The Draw of the Highlander
Many thanks to Meg at A Bookish Affair for reviewing my books and hosting me on her site! I’m thrilled to share my Highlanders with you all, and what I think the draw of Highlander romance is for readers.
Scotland is steeped in rich history and a drama of its own. The land is lush and ripe, dotted with medieval and Renaissance castles, sweeping moors and enchanted forests. That was the draw for me, initially—the history and beauty of the country. Embedded within that history/landscape are the dramatic stories of this country. The raw, sometimes violent, gritty detail of it. History is often romanticized, and Scotland more than most (probably courtesy in the last nearly 20 years to Braveheart the movie). But even before Mel Gibson donned a kilt, women were reading books about Scottish heroes. In the Regency era, men and women were eloping from England to Scotland—tying the knot in Gretna Green. There is something magical about the land that fills your heart.
Highlander romance novels draw you into that magic. They bring heroes to life who we fall in love with, and heroines we want to be!
From what I’ve heard from readers of the genre (and from my own personal experience), these are the top ten reasons why there is such a draw toward the Highland hero (in no particular order)!
~Sweeping landscapes, mountains, caves, springs, waterways
~Castles, hearths, cooks, ale, whisky, never ending sweets that you don’t gain a pound from!
~Sexy Scottish brogues, need I say more?
~Men in kilts (or plaids, depending on the time period!). There is something so enticing about the baring of one’s knees
~Fiercely loyal men who aren’t afraid to fight for what is theirs, to protect their people, land, love.
~Women willing to pick up a sword and fight for what they believe in
~Honor, duty, responsibility – The men in Scottish romances place significant value in their “code”.
~Passion. The heroes and heroines in Highlander romances are passionate about everything. Makes us want to cheer them on and see them succeed! (Not to mention how much many of us love to see those steamy, passionate scenes.)
~The way an era is brought to life that no longer exists. We can live through it, see it, experience it—walk through the halls of the castle and raise our glass, and run in the fields straight into the arms of that stunning hero, you get it…
~Escape from the norm. Reading about our fierce, passion, kilt-clad heroes is definitely better than doing the dishes!!!
What draws you in?
Eliza Knight is the multi-published, award-winning, Amazon best-selling author of sizzling historical romance, erotic romance and contemporary romance. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) she likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. She lives atop a small mountain, and enjoys cold winter nights when she can curl up in front of a roaring fire with her own knight in shining armor. Visit Eliza at www.elizaknight.com or her historical blog History Undressed: www.historyundressed.com. Twitter: @ElizaKnight. Facebook: www.facebook.com/elizaknightauthor. Visit my website to sign up for my occasional newsletter!
Giveaway:
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Follow the Rest of the Tour:
Monday, February 24
Review & Giveaway at Peeking Between the Pages (The Highlander’s Reward)
Tuesday, February 25
Guest Post at Broken Teepee
Wednesday, February 26
Review at My Not So Vacant Shelf (The Highlander’s Reward)
Thursday, February 27
Review & Giveaway at Peeking Between the Pages (The Highlander’s Conquest)
Friday, February 28
Interview at Dianne Ascroft Blog
Monday, March 3
Feature & Giveaway at Reviews by Molly
Feature & Giveaway at Historical Fiction Connection
Tuesday, March 4
Review at My Not So Vacant Shelf (The Highlander’s Conquest)
Wednesday, March 5
Review at A Bookish Affair (The Highlander’s Reward & The Highlander’s Conquest)
Thursday, March 6
Review at Historical Fiction Obsession (The Highlander’s Conquest)
Review at A Bookish Affair (The Highlander’s Lady & The Highlander’s Warrior Bride)
Friday, March 7
Review at A Bookish Affair (The Highlander’s Triumph)
Review at A Chick Who Reads (The Highlander’s Sin)
Review, Excerpt & Giveaway at Swept Away by Romance (The Highlander’s Reward & The Highlander’s Conquest)
Monday, March 10
Review & Giveaway at From L.A. to LA (The Highlander’s Reward)
Tuesday, March 11
Spotlight & Giveaway at Passages to the Past
Wednesday, March 12
Review at My Not So Vacant Shelf (The Highlander’s Lady)
Thursday, March 13
Review at A Bookish Affair (The Highlander’s Sin & The Highlander’s Temptation)
Friday, March 14
Guest Post & Giveaway at A Bookish Affair
I liked the top ten reasons for enjoying settings in Scotland, and I agree with them, esp. Scots fierce loyalty, passion, and code of honor.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post and the locale is my favorite. thanks. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThe entire list draws me in.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by, and I'm glad you like the list!! :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat list. This series sounds wonderful. I want to start with the first one!
ReplyDeleteI've never visited Scotland but I hope to some day.
ReplyDeleteThe best way to get to Scotland without traveling there is to read about it! I love books that are set in the Scottish Highlands :)
ReplyDelete