COMING SOON from Nicole North, ......... SCOUNDREL IN A KILT...*Contest*

Coming in July '11 from Red Sage Publishing... Scoundrel in a Kilt in Secrets Volume 30 Desires Unleashed anthology.

When a shape-shifting Highland chieftain and a modern day supermodel meet in 1621 Scotland, neither will ever forget their earthshaking erotic connection.

Brodie, Chieftain of Clan MacCain is a dark, sexual scoundrel living in 1621 Scotland. He loves nothing more than being a selkie shape-shifter even if he has been cursed by a dark witch. He embraces his selkie powers and their sensual lifestyle, but his human clan disapproves.

After a high fashion photo shoot in the Scottish Highlands, modern day model Erin Schultz is trying to recuperate from one of the worst days of her life when a hot, kilted warrior invades her dreams. He inflames her desires but refuses to satisfy them. In the next instant, she finds herself stranded on an icy rock in the dark ocean. The delicious Highlander from her dream comes to her rescue, but this time he’s far more than a fantasy.  He’s real and he’s naked. When he accidentally gives her a lust potion, will he appease her intense arousal or leave her in torment?

Because of a past betrayal, Brodie dares not trust another woman, especially one as beautiful, spellbinding and wanton as Erin. If he takes her as he yearns to do—as she begs him to do—will he no longer be a selkie? When Erin realizes she has time-traveled four hundred years into the past, a time of powerful witches and barbaric enemies, she’s determined to return to her normal life in present day. Though leaving Brodie will devastate her, she can’t give up her dreams, ignore her responsibilities or go back on important promises she’s made. By giving her what she wants most, will Brodie destroy himself?

This is the third story in my Shapeshifters in Kilts series, behind Devil in a Kilt and Beast in a Kilt.

Visit Nicole on the Web: http://www.nicolenorth.com/

*CONTEST*
Nicole will be giving away an E-copy of LAIRD OF DARKNESS to one lucky commenter. Winner will be picked at RANDOM once the SPOTLIGHT is over! Please leave your E-mail address so we may contact you should you win!! Good luck!

Interview with Author, Nicole North ...

Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to the Author of Devil in a Kilt, Nicole North!

Welcome Nicole, we are so happy to have you here. I know many readers are looking forward to getting to know you better! So lets jump right in.

What do you think makes Devil in a Kilt different? What will draw readers to it?

Well, it's sort of a fun, quirky story and it has a little of everything: humor, suspense, sexiness, emotions... not to mention about four subgenres of romance all in one story (paranormal, contemporary, historical, erotic) mixed and blended like haggis... no wait... more like delicious clootie dumpling. A lot of romance readers love a hot, sword-wielding Highlander in a kilt, and this story has that. Gavin is devilish, as you might imagine. He knows what he wants and he goes after it. So hopefully readers will be drawn to him. The heroine, Shauna, is the quirky part of the story. Her modern snark plays well off Gavin's more serious (historical) nature. Most of all I hope it will entertain readers!
It sounds wonderful!

Are you a Plotter or a Pantser?

I call myself a hybrid (hey, hybrids are in vogue, right?) I started out my first book pantsing all the way, but I ran into plot problems and unsnarling them was near impossible. Now I like to have a three-act-play-structure type roadmap so I don't get lost. Basically, I just plan out my character's GMC (goal, motivation, conflict), figure out the midpoint and other turning points (important scenes that do certain things for the story,) climax and resolution. The pantsing part comes in again as I'm writing within this loose framework.

That's a great idea! You always need a road map of sorts, to keep you from getting lost! and yes, Hybrids are in vogue, right now!

How would you describe your voice?

My voice is versatile or so I've been told. I used to write only dark or serious things. Then I discovered by accident that I can write humor. Or at least people told me it was funny. Humor is difficult to write because not everyone has the same sense of humor. What one person thinks is funny, another won't, and vice versa. I enjoy writing humor because... well, it's fun! So to answer your question, sometimes my voice is funny and snarky. But at other times, I have a historical voice. Since I write paranormal, historical and contemporary this is helpful to me.

