I’m happy to be back at SOS Aloha today, the sixth stop on the My Highland Spy Teaser Tour!
My Highland Spy is the first book in my new Highland Spies’ series, and I hope you enjoy the story as much as I enjoyed writing it.
This Highland Laird won't bow to the Crown
Laird Ruairi Sutherland refuses to send his only son away to be educated by the English. And he most definitely will not appear in Edinburgh to pay homage to a liege who has no respect for Scotland. So he does what any laird would do-he lies to the king. The last thing Ruairi expects is a beautiful English governess to appear on his doorstep.
But this lady spy might make him...
Lady Ravenna Walsingham is a seasoned spy who is sent to the savage Highlands to uncover a nefarious plot against the Crown. Playing the part of an English governess—a job easier said than done—she infiltrates the home of Laird Sutherland, a suspected conspirator.
If she doesn't betray him first
Ravenna soon discovers that the only real threat Sutherland poses is to her heart. But will the proud Highland laird ever forgive her when he discovers the woman he loves in an English spy?
Laird Ruairi Sutherland refuses to send his only son away to be educated by the English. And he most definitely will not appear in Edinburgh to pay homage to a liege who has no respect for Scotland. So he does what any laird would do-he lies to the king. The last thing Ruairi expects is a beautiful English governess to appear on his doorstep.
But this lady spy might make him...
Lady Ravenna Walsingham is a seasoned spy who is sent to the savage Highlands to uncover a nefarious plot against the Crown. Playing the part of an English governess—a job easier said than done—she infiltrates the home of Laird Sutherland, a suspected conspirator.
If she doesn't betray him first
Ravenna soon discovers that the only real threat Sutherland poses is to her heart. But will the proud Highland laird ever forgive her when he discovers the woman he loves in an English spy?
We left off where Ravenna just received her next assignment and she’s none too happy about it.
Excerpt Six/Chapter One:
The fact that she clearly had no voice in the matter grated on her very last nerve. Why would anyone want to travel to Scotland? That wild country had nothing to offer but a bunch of unkempt men in kilts waving broadswords and screaming battle cries. She didn’t mind when her assignments were closer to home, but the Highlands? With no mother or father to guide her sisters, Ravenna had become their anchor—and now that rock was uplifted once again.
She gave herself a moment alone in her father’s study to decide exactly what to say to her sisters. How could she make them understand? What could she possibly tell them that would be believable? There was no sense delaying the conversation. She knew she’d think of something. She always did.
Ravenna walked out into the fresh air to find the girls in the garden. The sun was shining, roses were in full bloom, and a rabbit scrambled out of her way on the garden path. She tried to show an ease that she didn’t necessarily feel. She was bothered by the fact that instead of enjoying a lovely day with her sisters, she found herself once again spinning tales to them. Sitting on a bench, she gathered her sisters around. Grace looked suspicious, Elizabeth bit her lip, and Kat couldn’t stand still.
“I want to tell you how proud I am of all of you. We have really pulled together as a family since Father passed and I know he would be pleased.”
Elizabeth smiled sadly. “I know Mother would be happy, too. Family was important to her.”
“Of course she would be. I wanted to tell you that I will be traveling soon.”
Grace had a disgusted look on her face. “When?”
“Two days.”
“When will you be back?” Grace folded her arms over her chest.
“I will be gone for a few months.”
Grace’s jaw dropped. “Months? You’re leaving us for…months?”
“Uncle Walter will see to your welfare.”
Kat sat down beside Ravenna. “Where will you go?”
“Uncle Walter asked me to do him a favor. The wife of his friend is gravely ill, and they need a governess to care for their son for a few months. I’m doing this as a kindness for all the wonderful things that Uncle Walter has done for us.”
Elizabeth smiled easier. “Where will you go?”
“The Highlands.”
Grace gasped and her face was bleak. “Scotland? The country is full of nothing but barbarians. I didn’t think any of them were educated, let alone that someone would actually need a governess for their son.”
Kat embraced Ravenna, followed shortly by Elizabeth. “We will miss you, Ravenna.”
Ravenna looked up and tapped the girls with her hand as Grace glared at her. “Why don’t you play in the garden so I can talk with Grace?”
She’d had enough experience with her sister to know the conversation that followed was not going to be an easy one. Perhaps Uncle Walter was right and they should arrange a marriage for Grace. On second thought, her sister’s loose tongue would more than likely drive her poor husband mad.
The girls ran off and Grace’s expression did not lighten.
“I know what you’re doing,” said Grace. She sat down beside Ravenna and actually growled. “You do not fool me for a moment—coming in at all hours of the night, having your secret meetings with Uncle Walter. There is only one reason why you would travel that far away from us for months.”
Ravenna closed her eyes and prayed for patience. “Grace…”
“You’re with child.”
Praise for MY HIGHLAND SPY:
“An exciting Highland tale of intrigue, betrayal, and love.”
—Hannah Howell, New York Times bestselling author of Highland Master
“Roberts’ newest features a surprise-laden, quick-paced plot, replete with unconventional and fiercely independent characters. Her lyrical prose grabs readers’ attention, and the high level of emotional tension simply adds to the depth of the story. This book begs to be read and reread.”
—RT Book Reviews
IndieBound | !indigo | iBooks
Victoria Roberts writes sexy, award-winning Scottish historical romances about kilted heroes and warriors from the past. Prior to ever picking up a single romance novel, she penned her first young adult novella at 16 years old. Who knew her leather-studded motorcycle hero would trade in his ride and emerge as a kilt wearing Highlander wielding a broadsword? Victoria lives with her husband and their two beautiful children in western Pennsylvania. Visit her at victoriarobertsauthor.com.
