Monday, November 26, 2012

Jillian Stone Author Guest Post: Men in Kilts

A Private Duel with Agent Gunn
Jillian Stone

Thanks to Books and Things for inviting me to guest blog today, I’m so excited to tell you about the third book in the Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series, A Private Duel with Agent Gunn which releases tomorrow, September 27.

Men in Kilts 

Diana Gabaldon’s Jamie Fraser gets some credit for igniting my interest in men in kilts, but my real appreciation came later, during a trip––to where else? I was sitting in Waverly Station, Edinburgh, waiting for the train to Inverness. A flutter in the breeze caught my eye. I looked up from the morning edition of the Scotsman and recognized the red and black stripes of a plaid. It was a kilt, and it was attached to fine looking pair of naked, muscular calves. Below that were combat boots and crunched up socks.

Inspired, my gaze double-backed, and wandered up sinewy legs. Having never thought about it much, I contemplated the masculinity of hair on a man’s legs, and viewed the soft, wiry texture with new regard. By the length of his stride, he had to be tall, as well as broad shouldered, he was Scot, after all. At this point, a kind of dream-like slow motion occurred, not unlike those classic fantasy sequences featuring Bo Derek or Phoebe Cates. Only this was a man––in a kilt.

I took a quick glance upward––past the drab olive jacket with lots of pockets, to the gray t-shirt and hint of hard pecs beneath. He was handsome, of course, with a nicely featured face and a rusty shadow of unshaven stubble. But, even the longish auburn hair that flowed as prettily as the plaid, did not hold my attention for long. Yes, my eyes had zipped back down those flowing pleats and were hoping for yet another, greater gust of wind to blow through the station.

At that exact moment, I was no better or worse than an eight year old boy in the school yard, waiting for the girls in skirts to climb the monkey bars. There was delicious mystery beneath that kilt, and to this day I have always wondered...briefs, boxers, or bare-ass naked?

Looking back, I suppose I had a man-in-kilt epiphany or at the very least, an ah-ha kilt moment. As I continued my trip through Scotland I was to experience the joy of men wearing kilts many times. I attended the Highland Games in Perthshire––and rode the train back to Dunkeld with a friendly band of kilt swathed drummers. In fact, I was surrounded by kilts––swimming in pleats and plaids, but nothing was quite as special, kilt-wise, as that brief encounter in Edinburgh.

I’m not sure how many readers of The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series know this, but nearly all of the Special Branch detectives are Scots. But not one of them has worn a kilt––until now.

Those readers who enjoyed An Affair with Mr. Kennedy, might recall a story Mr. Kennedy told at dinner about kilts and bare naked arses, but Zak Kennedy never actually wore a kilt in the novel. And Rafe Lewis, the daring-do detective of A Dangerous Liaison with Detective Lewis was a peer of Scotland, no less, and still––no chance to put him in a kilt. By the third novel of the series, I was getting inpatient with myself. I was the writer/creator of all these handsome, strapping, Scotsmen and I had yet to write a sexy kilt scene!

So, I made up my mind that this would be the book. In A Private Duel with Agent Gunn, Phineas Gunn not only wears a kilt, but the heroine gets to do some exploring. Before I share an excerpt of the kilt scene, here’s a blurb about the story:

Prima ballerina Catriona de Dovia lives the glamorous life of a starlet, filled with glittering jewels, sumptuous dinners, and admiring suitors. She’s grown up considerably since losing her heart to Hugh Curzon once upon a time, no longer wasting her emotions on the empty promises of charming gentlemen. On her own since the untimely death of her parents, she will do anything for the only family she has left: her brother, a notorious anarchist.

Scotland Yard Agent Phineas Gunn—sometimes known as Hugh Curzon—receives his new assignment reluctantly. He’s up for something a little more strenuous than playing nanny to a ballerina, until he sees who his charge is. Then, it’s a completely different story, because he’d been unable to forget the trusting, beautiful Cate since he had to leave her behind in Barcelona. And he suspects Cate is more than a ballet girl––in fact, she just might be a jewel thief, or even more arousing––a clever undercover operative.

