Friday, May 13, 2011

HIGHLANDER WEEK: Character Interview & Giveaway w/author Catherine Bybee of Redeeming Vows

(Re-Post) Welcome to the second half of Day 4 in Highlander Week!
The fantastic author Catherine Bybee of the MacCoinnich Time Travel Trilogy allowed me to interview one of her characters from her latest, and final, novel in the trilogy - Redeeming Vows

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Crystal: Hi Lizzy! Thanks for taking time away from your family to hop back to the 21st century for an interview!

Lizzy: Thanks for having me here, Crystal.

Crystal: Did you ever believe time travel was possible before your sister, Tara, disappeared?

Lizzy: If someone had told me time travel was possible before Tara disappeared, I’d have encouraged them to find a good shrink. C’mon! But after months of searching for Tara and coming up with nothing…

Crystal: What does it feel like, jumping from one time to another?

Lizzy: Good question. Think of every science fiction wormhole you’ve seen on TV, with the different colors swirling all around you and the sound of a tornado crushing in… that’s how it sounds and how it looks, but how it feels... Gravity sucks you down, or up, or whatever the hell it’s doing, before dumping you into a different time. I get a little nauseous just thinking about it. Tara passed out when she jumped through time. Then again, she didn’t know what was happening. I at least knew I was defying every law ever preached by my teachers when I was in school.

Crystal: What’s the coolest thing about your druid powers?

Lizzy: I guess that would depend. The most useful thing is being able to start a fire with a flick of my fingers. In the 21st century that wouldn’t do a whole lot of good unless I camped a lot. Which I didn’t. But that same energy helps me charge electronics. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking…’What kind of electronics do you have in the 16th century?’ – Duah, those I’ve brought with me from the 21st. There’s nothing like an I Pod and a little rock and roll to kill some of the hours here.

My coolest gift, however, is one I can’t really talk about. Sorry, but Catherine doesn’t want to spoil my story before you’ve had a chance to read it. I will say this, “It’s Wicked!”

Crystal: What are three cons and three pros about living in the 16th century?

Lizzy:
No Toilet
No Toilet
No Toilet

Followed close by:
No Shower
No Shower
No Shower

Okay, I’ll be serious… maybe. Besides, I have Fin working on a bathroom for me. I told him I didn’t give a rats ass that he’d have to explain to anyone who saw it where the water came from or where the ‘waste’ went. I want some hot running water and a place to pee indoors that doesn’t stink!

Okay, so… three cons – Working bathroom. That really has to be #1. Followed by junk food. What I wouldn’t give for a bag of Hershey kisses or, gasp, pizza. The people here think tomatoes are poisonous. Crazy that! The third con is probably more concerning than any. People here really do fight to the death. No metaphoric anything. I’m not so worried about me, but my son, Simon, he loves it here. There’s no way I’ll convince him to go back to our time. The thought of him sticking a broadsword into someone, or god forbid, someone doing the same to him… It makes me sick just thinking about it.

Okay, Three pros – I’m in the best shape ever! And the men! Holy cow, batman. They are all so kilt-a-licious. I’m partial to Fin, but I have eyes and Scotland grows her men big. All their macho BS keeps them in great shape. No middle age bulge or spare tire from watching too much TV on the weekends. Another pro is family. Not just the MacCoinnichs, either. It’s like everyone is one big family all working to make things good for each other. It isn’t about who has the biggest TV or the nicest car.

The other big pro for me is Fin, the big lug. Don’t tell him I told you this, but living without him isn’t an option for me. Besides, he needs me to keep him in line.

Crystal: Can you name one thing about Fin that makes your knees weak and one thing that drives you crazy?

Lizzy: Let’s start with the crazy. Cuz, darlin’ he makes me friggin nuts at times. He thinks he knows everything! His ‘I’m the man you need to listen to me crap’ is so over the top I need to zap him (literally) to remind him who he’s talking to. His ego… boy, he saw the cover for Redeeming Vows, pointed at it and said... “See there, lass, I’m the one people are going to buy the book for.” I had to remind him that he’s the eye-candy for the cover, but the women want to know how I adjusted to his time. The big jerk. But he does look good on the cover, don’t ya think?

