Meet Collette Cameron, author of 'Highlander's Hope'

Please give a warm welcome to author Collette Cameron, who has taken some time out of her busy schedule to let us get to know her better. Feel free to leave her questions and comments below!

What was the inspiration behind this book?

I'd toyed with the idea of writing a book for years. It wasn't until a scene popped into my head— The Banbury Inn scene where Ewan finds Yvette asleep in his chamber—that I decided to write Highlander's Hope. It was basically a whim, to see if I could do it. The entire story was built around that scene.

Which character spoke to you the most during the writing process?

Adaira Ferguson spoke to me the most. She gets her own book, The Earl's Enticement, my current WIP. Addy, as she's known to her family and close friends, is trying so hard to find her place and discover who she is and what she really wants out of life. She makes a terribly muddle of things when she abducts an earl and imprisons him in the dungeon because she thinks he's a man intent on harming Yvette.

Which scene is your favorite?

I have two. I still smile when I read the carriage rescue scene. What a way to meet! Yvette’s flopping around on the floor and whacking Ewan upside his head with her valise. My editor wanted me to cut that scene, by my beta readers, critique partners, and reviewers all said, “No way.”

I also love the scene in Munlocky's when Yvette hauls off and slaps the hussy who’s been harassing her.

Did you need to do any research for this book?

I did scads of research for this book. Though I had some basic knowledge of the Regency period, I wanted to make sure everything was historically accurate. I researched food, dress, customs, lexicon, what they traveled in, laws. . . . You name it; I probably researched it. And I had to do it for two cultures, Regency and Scots.

Evan after the book was complete and at the publisher's I discovered a few words I'd used weren't in use in 1817. So I replaced them.

What is the recipe for a great romance?

I think a great romance is when two people who, in the beginning, seem totally wrong for each other, end up being exactly what the other needs. A great romance needs multi dimensions of conflict, and I love humor in my romances.

What is your ultimate romantic destination?

I’d like to tour Europe’s castles. There’s something intrinsically romantic about a castle.

Of course there’s something to be said for the tropics. I wouldn’t mind a cruise to Tahiti.

What is something readers may be surprised to learn about you?

Let’s see. I’m a rock hound and a bird watcher. I have over 65 species of birds visit my yard. I went to college in my forties and got my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in 3 ½ years. I did have three terms under my belt when I started. Oh, and I got straight ‘A’s for both degrees.

Hubby asked me to marry him after two weeks. We just celebrated our 30th anniversary.

Anything else you would like to add?

No, just thank you again for asking me to be a guest here today.

Thank you so much for your time!

AUTHOR INFORMATION:

A life-long Oregonian, Collette Cameron was born and raised in a small town along the northern Oregon coast. Today she makes her home in a rural community, 30 minutes west of Portland. Her Victorian farmhouse sits on a one-acre certified wildlife habit, interspersed with a plethora of gardens: English, rose, butterfly, rock, water, and of course, vegetable.

A voracious reader of romance since her teens, she even named her daughter after a heroine in her favorite romance novel. An enthusiast of times gone by, and anything related to romance, she writes Historical Romance, with a dash of inspiration, a pinch of humor, and a liberal portion of suspense.

Having dabbled in interior decorating in her youth, Collette returned to school, graduating summa cum laude from Oregon State University, and going on to obtain her Master's Degree in Teaching. She is member of Romance Writers of America, Rose City Romance Writers, The Beau Monde, and Love Faith and Hope, Inc.

Some of Collette's favorite things include unique blends of coffees and teas, trivia, Cadbury Milk Chocolate, inspirational quotes, and scented candles. Her Christian faith, husband, three adult children, and five miniature dachshunds round out her life quite nicely! When she's not teaching or writing, she enjoys amateur photography, bird watching, gardening, interior decorating, rock-hunting, boating or fishing on the Columbia River, and reading.

LINKS:

Book URL: http://smpauthors.wordpress.com/meet-collette-cameron/highlanders-hope-by-collette-cameron/ This is not a "buy" link.

My Links:
Website: http://collettecameron.com/
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Soul Mate Publishing Author's Blog: http://smpauthors.wordpress.com/

HIGHLANDER'S HOPE

By

Collette Cameron

BLURB:

Not a day has gone by that Ewan McTavish, the Viscount Sethwick, hasn't dreamed of the beauty he danced with two years ago. He's determined to win her heart and make her his own. Heiress, Yvette Stapleton, is certain of one thing; marriage is risky and, therefore, to be avoided. At first, she doesn't recognize the dangerously handsome man who rescues her from assailants on London's docks, but Lord Sethwick's passionate kisses soon have her reconsidering her cynical views on matrimony. On a mission to stop a War Office traitor, Ewan draws Yvette into deadly international intrigue. To protect her, he exploits Scottish law, declaring her his lawful wife—without benefit of a ceremony. Yvette is furious upon discovering the irregular marriage is legally binding, though she never said, "I do." Will Ewan's manipulation cost him her newfound love?

Read an excerpt:

She stepped back as he pushed his way into the room, leaving the door ajar. His hair was damp, no doubt from bathing, and the stubble darkening his face earlier was gone. Feet bare, wearing only buckskin breeches and a shirt unbuttoned to the waist, he resembled a pirate—a dangerous, rakish, sinfully handsome pirate.

She sucked in her breath. He oughtn’t to be here, but he’d said he wanted to talk to her, and he had promised to behave.

Yvette’s eyes traveled the path of silky hair from his chest until it disappeared into his waistband. Her stomach flip-flopped. Sweet Lord above. She pressed her hands to her frolicking middle. Why doesn’t he say something?

A distraction, that’s what she needed. She escaped to the lumpy bed where she had flung her clothing before bathing. She folded and packed the garments into her valise and set it on the floor beside her trunk. She bent to retrieve her bath towel, and peeked side-ways at him from the corner of her eye. He hasn’t moved. What’s he about?

Grabbing the towel, she glanced down and froze. The candles to her left bathed her in a stream of light. She could clearly see the outline of her legs. Her nightwear was almost translucent in the candlelight and gave him a shadowy view of— dear God—nearly everything.

No wonder he hadn’t moved, the bounder.

Standing upright, she held the towel before her, and faced him. “Enjoying the view, your lordship?” she snapped.

Ewan still leaned against the doorframe, watching her. “Immeasurably.”

Buy it on Amazon

Collette will be awarding a gift basket that include a gift card, blue rose tea cup, blue rose soap, vintage looking cameo pendant, shortbread, tea, and other goodies to a randomly drawn commenter during the tours. Follow the tour for more chances to win!