Today my guest is Julianne Maclean. I’m not even sure when I met Julianne the first time – it might have been when I was the keynote speaker at the Marshlands RWA conference in Moncton NB in 1998. Either way, it’s been a while. Julianne is every bit as charming and gracious and just plain nice as you might imagine, either from reading her books or following her online. (You can find Julianne online on Facebook, right here, and her website is here.) I’m delighted to have her here today.
Please welcome Julianne!
Julianne MacLean – on her Highlander Trilogy Conclusion
What would you do if you were trapped up against a Scottish standing stone by a savage beast of a Highlander with wild vengeance in his eyes?
That’s what happens in the first meet scene of my new historical romance, SEDUCED BY THE HIGHLANDER, and let me tell you, it was the most fun I had writing an opening scene in ages.
Those of you who have read my books in the past will know that I’ve been writing romances set in the late-Victorian period, and have written my share of ballroom scenes. Sometimes, however, a writer needs to shake things up a bit and explore new territory, which is why I was itching to start a new trilogy with a different setting and time period.
I couldn’t have chosen anything more dramatic than Scotland during the aftermath of the 1715 Jacobite Rebellion. These were turbulent times, and I’m quite sure that ballroom gossip was the last thing on a Highlander’s mind when he was charging across a battlefield with a terrifying war cry, drawing his claymore to meet his foe.
Okay, let’s stop right there.
THAT is the reason I wanted to write about the Highlands. Sure, the mountains and the mists are beautiful and all that, but it was the notion of the rugged, brawny warrior who borders on the barbaric that stirred my imagination.
What is it about a big, dangerous, savage in a kilt that gets under our skin?
I openly confess that I enjoyed exploring this question in all three books in my Highlander Trilogy. Each “first meet” scene was a thrill to write on every level. The heroine in the first book is an English debutante traveling north to marry her scarlet-uniformed gentleman fiancé, and when the hero breaks into her room, she is terrified of him – and rightly so, because he’s looking pretty angry and carrying a big, heavy axe. Then he drags her off into the night to parts unknown.
In the second book, the hero brings and army to invade the heroine’s castle, and after a triumphant conquest, he claims her as his bride.
In the third book, which releases today, the hero is cursed by a seductive witch and hunts her down three years later to regain his freedom from the curse. When he finds her, she is disguised as an heiress and claims she can’t remember anything about her life (much less how to break the curse), so he kidnaps her in order to help jog her memory.
There were so many complex emotions and conflicts to delve into in all three books. The characters were at war with each other in the opening scenes, which made the story arcs a challenging roller coaster of discovery and transformation. There were days when I, as the writer, didn’t know how the heroine was going to survive a certain situation, much less grow to love her enemy.
But isn’t that what we love best about romance novels? Even the most tortured, conflicted characters can overcome their demons and learn how to be gentle, and how to love.
Each of my Highlanders are rough and frightening, at least on the surface. But by the end of each book, a strong and loving woman helps him to find peace.
Thanks for joining me today, and please leave a comment about what kind of hero you love best. Do you like the dangerous, brooding type, or a more polite well-mannered gentleman? I’m going to give away three copies of CLAIMED BY THE HIGHLANDER to three lucky commenters, so don’t be shy!
Deborah Cooke: Author 
126 responses to “Visit from Julianne Maclean”
Oh, these stories and heroes sound yummy! I’ve never been able to pull off a rough and rugged hero in my own writing, but I love to read about them. Do you find them easier, or harder to write than a gentleman?
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Although all good girls are supposed to prefer a gentleman…and there are a lot of delicious gentlemen to be had…being a good girl isn’t all it’s cracked up to be all the time, especially if you have to miss out on the dangerous, brooding heroes. Can I just have one of each, please?!
Oh, and of course now that you’ve whet my appetite for dangerous, brooding highlanders, I’m going to have to load up my Kindle with yours. lol.
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I prefer a dangerous, brooding type 🙂
Because they are more interesting and passionate :))
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Tall, dark and handsome…one that takes matters into his own hands!
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polite and well-mannered are nice, but you have to love the dangerous, brooding type!
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I would love to have one of the books – I am a big fan of romance!
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Nothing better than a dangerous, frightening, and savage hero!!!
These books sound wonderful and I can’t wait to start reading them 🙂
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I love the rough, rugged Scottish men. What fun is there to tame a gentleman? I always think of them as simpering fools. Not in your books of course, but in general that is what comes to mind. Give me rugged outdoorsy scotsman anyday.
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I love both types….but the quiet, gentlemen type can be very surprising (and inventive).
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Give me a Highlander any day!
Barbaric? no, just all man.
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I prefer the polite, well-mannered gentleman who can be dangerous when he has to. 🙂
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I LIKE TO READ ABOUT THE DANGEROUS BROODING TYPE BUT AM VERY HAPPY WITH MY POLITE WEL MANNERED GENTLEMAN!
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I like both – even the ones that appear to be quiet & well-mannered often have a hidden, dangerous side.