Okay, the weak knees part. Just between you and me… The harder we fight, the better the sex. Lord that man can kiss and what he does with his tongue… Oh, never mind. Let’s just say that all those muscles that keep me safe have an amazing way of holding onto me. Fin make me feel like I’m the most special thing in the world. In this century, men will die for their women, but Fin… he’d take on a whole army to defend me, and honey, that’s so friggin’ hot! Don’t tell him I said that or he’d be impossible to live with. It’s much better if he doesn’t know everything going on inside my head.

Crystal: Fin is definitely hot! LoL But I totally understand. Thank you again, Lizzy, for stopping bye!

~*GIVEAWAY*~

Catherine is giving away one digital copy of her newest Highlander release and the last novel in her time travel trilogy, Redeeming Vows.
For her own safety, modern day, single mom, Lizzy McAllister is forced to bow to the medieval men who surround her when she's thrust back in time to the sixteenth century against her will. When Lizzie finds herself trapped in time with Fin, the one man she finds both irresistible and maddening, she agrees to combine forces with him to rid Scotland of the evil witch, Grainna. Finlay MacCoinnich's attraction to Lizzie sizzles the very air they breathe. Tearing down the solid walls the woman has built around her won't be easy, but he's willing to do anything to keep her by his side. When a spell cast by their deadliest foe throws them forward in time, will they manage to find their way back in time to save their family from peril? And will Lizzy willingly stay in his time, or abandon him altogether?                                                  Read an Excerpt                                                                        Watch the trailer                                                             Purchase: Amazon B&N

To enter, just leave a comment answering this question:

What would one con and one pro be for you, living in the 16th century?

Make sure to leave an email address with your comment.
Giveaway ends at 11:59pm on May 21st, open Internationally.


44 comments:

  1. Thanks again for having me here today, Crystal.

    ReplyDelete
  2. If the man in the picture could...JUST..DROP..THE ...TARTEN.....Nope.darn it...sigh....oops sorry side tracked there. In answer to your questions, the pro's would be the ladies dresses. Loving the corsets and gowns, cons...the streets full of open sewers and garbage that play havoc with long frocks. Loved the post.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Con: People didn't really get old back then and don't even get me started on hygiene standards ...
    Pro: I'm assuming that guys were in a lot better shape due to all the physical work *drool*.

    danaan at gmx dot at

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great interview! Let’s see, my PRO: lack of laziness, not TV, phone, or internet to distract me and make me into a couch potato
    Con: Lack of plumbing…I’m not much for “roughing it”
    booksavvybabe AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Catherine and Crystal!

    Oh, Fin and Lizzy. YAY!!! Love this series!

    Biggest con: PLUMBING, or the lack thereof. I've lived off the grid before with no running water, etc. No fun!

    Biggest pro: No distractions. I know I make my living on a computer and my I really do love Food Network, but there is something so simple and nourishing about living without those things. It's a slower, if harder at times, way of life.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Amen Margaret! Let's chant - Drop it, drop it... Drop! It! LOL

    Birgit: Much better shape.

    Heather: No plumbing is a deal killer for me.

    Lynne: I hear ya. I'd never have to worry much about losing 10 pounds.

    Thanks for stopping by ladies!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hey Catherine! I enjoyed Binding Vows and I was so excited to see Lizzy there :) It's nice knowing she won't have to worry about her sister anymore.

    And Fin...NIIIICCEEEE.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thank you, Catherine, for such a fun interview!

    I agree with the majority that indoor plumbing would be the #1 con. I like my showers and I think a loch would be way too cold for me to jump in. Brr...
    How about watching the sword training for a pro? Outside, plain view, shirtless, hot bods! It'd be like 16th century UFC but with broadswords.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I've read one of the books in these series so far and LOVED IT! I want to read the newest one!

    I think living back in time would be cool, but I'd miss some of the things about today. :)

    Plumbing and such, for sure.

