I met Collette right after I received my contract for A Lady’s Wish from Kensington. I was invited by a mutual friend, Ella Quinn, to join a Regency Critique Group. Collette was one of the ladies in that group. I’ve learned so much from her and the other members. I get more out of the group than I give back, and they still tolerate me.
It is with great pleasure that I introduce you to Collette Cameron, who has a new book in her Highland Heather Romancing a Scot series. Welcome, Collette, and happy book birthday!
Thank you so much for having me as a guest!! I’d love to gift one commenter with a digital copy of Triumph and Treasure, the first book in my Scottish-Regency Highland Heather Romancing a Scot Series.
Please tell us about your latest release.
I’m tickled to be able to share that today is release day for Virtue and Valor, book 2 in my Highland Heather Romancing a Scot Series.
It’s the story of Scotswoman Isobel Ferguson and an English nobleman, Yancy, the Earl of Ramsbury. When Isobel is mistakenly abducted by a band of rogue Scots, Yancy risks his life to rescues her. To salvage her compromised reputation, her brother and father insist she marry him. Yancy readily agrees, but Isobel—knowing full well she’s fated for spinsterhood by refusing his offer— won’t be coerced into marriage.
She’s a bit hard-headed, but then so is he.
Here’s the blub for Virtue and Valor
Bartholomew Yancy never expected to inherit an English earldom and had no intention of marrying. Now, the Earl of Ramsbury and last in his line, he’s obligated to resign his position as England’s War Secretary, find a wife, and produce an heir. Only one woman holds the least appeal: Isobel Ferguson, an exquisite Scotswoman. Brought to Scotland to mediate between feuding clans, he doggedly woos her.
Disillusioned with men pursuing her for her attractiveness, rather than her unusual intellect, Isobel has all but abandoned any hope of finding a husband in the Highlands. Not only does she believe Yancy no different than her other suitors, he’s a notorious rake. She’s been told he’s practically betrothed. Therefore, his interest in her cannot possibly be honorable, and so she shuns his attentions.
When Isobel is mistakenly abducted by a band of rogue Scots, Yancy risks his life to rescues her. To salvage her compromised reputation, her brother and father insist she marry him. Yancy readily agrees, but Isobel—knowing full well she’s fated for spinsterhood by refusing his offer— won’t be coerced into marriage.
Can love unite a reluctant earl and a disenchanted beauty?
This sounds fantastic! What inspired you to write this story?
The Highland Heather Romancing a Scot series is a spin-off of my Castle Bride series. Both Isobel and Yancy are introduced in the first series, and I knew I wanted them to have their own stories.
It wasn’t until I was writing Triumph and Treasure, though, that I realized they were fated for each other. Naturally, I had to throw in a handful—all right, maybe more than a handful—of conflict.
In the earlier books, I had presented an outward facade of what most people thought Isobel was like. In Virtue and Valor, I expose the real woman.
What do you love most about the lead character(s)? What do you hate?
Isobel is a complex character. I thought I knew her well, but it turns out. I’d only seen the surface of her, the polite, well-mannered gentlewoman. The woman within is vastly different, and in addition to being strong, she’s brave, extremely intelligent, and won’t be bullied by men. I don’t like how she jumps to conclusions which get her, and others, into a whole lot of difficult circumstances.
Yancy has been one of my favorite characters since I introduced him in Highlander’s Hope. He tends to drink too much, truly disdains marriage (has good reason too) and comes off as an arrogant bore, yet he doesn’t hesitate to put himself in grave danger to rescue Isobel. He’s truly hurt when she refuses to marry him.
Which scenes were the most difficult to write?
I always struggle with the intimate scenes. I don’t want them to sound rote or be filled with purple prose. It’s important to me to convey genuine emotion and tenderness to my readers, not just present a sex scene.
What did you learn about yourself from writing this book?
Well, my characters don’t listen all that well! More than once I thought I was taking the story in one direction, and they had other ideas.
I think what I have learned is that despite my best attempts to plot a story, I’m have to allow room for some flying by the seat of my pants. I don’t think I’ll ever be a true plotter. I’ve been called a linear pantser and a plotser, sort of a mix between the two.
What’s next?
I’m finishing up Heartbreak and Honor, the third book in the six-book series, then I have three novellas to write for group projects before I dive into Schemes Gone Amiss, book 2 in the Conundrum of the Misses Culpepper Series.
I also promised a young man I’d start a young adult series this summer. I’m hoping I can get the first book started at least!
Sleep is optional this summer!
Don’t forget that one lucky commenter will receive a digital copy of the first book in this new series.
You know we can’t allow Collette to leave with out a sneak peak. What do you think?
“
My lord?” Her tone indicated anything but respect and deference.
“I would be honored if you joined me in a game of chess, Miss Ferguson.”
Her pretty lips curled into a wide smile. “I had rather hoped you’d pick fencing. I would have enjoyed having a go at you with my sabre.”
“You fence?” A vision of her derriere in snug, white breeches sprang to mind. He really had become a lecher.
“After my parents allowed Adaira to learn, Seonaid and I insisted we have the same opportunity.” She turned and climbed the risers. The sway of her hips, even underneath the thick cloak, tantalized.
Isobel peered over her shoulder, a siren’s smile on her lips. “I suppose it’s only fair to tell you. I’ve never lost at chess.”
Confident little thing, wasn’t she?
Yancy released a hearty chuckle. He quite liked this unconventional morsel of womanliness. “Surely, when you first learned the game?”
“At seven.” Isobel shook her head and more silky strands spilled from the loose knot. She gave him a falsely honeyed smile.
“No. Not ever, my lord.”
She proceeded up the stairs, her voice floating back to him. “By the way, your lordship, if I win, I’m permitted to leave the keep without two escorts.”
Available at Amazon.
Bestselling, award-winning author, Collette Cameron, has a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies and a Master’s in Teaching. Author of the Castle Brides Series, Highland Heather Romancing a Scot Series, and Conundrums of the Misses Culpepper Series, Collette writes Regency and Scottish historicals and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and five mini-dachshunds. Mother to three and a self-proclaimed Cadbury Chocolate chocoholic, Collette loves a good joke, inspirational quotes, flowers, trivia, and all things shabby chic or cobalt blue. You’ll always find dogs, birds, quirky—sometimes naughty—humor, and a dash of inspiration in her novels.
Her motto for life? You can’t have too much chocolate, too many hugs, too many flowers, or too many books. She’s thinking about adding shoes to that list.
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You can connect with Collette on Goodreads, LinkedIn, and Google+ too. Go to her website for the links, her email address and mailing address.