyDeletesallans d at yahoo dot com
Fagan and Grace sure have a hard time admitting they like one another. Sparks fly. Thanks for the comment, Diane!
DeleteI enjoy the sparring - need some conflict. I can't imagine a story without some angst! Then it's all the more glorious when there hero and heroine come together. Scottish historicals are my absolute favorite type of reads.
ReplyDeleteYou're in luck. Scottish historicals are my favorite too. :)
DeleteI love a good spar! Witty banter can make a book :) I love it when an author can get the perfect mix of passion, annoyance, lust, irritation, and humor all mixed together for a good spar. I am sure I am leaving out a couple adjectives, but I love, love, love a good spar!
ReplyDeleteI love "insert more adjectives" you feel that way. Thanks for stopping, Jennifer.
Deletethe sparring
ReplyDeletebn100candg at hotmail dot com
Sparring is so much fun.
DeleteI like the intelligence that's involved in sparring ;-). Thanks for the lovely giveaway, it's awesome and generous! glittergirl54 at ymail dot com *fingers crossed*
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. Good luck on the contest.
DeleteI love reading about characters that are sparring a lot as long as they aren't mean. After all, where there is flame, there is fire. Thanks for the generous giveaway! I love your books, Victoria.
ReplyDeleteAww... Thank you, Cathy. I hope you love Fagan and Grace.
DeleteI love a story that the characters spar with each other while trying to hide their true feelings for each other.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Janice. I love when we have to guess who will admit their true feelings first.
DeleteIt is my favorite when they have a disdainful relationship that morphs to love! My man and I banter back and forth all the time. For me it adds a sense of real life. :) Thanks for the chance, I can't wait to read this one!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Tanya!
DeleteI love when the 2 spar with each other. It's fun watching them discover their feelings and fighting those feelings before finally giving in! :-D
ReplyDeleteI agree, Glenda. I think it makes for a better story.
DeleteOh yes, I love it when the main characters don't see eye to eye and make their feelings well known. I especially enjoy it when their comments are witty and smart. :D
ReplyDeleteYep. I love it when sparks fly, Barbara.
DeleteI love Victoria's strong, sassy women. They stand up for themselves rather than cowtoe to the rules of their time. When they deny their feelings for that hunky highlander I just want to smack them and say "wake up, he is your man, go for it!".
ReplyDeleteAww... Thank you, Terri!
DeleteHappy release day Victoria. Loved Kilts and Daggers.
ReplyDeletePersonally I like a little sparing in the books. And don't forget the humor to go with it. Thanks ro a chance to win :)
Aye. Must. Have. Humor.
Delete*****************GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED*********************
ReplyDeleteAnd the winner is... Jennifer Talbert!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Please e-mail me at victoria@victoriarobertsauthor.com to claim your prize.