Finn is determined to find out as the two race across the Continent—by land, by sea, even through the air by zephyr—it becomes uncertain who is keeping tabs on whom, and Finn and Cate must battle the sexual tension that snaps and sizzles between them every step of the way.

Allow me to set up the kilt scene without being a spoiler. As you know from the blurb, there is a bit of jewel thievery––or jewel recovery going on. Finn believes the jewels may be financing a group of Spanish anarchists––Cate assures him they part of her deceased uncle’s estate, and rightfully hers. Suffice it to say, the hero and heroine of this tale, have made an arrangement: Finn will help Cate recover the jewels, as long as she agrees to provide proof of ownership. And let me make this perfectly clear, neither one of them trust the other––at all.


QUESTION FOR COMMENTERS: 

I’m giving away a signed copy of A PRIVATE DUEL WITH AGENT GUNN to one lucky commenter today (enter through the rafflecopter form). Here’s a question for kilt lovers: Do you have a favorite kilt wearing hero or real live kilt encounter to share? Please tell, LOL!

Purchase links: 
B&N     AMAZON     BAM!     BOOK DEPOSITORY      INDIEBOUND

Brief Author Bio:

Jillian Stone is the author of the Phaeton Black, Paranormal Investigator series, which includes The Seduction of Phaeton Black, and the just released, The Moonstone and Miss Jones. The third sequel, The Miss Education of Doctor Exeter, is scheduled to release in summer 2013. Jillian is also the author of The Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series. Watch for A Private Duel with Agent Gunn in late November!
Jillian Stone Contact Info:  

Thanks again, to Books and Things for inviting me to guest blog today, I had a blast! 

A Private Duel with Agent Gunn
From the author of An Affair with Mr. Kennedy and A Dangerous Liaison with Detective Lewis comes a sexy new romantic caper in the Gentlemen of Scotland Yard series. 
Prima ballerina Catriona de Dovia lives the glamorous life of a starlet, filled with glittering jewels, sumptuous dinners, and admiring suitors. She's grown up considerably since losing her heart to Hugh Curzon once upon a time, no longer wasting her emotions on the empty promises of wealthy gentlemen. On her own since the untimely death of her parents, she will do anything for the only family she has left: her brother, a notorious anarchist. 
Scotland Yard Agent Phineas Gunn—sometimes known as Hugh Curzon—receives his new assignment reluctantly. He's up for something a little more strenuous than playing nanny to a ballerina, until he sees who his charge is. Then, it's a completely different story, because he'd been unable to forget the trusting, beautiful Cate since he had to leave her behind. 
As the two race across the Continent—by land, by sea, even through the air by zephyr—it becomes uncertain who is keeping tabs on whom, and Finn and Cate must battle the sexual tension that snaps and sizzles between them every step of the way.
Giveaway!
Thanks Jillian for the awesome post and excerpt! I can't wait to read it. I also don't have a personal story, but I'm still looking for one. ;)
As you saw above, Jillian is giving away one signed pb copy of the book and one ebook copy. Both are international!! Whee! Just fill out the rafflecopter form below to enter. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

67 comments:

  1. I can't say I have a favourite kilt wearing hero but a friend of ours wore a kilt to a wedding we were attending in Germany. Unable to resist, I lifted his kilt only for someone to take our photo. As you imagine this isn't something I'll ever be allowed to forget.

    Anyway, thanks for a great, fun post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Petty,

      Haha! I consider it wonderfully naughty of you to lift up a kilt, lassie!

      Delete
  2. Great site. I hope that I win the GIVEAWAY. I would love to review the book too! Blessings, anita of anitabook.com Stay in touch and check out anitabook.com Like if you do and let me hear from you too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Needie,

      Please contact me through my website and I will get you a review copy!