Interesting!

How do you come up with your ideas/plots?

Usually I'll get the germ of an idea, an unusual situation or event a character is involved in. Sometimes this is the opening scene, sometimes a later scene. For instance, with Devil in a Kilt, the idea came from the Highland Games, which I like to attend whenever possible. I challenged myself to come up with a story idea there. One clan tent had a huge two-handed Highland sword on display. What would happen if the sword had some magic in it and the woman who picked it up was transported back in time 400 years to the man who originally owned it?

Ah, so cool! I love the highland games too! And I can't wait to get my hands on a copy of your book!

Do you research your story before you write it? Or as you go?

I have a confession to make. I don't enjoy research. I know some people live for that but not me. I live to write about relationships and falling in love and sexual tension and... you get the idea. At the same time, I feel historical accuracy is vital. So, I've researched the time period I chose to set my novels and novellas in, 1618 or 1621 Scotland and England (thus far.) I tried to establish my basic groundwork knowledge of the time, clothing, what had been invented, weapons, housing, food, words in use, political climate, etc. so I would consider that "before I write" research which has already been done. But once I get into the story and decide what is going to happen where, I'll find other areas I have to research in depth. For instance on my last novel, I had to research ships of the time and how Highland inaugurations of new chiefs were done. I like to ask the experts to be sure everything is accurate. The interesting thing about historical research is how little of it actually shows up in the story. It's just the backdrop or the "stage." I don't like to show my research information in a teaching or textbook kind of way. I try to show these historical details in subtle ways that allows the reader to feel they are there.

Now I would never have guessed that you didn't like research! Very interesting!

Do you feel a draw to the people and the time periods you write about?

Interesting question! I do feel a draw to Scotland and I never realized how much until I went there. It's simply an amazing, breathtaking, gorgeous place. I could just stand staring (wide-eyed, mouth hanging open) at someplace like Sango Bay or Kyle of Tongue for a good long time. Especially the drive from Thurso to Isle of Skye along the northern coast and even down through the western Highlands and Glencoe. I would be thinking, omigosh look at that, the whole time. I'm not sure if anyone else has a clue what I'm talking about. LOL But I felt some sort of comfortable warm exciting connection to the places but was also blown away by the mystical beauty.

Oh, I know exactly what your talking about! Its as if SCOTLAND has a mystical power that sucks you in and won't let you go!!!! I love it there!

Do you find love scenes difficult to write?

Not too difficult. I enjoy them, which is why I got into writing erotic romance. I always enjoyed reading and writing sensual romance. The erotic romance I write is just a step or two further on the heat scale. I also teach writing workshops about how to write sexual tension and love scenes. Sexual tension is my favorite element of a romance novel, and if the sexual tension is really strong then chances are the love scenes that follow are going to seem hotter than they actually are.

I on the other hand have a harder time with these, I definitely need to take your workshop!!!

Is it necessary to have a critique/writing partner?

Maybe not necessary but certainly my critique partners and critique groups have helped me lots by picking out my errors and weaknesses and in general cracking the whip. LOL I would advise new writers to find critique partners or groups, but these should be a good fit. A bad critique group or partner can do more harm than good.

I couldn't agree more! A great group of Critique partners is definitely worth their weight in gold!

Authors make writing look easy? Is it harder than most people imagine it to be?

At times it's much more difficult than other times. Sometimes the muse is kind and the words flow like lava. Other times, I find myself struggling to get a sentence down. But eventually it all gets done and smoothed out. Then it's time for a sigh of relief.

I know what your saying, believe me! People who think you just put pen to paper and Viola, its done couldn't be MORE wrong!

Do you have more than one book out now?

Devil in a Kilt in Secrets Volume 27 Untamed Pleasures anthology is the only one out now. But I have an upcoming novella called Kilted Lover being released this fall. It's a contemporary with a modern day kilted hottie who acts very much like his Scots and Norse ancestors. Throws the heroine over his shoulder to rescue her, knows how to handle a weapon and toss cabers, and when that kilt comes off he can burn up the sheets. What more could you ask for? LOL

Hmmm, what more could I ask for?? Let me see- How about two Hotties, just for me!!! Wow, Nicole you've been one busy lady! Kitled Lover sounds yummy as well!!!!!

