I’ve written four historical romances either set in Scotland or featuring a Scottish hero or heroine. The people fascinate me, the countryside is gorgeous and the history is full of conflict, heroism and tragedy. Besides, I could never resist a man in a kilt. Seriously. There is something very sexy about a man confident enough to wear a skirt. There are also plenty of titillating jokes about what men wear (or don’t wear) under the kilt. I’ve personally never been brave enough to ask or look, so I don’t know for certain. But I wouldn’t mind finding out!
In Scots speak, the word kilt means “tucking the clothes around the body.” The kilt actually started out as a cloak wrapped around the upper part of the body and then tucked in, belted or fastened with a brooch. It wasn’t until the late 17th century that the walking kilt, or the skirted kilt, was worn by men. Scottish clans used the kilt as a way of identifying and distinguishing themselves. The kilt itself enjoyed great popularity in Scotland until they were banned in 1746 by the English king who felt that the kilts permitted the Scots to display too much fevered nationalism.
THE THORN & THE THISTLE starts six years after the English king subjugated the Scottish Highlanders and forbid them to wear the kilt, play the bagpipes or own land. One Scottish Highlander, Robert MacLeod, refuses to stop his struggle against the English and his daring antics have caught the attention of the King himself. The King sends one of his most trusted lords, Rolf St. James, to capture MacLeod and bring him to London for a public execution. Rolf expects the challenge to be daunting, but he never thought his greatest resistance would be in the form of a fiery Scottish woman.
In honor of the release of the THE THORN & THE THISTLE, I’ll do a random drawing and give away a free copy of the novel to anyone who comments on this post or offers insight as to what they like best about men in kilts. Have fun, be creative, and good luck!!
The cover blurb for THE THORN & THE THISTLE:
The MacLeods are a strong clan, united with their fellow Scots to resist English rule. But when their leader, the Black Wolf, is struck down in battle, it is up to his daughter to keep the rebellion alive. Megan knows she must act quickly or risk losing the fight for their ancestral lands. Desperate, she secretly assumes the Black Wolf’s mantle, fooling their enemies into thinking he’s still alive. If she can keep going for a bit longer, the clan’s future will be secure…
Rolf St. James has been sent by the king to settle the Scottish lands once and for all. He’s not about to let a woman get in his way, no matter how desirable he finds her. He must put aside his attraction and fulfill his duty to permanently quell the rebellion, regardless of the cost.
Rolf represents everything her father hated, everything she’s been fighting against. But as the days pass and Rolf’s code of honor reveals itself, Megan finds it’s not so easy to hate him anymore. Can she risk her people’s future for a chance at personal happiness?
Buy The THORN & THE THISTLE at Carina Press, Amazon and B&N.
Julie Moffett is a bestselling and award-winning author who writes in the genres of historical romance, paranormal romance and mystery. Learn more about Julie and her books on Facebook, Twitter and her website.
Tags: historical romance, Julie Moffett, kilt, Scottish romance
Way to go Julie!!!!
I, too, have been fascinated by men confident enough to wear kilts, and have never had the courage to ask what’s underneath. Maybe I should put finding out on my bucket list! When I do find out, Julie, I will let you know.
In the words of another wonderful author who loves men in kilts. She said, “Seriously, what’s not to love about a man in a kilt? He can have you up against the wall in five seconds flat.”
Congratulations on the release of your latest book Julie!
In gratitude,
Marissa
Thanks, Michelle!!!
@Lori: Can’t wait to hear what you discover. Details, please!
@Marissa:
Love that phrase and why, yes, I think five seconds or less should do it! Ha!
Julie
What I imagine is some sort of branded undergarment. Silk shorts with Coat of Arms buttons?
@Suzy: Love that idea. May have to write that in sometime.
I dunno but it won a blue ribbon………. Sorry couldn’t resist the old joke
@Terry: Ha, ha!! Good to know about the ribbon!
What’s not to love about a man on a kilt. It’s always fun to imagine what might be underneath.
Ah, a man in a kilt, what’s not to love. Although I have always wondered about what’s underneath, too, Julie. But I have a very vivid imagination, which is probably better than actually knowing, right?
I love how your books don’t use Scotland as just a convenient backdrop, but instead are deeply intertwined with the history and culture. As for kilts, I am very much looking forward to the day my fiance gets one of his own to model for me, “regimental” of course!
I, personally, find the five seconds or less part exciting. My favorite romances are the historical. I own a number……but do NOT ask for names of books. I just remember the stories. Consequently, i’ve read different “facts”. The wild times, before the English took over, mostly, nothing underneath. It must be remembered, that the land was wild, and barren. They were mostly shepherds and poor farmers and fishermen, barely making it. They could not afford underwear. The city folks of that time may have had something more conventional. But, the city folk also had more contact with English. So, its possible that they had similar stuff to what the English gentry wore.
I’ve always wondered if kilt-wearing men feel cold. I know I feel cold when I wear a skirt in winter — and I always layer leggings underneath.
I think the best thing about a kilt would be easy access
@Ann:
Yes, you are right!! Especially since I have a BIG imagination!! Ha!
@Kathy: Yes, our writer imaginations can run amok — especially in the case of a kilt. I don’t think that’s a bad thing!
@Linda: Let me know how that kilt modeling gig works out for your man!!
@Kantu: So glad we are all in agreement about the five second thing!!
@Justine: I always wondered how men wore kilts in the winter without anything underneath. Do the Scots have a stronger disposition in this way? Good question!!
@Carrie: I’m all for easy access!!
I’m going to put all of your names in a hat and draw a winner tomorrow for the book!!
It’s not too late for your friends to enter! I’m going to draw the name tomorrow evening.
Stand by ….
Julie
Okay, time for the drawing for the free ebook. The names are in a hat. I’m swishing them up. I’m reaching in. Hooray, I’ve got a name. I open it up and the winner is … drumroll … ANN S. Congratulations, Ann! Please send me your e-mail address and in what format you would like THE THORN & THE THISTLE!!! Congratulations and I hope you enjoy it!!
Julie
juliemoffett at yahoo . com