      Delete
  3. UMMMM Men in kilts---was I supposed to go past that? Cause really I was distracted.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lol! Men in kilts...really, how can a red blooded girl pass that up. ;)

      Delete
  4. Many years ago, I went to a friend's wedding, who was marrying a Scot. At the reception, all of the groomsmen, and groom, bent over and mooned everybody. It was hilarious, and proved to us all, that men really don't wear anything under their kilts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm pretty sure most of them don't wear a stitch underneath (and they appear to love it, too) Unfortunately, the athletes don't go bare arse naked in the Highland Games anymore––darn it––so many opportunities for those skirts to fly ;)

      Delete
  5. So. I saw the words "men in kilts" on my blogroll and had to click immediately. What a brilliant idea for a guest post ;-) And I know I would have been wishing for a greater gust of wind in that train station as well:) I haven't read about too many kilt-wearing heroes, but I have thoroughly enjoyed the men in Maya Banks' historical romances. I believe they're decked out in kilts and they are quite sexy:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yeah––those are kilt wearing Scots of Maya's all right!

      It is a funny thing, but there is a definite and tangible urge to have a peek up those kilts...such a wonderful phenomenon!

      Delete
  6. Rafflecopter is locking up on me and not letting me enter. I also follow you on Twitter and Facebook Jillian.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have a friend who lives in Scotland. She went to a wedding a few weeks ago, and shared her pictures with me. All the men in the wedding wore kilts... Yumm!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sarah,

      Scotland weddings are beautiful. Castles, gowns and kilts...

      Have you seen the gorgeous kilt inspired wedding gowns? And of course those strapping men in kilts. Sigh.

      Delete
  8. Hmmm... I don't know if I have a favorite kilt wearing hero. I like them all.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Danielle,

      And there are so many of them to sigh over!

      Delete
  9. Living in South Africa I have no stories to tell but always interesting to read about others adventures in kilt wearing. It is always accompanied with laughter and blushes. Cute

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lynelle,

      I spent a lovely holiday in South Africa, in two game reserves on photo safari... Mala Mala, and Lapalala.

      One of the most memorable trips ever!

      There is something about how men act in a kilt, even if they wear them quite frequently...I swear! ;)

      Delete
  10. Thanks for the great post! I love her Paranormal Investigator series and I'm quite curious to try this one. thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Melliane!

      Thanks for giving Agent Gunn a try! I am curious to know your reaction to this series.

      Delete
  11. I am so sad, there was a bunch of Scots in town once, all wearing kilts, cos of a football game. And I missed them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Keep your eyes open for a clan gathering. They often have dancing (Highland Fling) competitions and Highland Games as well.

      Best of all, plenty of men in kilts! ;)

      Delete
  12. I can't pick just one kilt wearing hero, I love them all. Unfortunately, I never get to see any real live kilt wearers, I wish I did! Someday I'm going to make it to Scotland, and I'll be in heaven. :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Barbara, I actually answered you below––and I do hope you get a chance to visit Scotland!

      Delete
  13. It's kind of amazing the first couple of men in kilts you run across. Like, you'll be walking down a cobbled backstreet, looking for the pub where
    you're supposed to meet up with friends, and there he is...walking toward you kilt flowing...

    ReplyDelete
  14. Ok, Men in Kilts had me at HELLO! I'm sucker for those types of guys. Cool giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Savannah, There is something very romantic about kilts...primal and mysterious and sexy!

      Delete
  15. I love me a man in a kilt. I like Donna Grant's Warriors and Karen Marie Moning's Highlanders. Yummy! Nothing like a man in a kilt with a brogue.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sheryl, The kilt, the brogue, that giant Claymore they wield about...the total package so to speak. Lol!

      Delete
  16. God I'm a sucker for anything in a Kilt! Gotta be my Scottish roots. My first reading foray into kilt wearing men was Jamie Fraser. Love Diana Gabaldon!
    That was quite a scene! Need a glass of water now.
    Oh and I do love Karen Marie Moning's Highlanders and Melissa Mayhue. See, anything in a kilt!

    Heather

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    Replies
    1. I'm with you, Heather. There is something very special about the Outlander series.

      Marie Moning and Melissa Mayhue know how to write HIghlanders!

      Delete
  17. Mel Gibson in Braveheart. Tore923@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love Graeme Montgomery from Never Seduce A Scot by Maya Banks

    Hope can win your book :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lots of Maya Banks fans here today. Great choice Eli!

