As I sit here in bonnie Scotland, what more appropriate subject to blog about today than our brave heroes in kilts. Say the word ‘kilt’ and it conjures up images of Mel Gibson and Braveheart, or Liam Neeson in Rob Roy. Or how about Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander hero, Jamie Fraser? What woman reader doesn’t love a hero in a kilt?
My sister’s grandson was recently one of the four groomsmen at his brother-in-law’s wedding. But instead of the usual suits or tuxedos, as is common wedding attire in South Africa for the Bridal Party, the groom and groomsmen were all dressed in kilts. He said the kilt was so comfortable and he felt good wearing it. Doesn’t he look good enough for a book cover?
On June 22nd, my third Passport to Romance novella, Glasgow Grace, releases. I loved writing this story set in Scotland, and do I have an awesome hero for readers in Callum McGuire? Complete with kilt (in one scene…but I’m not letting out which one). I will, however, give you a snippet from the story that involves a kilt.
Callum’s lips parted in a smile. “Guess that’s why we were crowned prom king and queen.” Good move on his part to return to the previous conversation.
Skye nudged him in the side with her elbow. “I think it had more to do with you being Mr. Popular in your school.”
“Oh, I think we would’ve had the same problem at your school had your mother allowed me to escort you.” He exhaled. “We know that was never an option for her—me, taking you to your debutante’s ball…”
Skye placed her hand over Callum’s. Until now his had remained only close enough to let her know it was there. Was he waiting for her permission to explore what had been so natural to them as teens? She took the lead and entwined her fingers with his and squeezed. “Da would have let you, but by then he was so ill, no fight left in him to argue any longer with his Rita over you.” She gazed into his eyes. “I wish you had taken me. You would’ve looked dashing in a kilt.”
“Well, you did look amazing in your white ball gown.”
“You saw me? How?”
Callum’s mouth lifted on one side. “I stood in the shadows opposite your house that night, waiting to catch a glimpse of you.”
“You did? You never told me.”
“I know. I felt too foolish the next day. Like a stalker. So, I kept quiet about my lapse into jealousy. I—it was the first time you had been out with anyone but me.”
“And I hated it. Thought of you all night long. Imagined it was your arms holding me as we danced.”
“I spent the night brooding about how much I wanted to kick your kilt-attired escort in his tush.”
Laughter burst from Skye’s mouth. “That would have put new meaning to the Highland fling. I’m very glad you didn’t—you could’ve revealed to the world what a Scotsman wears beneath his kilt.”
What do you think of men in kilts? Do you know of any kilt heroes you can share with us?
I’ll be giving away an eCopy of Glasgow Grace to one reader who leaves a comment on this blog by Friday, 24 June. Here’s the blurb for my first Scottish story.
Opera star, Skye Hunter, returns to the land of her birth as leading lady in Phantom of the Opera. It’s the first time she’s been back to bonnie Scotland since her mother whisked her away to Australia sixteen years ago after Skye’s father died.
When Skye decides to have dinner at McGuire’s, she’s not going there only for Mary McGuire’s Shepherd’s Pie. Her first and only love, Callum McGuire, still plays his guitar and sings at the family-owned tavern.
Callum has never stopped loving Skye. But, desperate to know if she’d want him if he was still a singer in a pub, he keeps his real profession hidden from her. When Skye’s worst nightmare comes true, Callum discloses his secret to save the woman he loves.
Can they rekindle what they had lost, or will Skye’s mother threaten their future together once again?
USA Today bestselling author, MARION UECKERMANN’s passion for writing was sparked when she moved to Ireland with her family. Her love of travel has influenced her contemporary inspirational romances set in novel places. Marion and her husband again live in South Africa and are setting their sights on retirement when they can join their family in the beautiful Cape.
You’re right, Marion, your sister’s grandson does belong on a book cover. He’s very handsome! Thanks for sharing the snippet…I enjoyed it!
Ooh, Australia, Scotland, kilts- sounds like a fun story:) Hmm, don’t know any kilt heroes other than the ones you mentioned, however my schools’ Head of Campus has Scottish ancestry and wears a kilt on our school multicultural day. He also wore a kilt to the Edinbugh Military Tatoo earlier this year- photos were definitely displayed in the staff room!!