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I think I like a troubled hero best. It is always a more compelling story to me if the hero has issues or things that he has to overcome along with trying to win the “bride”. Some of the nice, well mannered type have bored me and don’t really hold my interest.
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I like a strong alpha male who is a Navy Seal or CIA agent. Sexy, strong and smart. I can’t wait to read this book. It sounds great Julianne. Congrats!
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I can’t wait to read this book!
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LOVE the strong, dark, alpha male!!!!! Navy Seal, dark ops, special forces….woohoo! I have never read about a highlander, but just might start now!!!!!
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You gotta love both types…depending on the story and/or your mood. I believe the Highlander types have to be moody and brooding and fierce and dangerous and………
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Much prefer the dangerous, brooding type. More complex and mysterious.
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I like a hero who is kind and helpful and caring and daring!!!
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What is it about a big, dangerous, savage in a kilt that gets under our skin? It is the romantic idea that you could be the one to tame him…… Can you imagine being a mom and knowing your daughter is interested in this type of guy???? That is what fantasies are about and you, Julianne, weave this in such a way that makes us all think it possible. Thank you for all the great hours of reading. In your books, I believe that this ole girl could be ‘Claimed by a Highlander”. Helen in Ark
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I like the dangerous, brooding type. Your book sounds great. Love the cover.
Crystal816[at}hotmail[dot]com
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I have read all your books so far. I think your fabulous!
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I love Scotland, loved Scottish love stories, love forceful Scottish men…. did I mention I love Scotland?
Can’t wait to read your new series.
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As a Scots descendent, I yearn to capture this title! Tried last week and missed…..perhaps this week for a new, exciting, and romantic read before next month’s 50th Annual Salado (Texas) Scottish Clan Gathering & Highland Games.
Best wishes for continued success!…..Carla in Austin, Texas
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I just bought Seduced by the Highlander. Can’t wait to sit down and start reading–darn–wish it wasn’t a work day!
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There is just something so sexy about a man in a kilt. An alpha in a kilt is even better!
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I love the dangerous, brooding type (but I also want him to have a gentle, soft side when needed!)
I have been a fan of your historical romances for years. Keep on writing!
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I have always love romance novels that take place in Scotland, Wales or Ireland so I look forward to picking up your book and reading it.
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Hi julianne,
Great post! So looking forward to another great story.
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I like my hero to be funny, strong,a bit dangerous and maybe with a secret.
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Dangerous in books real life business man in suit.
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Oh My!. My daughter and I would both love to read your latest release. I have your others on my wish list and adding CLAIMED BY THE HIGHLANDER. I like a romantic story with those hunky Highlanders. Great cover. Thanks for stopping by to chat and share with us and this great giveaway.
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Definitely love the brooding alpha males! Especially when they fall in love and try to fight it, but end up whipped in the end 😉
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I love the rugged, bad guy sort of type for a hero, I love the rugged hero in a kilt too! I’m not so much for the “gentleman’s gentleman” if you get my drift. I prefer my hero’s to be bold, forthright and upfront in everything they do. Not afraid of anything and they do things their way. Keep up to wonderful writing!
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I have enjoyed all of the Highlander series and am looking forward to this one. I will put it o my Nook if I don’t win before I go to visit my grandchildren in VA.
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I love the dangerous, brooding type hero it adds a little something extra to the story.
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I love Highlanders. It’s my favorite read. I absolutely love the dangerous and brooding. They’re so passionate in their actions and yet when they love it’s with a tenderness that ‘s so beautiful. sigh….:)
Loved the first book and the next two are on my TRL. Enjoyed your post Julianne.
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com
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I much prefer a dangerous, brooding type! Much more fun to read about.
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I love this series, Please keep them coming, as there is nothing sexier than a man in a kilt.
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I think my brain desires the well-mannered gentleman, but my heart desires the dark, brooding hero!
Please enter me in the drawing. I would love to win a copy of the book!
Linda Cacaci
LinCaca3@aol.com
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I love to read about Highlanders – they are my favorite. I think they are more rugged and dangerous with a true sens of honor and they carry a big sword 🙂
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I am a long time fan of Ms Macleans books! She makes reading fun! I like the tall dark brooding bad boy who’s really a gentlemen at heart. He’s good when he needs to be but can be a bad boy too 😉
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Love this series! I like the rugged, brooding, dangerous bad-ass hero in books. But in real life, I don’t have the patience or tolerance for it and would either just stay completely out of their orbit, or punch them.
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Every woman wants a mix of the two men! Can’t wait to read your new book, Julianne!
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I look forward to reading it.
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I lean towards the dangerous, brooding type. I can’t wait to read this book!
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These highlander books are one of my favorites to read. I can’t wait to read the next. I sure hope there will be more…..
You always want a gentleman who has a dangerous side to keep things very interesting….
Heidi
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Hi Julianne! I have never had the pleasure of reading one of your books, but they sound yummy! Scotland is such a beautiful place and it’s history is steeped in history. Can’t wait to read your books!
I prefer reading about a dark and dangerous brooding hero that is tamed by his heroine.
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I can’t wait to read this book to complete the series and I can’t wait for your new series.
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