    But it would be neat to see what kind of things went on back then.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Princess, darlin' don't miss Myra and Todd's story right in the middle of these two. I'm not sure which one is my favorite.

    Crystal: You have to wonder if the women really knew what they had back then? No wonder they married them off at 14 and 15 years old. The girls that is.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Nikki - Thanks, a recap here - Binding Vows (Book One)
    Silent Vows (Book Two)
    Redeeming Vows (Book Three)

    I love reading books in order, but each stands alone.

    Oh, a heads up to all those who wanna know--

    Highland Shifter (Simon's Story) is my current Work In Progress

    ReplyDelete
  12. Con would definately be the lack of plumbing/sewer systems. I don't even want to imagine living without indoor plumbing and a sewage system.

    Pro would definately be the men. At least those in books and movies are HOT! Very sexy, strong, alpha men who are loyal and protective. Who wouldn't love one of them, especially when combined with the accent and a kilt.

    GFC follower: June M.
    manning_j3004 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. (Comment Re-Post)
    Nikki: I've read one of the books in these series so far and LOVED IT! I want to read the newest one!

    I think living back in time would be cool, but I'd miss some of the things about today. :)

    Plumbing and such, for sure.

    But it would be neat to see what kind of things went on back then.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Time Travel? I LOVE time travel!

    One pro - definitely the men. There's just another class of men in that time period..

    One con - the way men treat women. And the lack of computers and INDOOR TOILETS! Eek.

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    Amanda
    ohmorningglow AT aol DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  15. (Comment Re-Post)
    Catherine Bybee: Nikki - Thanks, a recap here - Binding Vows (Book One)
    Silent Vows (Book Two)
    Redeeming Vows (Book Three)

    I love reading books in order, but each stands alone.

    Oh, a heads up to all those who wanna know--

    Highland Shifter (Simon's Story) is my current Work In Progress

    ReplyDelete
  16. (Comment Re-Post)
    June M.: Con would definately be the lack of plumbing/sewer systems. I don't even want to imagine living without indoor plumbing and a sewage system.

    Pro would definately be the men. At least those in books and movies are HOT! Very sexy, strong, alpha men who are loyal and protective. Who wouldn't love one of them, especially when combined with the accent and a kilt.

    GFC follower: June M.
    manning_j3004 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  17. One con living in the 16th century. No tampons

    One pro
    Sex with a buff Highlander who is chasing me down and I can just sit and wait for him to get his wooing on!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Pro is very strong and brawny Highlanders.

    Con is no bathroom or toilet paper...:-(

    rjofus AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  19. (comment re-post)
    Birgit:
    Con: People didn't really get old back then and don't even get me started on hygiene standards ...
    Pro: I'm assuming that guys were in a lot better shape due to all the physical work *drool*.

    danaan at gmx dot at

    ReplyDelete
  20. (Comment re-post)
    Catherine Bybee:
    Thanks again for having me here today, Crystal.

    ReplyDelete
  21. (Comment re-post)
    Margaret West: If the man in the picture could...JUST..DROP..THE ...TARTEN.....Nope.darn it...sigh....oops sorry side tracked there. In answer to your questions, the pro's would be the ladies dresses. Loving the corsets and gowns, cons...the streets full of open sewers and garbage that play havoc with long frocks. Loved the post.

    ReplyDelete
  22. (Comment Re-Post)
    Heather (booksavvybabe): Great interview! Let’s see, my PRO: lack of laziness, not TV, phone, or internet to distract me and make me into a couch potato
    Con: Lack of plumbing…I’m not much for “roughing it”
    booksavvybabe AT gmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  23. (Comment re-post)
    Lynne Roberts: Hi Catherine and Crystal!

    Oh, Fin and Lizzy. YAY!!! Love this series!

    Biggest con: PLUMBING, or the lack thereof. I've lived off the grid before with no running water, etc. No fun!