Nicole its been a pleasure spotlighting you and Devil in a Kilt, we wish you many sales and all the best in your future endevours!!!!!

Thanks for being here with us today!!!

Thanks again for having me here!!!:)

It was our pleasure!

Don't forget to check Nicole out on the web!

Nicole's links
http://www.nicolenorth.com/
http://fierceromance.blogspot.com/
book video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1oOOvTomv4

Trailer for, "Devil in a Kilt"

DEVIL IN A KILT

Amazon buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-27-Pleasures-Leigh-Court/dp/1603100075/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241557838&sr=8-1

B&N buy link: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Secrets-Volume-27/Leigh-Court/e/9781603100076/?itm=1

Also available from http://www.eredsage.com/

And don't forget to check back with us tomorrow for my interview with Author Nicole North!

And remember if you comment you can win!

Excerpt from, "Devil in a Kilt"

Excerpt from Devil in a Kilt, Secrets Volume 27 Untamed Pleasures
Copyright © Nicole North, 2009
All Rights Reserved, Red Sage Publishing

Gavin glanced out the window at the Highlands and the first faint trace of dawn peeking over the eastern mountains.

It won’t be long.

A yell echoed from down the corridor, the ravings of a madman.

His father.

One day that would be Gavin, talking to ghosts and shadows. But likely when he sank to that level, he would have no roof over his head. Or else his sparse clan would lock him in the dungeon to die alone. Since he had no heir, his greedy, grasping cousin would become laird. His clan would rejoice when their devil laird was dead.

"Damnation! Alpin willna unseat me. The craven whoreson."

Draping his plaid around his waist and holding it in place, Gavin strode from the bedchamber and down the corridor toward his father’s room."There ye are, lad," Crocker said, his sparse gray hair sticking out in all directions. "Thanks be to God. He’s a right lunatic this morn. Asking for ye, he is."

"What the devil is wrong with him?" Gavin stepped inside the chamber."I dinna ken."

"Gavin! Gavin!" his father screeched from the four-poster bed as his body writhed, his long gray hair tangled. "The lass. Ye must look for the lass. Ye must marry. For the sake of the clan. For the sake of yer very soul."

"What lass?" No lass for miles around would so much as glance in his direction. He used to have to drag them from his bed and send them on their way. Now, he couldn’t pay one to give him an hour’s pleasure.

He would like as not turn them to stone, or they would end up possessed by the devil, as he was thought to be.

Gavin waited for his father to tell him which lass he referred to, but the older man now lay still with his eyes closed, apparently asleep. Mayhap he’d meant the lass from Gavin’s arousing dreams. But she wasn’t real, and he’d never seen her face.

Fingers of dawn light gleamed over the mountains and Gavin’s animal nature surged forth, beyond his control."Damnation! When will it end?"

He moved toward the open window, helpless to resist the call. Just as he reached it, a moment of pain sliced through him. His body transformed, and great glossy-black wings appeared where once he had arms, and talons on his feet. Taking flight from the window, he became one with the wind, the Highlands and the bright colors of dawn.

The SPOTLIGHT is on, Nicole North ...

Bio: NICOLE NORTH

Nicole North writes sensual and erotic romance novels, novellas and short stories.

She is the author of paranormal erotic romance novellas, including Devil in a Kilt, published by Red Sage Secrets - Volume 27 - Untamed Pleasures, her newest Release.

She is also the author of, Beast in a Kilt, which will be published in Red Sage's Secrets Volume 29; and ( a contemporary) Kilted Lover.

Nicole lives with her husband in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, but wishes she lived in the Scottish Highlands at least half the year.

You can visit Nicole North on the web at- www.nicolenorth.com
Praise for Nicole North and Devil in a Kilt!