Website: victoriarobertsauthor.com
Facebook: link
Goodreads: link
Sourcebooks will give away one copy of My Highland Spy to a lucky commenter (US and Canada only, please.) Gardens are beautiful. Do you like to sit and enjoy the beauty, or do you like to have your hands in the dirt? Comments are open through Saturday, August 30, 10 pm in Baltimore. I'll post the winner on Sunday, August 31.
Mahalo,
Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City
Join the tour ...
8/18 – The Reading Café
thereadingcafe.com8/19 – Books-n-Kisses
books-n-kisses.com
8/20 – Fiction Vixen Book Reviews
fictionvixen.com
8/21 – Long and Short Reviews
longandshortreviews.com
8/22 – From The TBR Pile
fromthetbrpile.blogspot.com
8/25 – SOS Aloha Book Blog
sosaloha.blogspot.com
8/26 – The Bookish Babe
thebookishbabes.blogspot.com
8/27 – Fresh Fiction
freshfiction.com
8/28 – Harlequin Junkie
harlequinjunkie.com
8/29 – Urban Girl Reader
urbangirlreader.com
For many years I planted and worked in the gardens at home. I love the work and standing back to look and enjoy my efforts. I'm in a condo now and sometimes I really miss gardening.
ReplyDeleteI know some people really enjoy having their hands in the dirt, Betty. Nothing beats fresh veggies from the garden. :)
DeleteI prefer to sit back and enjoy gardens. I have too many allergies to work a garden
ReplyDeleteOh, I hear you, Debby. Pollen, hay fever...
DeleteNo gardens for me, I grew up living in an apartment building.
ReplyDeleteI know some people who have done indoor gardening, too. They have fresh herbs on their window sill. Unfortunately, my thumb is not green. ;-)
DeleteNo gardens whatsoever for me except in books and pictures. I get allergic to bug bites.. Very severe reactions actually so I stay away from bugs and plants.
ReplyDeleteOh, yes. Bugs are a nuisance for sure.
DeleteI love sitting in an English garden, and enjoying all the beautiful flowers. I live in southern Florida now, and it's impossible to grow all the gorgeous flowers that I used to love growing.
ReplyDeleteThe weather is so tropical in Florida with the humidity. I bet you have some lovely blooms.
DeleteI love the color and scent of gardens. I am definitely a sitter/stroller.
ReplyDeleteThere's nothing wrong with that, Gretchen. Peaceful.
DeleteI would have to say both for me. I have a big rose garden and small gardens throughout my yard. I play in the dirt to be able to sit back and enjoy the beauty of it all
ReplyDeleteVery nice, Pamela. The best of both worlds.
DeleteI love gardens--both planting and enjoying them! Thanks for the post and giveaway.
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by.
DeleteI do not have a green thumb at all so I really enjoy other people's garden. My parents have beautifully landscaped their back yard. But it's a lot of work! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Erin. My mother had a green thumb and I did not inherit. ;-)
DeleteI've never had much of a green thumb (I think it skipped my generation), but I love gardens (both flower & veggie).
ReplyDeleteHi Di. That's funny. I think it skipped my generation, too!
DeleteI've always loved digging in the dirt. As a child I would play for hours just digging and playing in the dirt lol. I enjoy planting and watching things grow although my back hillside has gotten away from me. I tend to catch poison ivy quite easily and each time it seems to get worse (sigh).
ReplyDeleteMy husband has a bad case of poison ivy right now. :-( Ugh.
DeleteOh dear...I sit and enjoy, lol. I KILL everything I try to grow. It's not my fault! My Mother got all the green thumb genes. It appearantly skipped a generation and moved on to my daughter...Best wishes with your release and thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by.
DeleteGosh, I wish I knew the name of these castle ruins in Scotland. Do you know, Kim? Victoria? In any event, I just knew Grace was going to question Ravenna further...but I sure was surprised that she suspected Ravenna of being pregnant from her late night outings! I had to grin at that. Actually, that is the first thing a parent or brother or sister would think even today if they knew about the secret outings, so it is not an unusual conclusion even several eras later. Thanks for the post. jdh2690@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI think the top one is Dunnottar Castle. I'm not sure if the bottom one is the same pic. Kim?
Deletelittle of both
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to enjoy a little of both.
DeleteGardens? I actually like both. Siting and looking at the beauty and digging in the dirt.
ReplyDeleteI'm more one to sit and enjoy the beauty of a garden.
ReplyDeleteI love digging and planting - pulling weeds, not so much. I really resent that every year the fire ants take over my veggie garden since I can't/won't use pesticides in it.
ReplyDeleteI like to sit and enjoy the beauty of a garden.
ReplyDeleteI like planting and getting in the dirt. LOL
ReplyDeleteMarcy Shuler
I like enjoying gardens that someone else takes care of.
ReplyDeleteI love working in the garden-fresh veggies every day. Congratulations on the new release and series. thanks for the giveaway
ReplyDeleteI love looking at gardens. And I think I would like to start one. I'll start really small and see how it goes.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a gardner, best known for my black thumb, so I do admire those who can and I enjoy looking at gardens.
ReplyDeleteI prefer to sit and enjoy it. I tend to kill living things (accidentally, of course).
ReplyDeleteLoved the excerpt!!
Congrats on the new release, Victoria!