What can you tell us about your new release, Irresistible in a Kilt?
Irresistible in a Kilt tells the love story of two archaeologists, Alex Thorne and Catriona MacTaggart, former lovers whose relationship ended in disaster. Twelve years later, Cat thinks she hates Alex, and she’s made up insulting nicknames for him, like the British Bastard. She knows she can’t trust him, but she can’t deny Alex is charming—and irresistible.
For Alex, Catriona is the Scots lass who got away. He isn’t your typical romance hero since he often sidesteps the truth and sometimes “borrows” artifacts from museums. He always returns them, though! 😊 And he will do anything, even lie and connive, to get her back.
If you’re new to the Hot Scots series, this is an excellent place to start. If you’re already a fan, then this one will blow your mind! The audiobook version, narrated by Shane East and Elle Newlands, is phenomenal. A genuine Brit and a genuine Scot bring Cat and Alex to life.
What or who inspired you to become an author?
I’ve always made up stories in my head, but my parents encouraged me to pursue writing as a career. My dad, who passed away in 2016, was a published author and taught me about the publishing industry. My mom suggested I try writing romance, and that was the best advice I ever took! I haven’t looked back since.
What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?
It’s a mix of classics and modern books: Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen, Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier, Lightning by Dean Koontz, The Immortal Highlander by Karen Marie Moning, and Dark Skye by Kresley Cole.
Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask
Hmm, that’s a hard one! So many amazing authors out there. I guess I’d start with Dean Koontz, since his books inspired me as a teenager. That might sound strange coming from a romance author, but it’s true. I was obsessed with thrillers and classic sci-fi back then.
What’s your favorite thing about writing?
Everything! Seriously. I love the whole process, even editing. If I had to choose, though, I’d say writing the banter for my heroes and heroines is the best part. I have so much fun coming up with sassy, sexy, hilarious things for them to say to each other. Irresistible in a Kilt is a great example. I absolutely loved writing the dialogue between Alex and Cat, but I also had loads of fun with Alex’s inner monologue.
What is a typical day like for you?
I get up at six a.m.—seriously! six o’clock—and start writing. Okay, I usually eat breakfast first. I always make my tea so I can sip it while I’m writing. My dogs make sure I take the occasional break, by pestering me to play with them. But I’m essentially writing all morning, and I often write more later in the day too. I take a break at lunchtime to refuel and relax for a while, then I’m busy doing marketing, social media, etc., all the other stuff authors have to do these days.
What scene from Irresistible in a Kilt was your favorite to write?
Chapter One was lots of fun to write. There’s a prologue before that, told by a mysterious narrator, but Chapter One is all Alex Thorne. I loved writing about his reactions to Catriona, who is very annoyed with him at that point, and also his sarcastic conversation with her. The first line of that chapter sums up Alex: “The truth and I have a different sort of relationship, not best mates, but more like third cousins once removed.”
Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?
I love the quote that says, “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” I’ve seen it variously attributed to Dr. Seuss and Bernard Baruch. Whoever said it, that’s excellent advice.
Anna Durand is the author of the new book Irresistible in a Kilt.
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