Rekindled love in a kilt seems like a great combination. Plus I like the idea of him singing. I fell in love with my husband’s voice (he was our best baritone in the youth choir) long before I loved him. I’m looking forward to read Skye and Callum’s story.
Hi Marion, I loved Callum in Glasgow Grace and I remember the scene with the kilt :) Your sister’s grandson is the perfect cover model for your next book set in Scotland!
Can’t wait for this one, Marion! I’ve gotten my hubs into a kilt once (for Halloween), he looked great, but he won’t let me put the pictures into digital form, so I just have snapshots.
The pictures were great!! It sounds like an interesting story. I’ll have to look it up.
Sounds like another great story to add to my TBR list!!
I have never met anyone that wears a kilt but it’s a Scottish tradition I assume. You sister’s grandson has a nice smile so while a read the excerpt he comes to mine as Callum.
Yes he does look like a cover model. The book ssounds wonderful. Thanks for the interview.
Marion,
This sounds like a really fun book to read! I love everything that has to do Scotland. I’m looking forward to reading this book.
He looks great in a kilt! Sounds like a great read. I am looking forward to reading this story!
I’m anxious to read this book it’s definitely captured my interest.
Oh, I want to read more. What a wonderful snippet from your book, it’s like giving someone a bite of a good dessert and then taking it away.
Congrats on the new book, Marion. I have a fun conversation about my hero in a kilt in Echoes of Edinburgh. :) You can’t very well write about Scotland without mentioning a man in a kilt, right? My cousin’s son, Andrew, who grew up going to Scotland with his parents every summer with photography students (and advised me on the book), married wearing his kilt here in the States. It was quite unique, but I loved it! Blessings.
Looking forward to reading this. Can’t say I’m a huge kilt fan but a few guys can pull it off. =)
I enjoy books set in Scotland or Ireland. My ancestors came from both.
That young man is so handsome. The book looks wonderful and romantic. I can’t wait to read it.
Hi! Your new book sounds very interesting! My ancestors are also from Scotland ( the MacIntosh Clan), and although my father didn’t wear a kilt, he often wore a tie with the family tartan!
Thanks all for your comments. I’m travelling Scotland at the moment, so my Internet access very limited, therefore my collective response.
A very handsome young man. He’s definitely worthy of a cover.
Great pictures of your grandson. What a fun wedding that must have been.
Where did you find the hunk to model for you lol
Oh my goodness! This book sounds amazing! Gonna have to add it to my “want to read” list!
We have an annual Highland Games her in Greenville, SC but I have never attended!
I’m Scottish and married a Scot. He wore his kilt, as did many of our guests including both Dads and the best man. My son, born in England, is horrified at the thought of ever wearing one and I never like to remind him that I have lovely photos of when he was five, dressed in a kilt for my sisters wedding! You can never go wrongful with a hero in a kilt!
This brings back memories of our visit to Scotland! Wish I were there with you! I don’t think kilts would work well for every man, but some definitely do them justice! My daughter brought a kilt back from Scotland for one of my sons, and he looked pretty good in it! Your story sounds fascinating. I’ll have to put it on my TBR list. I love stories set in Scotland. :)
Your sister’s grandson is very book cover model worthy. This sounds like a great story
Yes, this sounds like a fun story. I have Scottish ancestors, and when I was little, a friend brought my parents some yardage in our ancestral tartan, so I had a skirt out of it when I was about 5 years old!
There are several places in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where the Scotch-Irish settled. Occasionally there are ‘highland’ games and parades and it makes my heart flutter to hear the bagpipes and see the gentlemen in kilts. As a matter of fact, I had a bagpiper play the bridal march for my wedding! However, my husband refused to wear a kilt (or skirt as he called it). Maybe one day I’ll convince him how handsome he would be in a kilt!
Kilts have to be worn with confidence or not at all! Bagpipes always make me cry. Looking forward to reading Glasgow Grace!