      Delete
  19. I work with a young gentleman who decided that there was nothing in our dress code about men wearing skirts. One day he came in wearing a kilt, it is a large retail chain, and got looks all day. With his nice legs and red hair he was hard to miss. It was the only time he wore it, but it was fun while it lasted.

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    Replies
    1. Your story made me smile...see what kilts do? Good luck, Ann!

      Delete
  20. I have one of Jillian's books and SO need to read it!
    I'm not a huge fan of kilts. I mean I don't have strong thoughts about them or anything. Though I do love listening to a Scottish accent.
    The only time I can remember seeing a man in a kilt in real life was during the Sturgis motorcycle rally a guy came in wearing one and no one batted an eye. It was maybe strange among all the rough bikers but you can about wear anything during the rally and get away with it (including wearing nothing).
    Jamie Fraser was my first kilt wearing hero though. Oh yes another Diana Gabaldon fan here!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jamie Fraser...that's all you've got to say, right?

      And I do hope you enjoy the read (move it up your TBR pile) ;)

      Delete
  21. As soon as clicked on your blog I saw Men in kilts and thought Hell ya...yes please. I loved that story about the wind gusting up his kilt. I would be wondering too if he was bare ass naked...In my mind he would be. Anyway loved this and I totally want to read this, Sign me up!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lol Heidi,

      I almost never stare at a man in trousers or jeans, but a kilt just brings out the naughty in me. ;)

      Delete
  22. Replies
    1. Hi wade2121,

      Oh yes, Gerald know how to work a kilt! Lol!

      Delete
  23. Jamie from the Outlander series!

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  24. Ooo great story Jillian, thank you! I went through a kind of renaissance fair last year, and there was the Dutch championship for the Highland Games. And all the competing athletes wore kilts, but to my sadness, they all wore shorts underneath. Still, it was great to see those very muscular guys in kilts.
    Needless to say, I spend more time watching the Highland games, than the fair.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Aurian,

      Of course you watched the games! Can you imagine the crowds if they didn't wear those shorts? What a distraction!

      Delete
  25. Any hero from the Maya Bank novel or Judith McNaught, they are so hot

    ReplyDelete
  26. We have at least two pipe bands here in town. They do wear kilts. They don't seem to be the age bracket for heroes though, being too old or too young. I live in hope.

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    Replies
    1. Hi Mary,

      Haha! Much more age diverse group of pipers in Scotland (I assume you are in the US) But if they ever put on a Highland Games in your area, you'll find the hotties in kilts!

      Delete
  27. Love this =) can´t wait for my chance to read!
    I don´t have a specific man in kilt but i do have a soft spot for them all *melts* a man in a kilt? *rawr* Yes please!
    Thanks for the giveaway & Happy Wednesday!
    //Linda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Linda,

      I did have fun with the sexy kilt scene––always wanted to write one!

      Delete
  28. i love heroes from karen marie moning's highlander series...they all wear kilt :p

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi nurmawati,

      Karen is an awesome Highlander romance writer!

      Delete
  29. mel Gibson he was good looking in hit and then i love to read the book it got a great cover and then look like gret book to read

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, desitheblonde,

      I do love the cover and I can even imagine he might be wearing a kilt!

      Delete
  30. I was fortunate enough to visit Scotland once and saw several kilted men. Nummy! Easy access is not just a turn-on for men.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha!

      I totally got the fascination men have with women's skirts when I was in Scotland! ;)

      Delete
  31. My only kilt encounter has been through books, thanks to Diana Gabaldon, sad I know! Keeping fingers crossed! Thanks for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Ileana,

      Jamie Fraser in a kilt is a wonderful sight, indeed!

      Delete
  32. Unfortunately I haven't see nor read about men in kilts.. But it sounds..interesting ;)
    Thank you for the international giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  33. UMMMM Men in kilts---was I supposed to go past that? Cause really I was distracted.

    parisfan_ca@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Laurie,

      Haha!

      Yeah, I never pass up a man in a kilt, either! ;)

      Delete

Thanks for commenting! I ❤ comments!