    Biggest pro: No distractions. I know I make my living on a computer and my I really do love Food Network, but there is something so simple and nourishing about living without those things. It's a slower, if harder at times, way of life.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Comment re-post)
    Catherine Bybee: Amen Margaret! Let's chant - Drop it, drop it... Drop! It! LOL

    Birgit: Much better shape.

    Heather: No plumbing is a deal killer for me.

    Lynne: I hear ya. I'd never have to worry much about losing 10 pounds.

    Thanks for stopping by ladies!

    ReplyDelete
  25. (comment re-post)
    Thank you, Catherine, for such a fun interview!

    I agree with the majority that indoor plumbing would be the #1 con. I like my showers and I think a loch would be way too cold for me to jump in. Brr...
    How about watching the sword training for a pro? Outside, plain view, shirtless, hot bods! It'd be like 16th century UFC but with broadswords.

    ReplyDelete
  26. (Comment re-post)
    prettyprincess080: Hey Catherine! I enjoyed Binding Vows and I was so excited to see Lizzy there :) It's nice knowing she won't have to worry about her sister anymore.

    And Fin...NIIIICCEEEE.

    ReplyDelete
  27. (Comment re-post)
    Catherine Bybee: Princess, darlin' don't miss Myra and Todd's story right in the middle of these two. I'm not sure which one is my favorite.

    Crystal: You have to wonder if the women really knew what they had back then? No wonder they married them off at 14 and 15 years old. The girls that is.

    ReplyDelete
  28. One con would have to be having to haul tons and tons of water for a hot bath does not sound like fun

    One pro would be the beautiful surroundings just being able to take it all in

    Ktalley28@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. One pro is that men are more sexy and masculine in the 16th century.

    One con is that technology is very outdated and internet and other stuff don't exist yet.

    the_joe_files88(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  30. One pro would be less pollution.
    One con would be lack of plumbing and electricity.
    marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  31. One con of living in the 16th century would be the lack of modern medicine.

    One pro were the men because they knew how to court a woman.

    Thank you for this giveaway!

    redfirewood888(AT)yahoo(DOT)ca

    ReplyDelete
  32. Con= Bathroom
    Pro= Simplicity of life

    rootml1 AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Cons-Disease, hygiene, no plumbing or electricity.

    Pros- less pollution, a simpler life, no freaking ambulance sirens at 4 am!

    ceeenndee at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  34. One pro would be the beautiful dresses the women wore and the con would be no plumbing electricity and the diseases. Please enter me in contest. I would love to read this book. Tore923@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  35. That's a great question. I love that era and set my own time travel there! Let's see, a pro would be being able to see Shakespeare live. A con? Besides the toilet situation? No French fries or milkshakes. :) -laura h.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Pro: Much lets stressful life. Just different

    Con: Lack of technology!

    lisasworldofbooks @ charter.net

    ReplyDelete
  37. For me it would

    no music,
    great environment

    recupefashion@hotmail.fr

    ReplyDelete
  38. I'd say a pro were those beautifully built men.
    A con--no plumbing and no antibiotics.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. I agree with everyone else that one con for me living in the 16th century would be the lack of indoor plumbing (toilet, shower) and one pro be the men because I'm sure everyone was more active in their lifestyles back then, so all the men will have a great physique for me to ogle at, lol :)

    chibipooh(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  40. This sounds very good thank you so much! Con- No Bathrooms!
    Pro- sexy Highlanders :)
    tishajean@ charter.net

    ReplyDelete
  41. Pro- just the way of life back then and the men are gentlemanly(not that I don't like a rogue ;) just I like the all proper romance and courtship(romantic fool here LOL)

    Cons - definitely bathing and lack of toilets )

    vampiremistress2010(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  42. *waves madly* Hi Lizzy! And Crystal! And Catherine!

    I know how you feel Lizzy - men are such jerks sometimes, but delicious jerks ;) (Just stopping to say hi, please don't enter me - I have it! ;) )

    ReplyDelete
  43. Con: lack of plumbing

    Pro: there is more of an appreciation of nature and there would be more space and land than civilization/ cities

    smccar1 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Thanks again everyone for stopping by.

    ReplyDelete

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