5 cups from Coffeetime Romance:
"Ms North has provided a classic "love will conquer all" tale. By adding the magic of time travel and a highland hunk, she has added an extra level to an already exceptional story.... I have always had a love for anthologies and this one surpasses all my expectations. Each of the stories in this special collection has its own brand of magic and extraordinary characters who find love in the last place they would have thought to look." ~Hollie

4 Hearts from Romance Book Scene: "In Devil In a Kilt, Nicole North (this week's featured author at www.romancebookscene.com) tells the story of a normally dedicated professor, Shauna, who can't stop daydreaming about a perfect Scottish warrior that she saw on the cover of a romance book. But is he a figment of her active imagination or is he from another time just waiting for her to help break a curse? ...All four stories are well written and give a good taste of each genre. I liked the Devil in the Kilt and Heart's Storm the best. They were well written and had great erotic love scenes, which was the common factor in all four novella's." ~Roni

5 Ribbons from Romance Junkies: "Scottish highlanders are a favorite of many romance readers and Nicole North’s adds an exciting paranormal element that truly captures the imagination. This is Ms. North’s first published story and I’ll be anxious to see what she comes up with next. The Red Sage SECRETS anthologies have long held space on my keeper shelves. Like its predecessors, SECRETS VOLUME 27 contains four tales of varying genres that deliver on readers’ desire for something more erotic in their storylines. Each of these authors delivers a captivating story full of intense scenes guaranteed to have you in search of more writing by them. SECRETS VOLUME 27 contains four smoldering stories of various genres in one convenient book. Like the other SECRETS anthologies, Volume 27’s stories tease and tantalize the senses." ~Chrissy Dionne

4 1/2 from Romantic Crush Junkies: "Devil in A Kilt is by far one of the best erotic romance highland stories I’ve been honored to read. Ms. North has an uncanny way of using wit and satire to deliver an amazing high octane read... Besides the scintillating sexcapades between Gavin and Shauna, I found myself giggling and smiling at how they related with one another. This story is a full charged electric read that had this reader craving more of Ms. North's Hottie highlander. If this is just a taste of what the author has in store I say, 'thank you and give me some more.' I hope you enjoyed these four delicious stories by Liane Gentry Skye, Nicole North, Hannah Murray and Leigh Court as much as I did. ~Christine S. Morehouse

4 stars from Romantic Times Book Review: "Few anthologies give as much bang for the buck as this one... Shauna MacRae meant to go to the Highland Games, not 400 years into the past, which she does in North's story. Will she have what it takes to free her "Devil in a Kilt?" ~Devon Paige

Don't forget to check back with us tomorrow for a tantilizing EXCERPT!

As an added BONUS, Ms. North has decided to give one lucky commenter the chance to WIN her choice (author will give list of books to choose from) of TWO books! So don't miss out, leave your comments today!!!

The SPOTLIGHT is on, "Devil in a Kilt," by Nicole North

Devil in a Kilt

A trip to the Highland Games turns into a trip to the past when modern day Shauna MacRae touches Gavin MacTavish's 400-year-old claymore.

She finds the Devil in a Kilt she's had erotic fantasies about for months.

Can she break the curse imprisoning this shape-shifting laird and his clan before an evil witch sends Shauna back to her time and takes Gavin as her sex slave?


DEVIL IN A KILT, is just one of the wonderful stories you'll find inside SECRETS, Volume 27- Untamed Pleasures.

The anthology also contains three other stories besides DEVIL IN A KILT, and they are:

The Bet ...
by Leigh Court

Heart Storm ...
by Liane Gentry Skye

The Boy Next Door ...
by Hannah Murray

Don't miss out, get your copy today! This SECRETS anthology is available click one of the several links below to purchase you copy!

Amazon buy link: http://www.amazon.com/Secrets-27-Pleasures-Leigh-Court/dp/1603100075/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1241557838&sr=8-1

B&N buy link: http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Secrets-Volume-27/Leigh-Court/e/9781603100076/?itm=1

Also available from http://www.eredsage.com/

Check back with us tomorrow for a closer look at the Author of DEVIL IN A KILT, Nicole North!