Blair, Sandy

PERSONAL:

Married; children: three.

ADDRESSES:

Home—Dallas, TX. E-mail—[email protected].

CAREER:

Writer. Former pediatric nurse.

AWARDS, HONORS:

Golden Heart award for best paranormal romance, Romance Writers of America (RWA), 2003, Write Touch Award and National Reads Choice Awards for Best Paranormal Romance, both RWA, both 2005, all for A Man in a Kilt; Golden Quill Winner for Best Romantic Novella and Barclay Gold Winner from RWA, both 2006, both for novella "The Accidental Duchess."

WRITINGS:

FICTION

A Man in a Kilt, Kensington (New York, NY), 2004.

A Rogue in a Kilt, Kensington (New York, NY), 2004.

(With Debbie Raleigh and Regan Allen) How to Marry a Duke, Kensington (New York, NY), 2005.

A Thief in a Kilt, Kensington (New York, NY), 2006.

SIDELIGHTS:

Sandy Blair is the author of a series of award-winning Highland romances with a paranormal twist. Her debut novel, A Man in a Kilt, involves New Yorker Beth Pudding, who inherits a haunted castle in Scotland. Once there, she encounters the ghost of Duncan MacDougall, then finds herself sent back in time, where she is betrothed to him. "Not many authors," commented a contributor to Mystic Castle online, "are able to tell a tale of a ghost in present day Scotland who is tortured, cursed and bound to his home until just the right person is able to release him from the binds that tied him." As Blair commented in an interview for the Idea Boutique Web log, "My first novel … came to life while I sat on a cliff overlooking my husband's paternal ancestral home, Stalker Castle in Appin, Scotland and wondered what it might be like to inherit and then live in an island bound fortress." The resulting novel was a "witty and enchanting debut," according to John Charles in Booklist. Writing in the Romantic Times, Kathe Robin concluded that "Blair will certainly brighten your day with her delightful debut."

The MacDougall clan is again featured in A Rogue in a Kilt, in which Duncan's relative Angus must find a bride within three months to win an estate. He sets out on his search, but is hampered by the presence of a female healer named Birdi whom he encounters in the forest. Soon, however, Angus discovers that this seem- ing encumbrance to his romantic adventures is much more than a burden. Reviewing this second novel in the Romantic Times, Robin noted: "You'll fall in love with Angus and Birdi, whose frying-pan-into-the-fire adventures add more to an already enthralling romance." Similar praise came from Booklist critic Charles, who called the work a "sinfully sexy and simply fun Scottish historical."

Blair's third Highland novel, A Thief in a Kilt, is a "lighthearted historical romance," according to a Publishers Weekly reviewer. Set in the fifteenth century, it features the adventures of a London tutor, Kate Templeton, who travels to Scotland intent on aiding the imprisoned King James I of Scotland, and of Ian MacKay, who is called the "Thief of Hearts." MacKay is apparently an enemy of King James, but he is actually secretly working to restore the King to power. When he and Kate meet in Scotland, the stage is set for misunderstanding and thwarted love. The Publishers Weekly contributor praised Blair's "attention to historical and regional detail" in this "winning read." Further praise came from Charles in another Booklist review, who called A Thief in a Kilt "another fabulously fun and splendidly sexy tale." Likewise, Romance Reader reviewer Amanda Waters declared that "Blair's fast-paced style and sharp wit makes this one a must read!"

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL SOURCES:

PERIODICALS

Booklist, September 1, 2004, John Charles, review of A Man in a Kilt, p. 71; November 15, 2004, John Charles, review of A Rogue in a Kilt, p. 566; September 15, 2006, John Charles, review of A Thief in a Kilt, p. 37.

Publishers Weekly, October 2, 2006, review of A Thief in a Kilt, p. 45.

ONLINE

Best Reviews,http://www.thebestreviews.com/ (August 16, 2004), Shayne Sawyer, review of A Man in a Kilt; (November 17, 2004), Tammie Ard, review of A Rogue in a Kilt; (November 29, 2004), Harriet Klausner, review of A Rogue in a Kilt; (November 5, 2006), Harriet Klausner, review of A Thief in a Kilt.

Buns and Roses Romance Literacy Tea,http://bunsandrosestea.org/ (December 11, 2006), "There's Nothing Like a Highland Fling with a Man in a Kilt."

Idea Boutique Web log,http://ideaboutique.blogspot.com/ October 25, 2006, brief biography of Sandy Blair.

Mystic Castle,http://www.themysticcastle.com/ (December 11, 2006), "Author Spotlight for Sandy Blair."

Romance Reader,http://www.theromancereader.com/ (December 11, 2006), Amanda Waters, review of A Thief in a Kilt.

Romance Review,http://www.aromancereview.com/ (December 11, 2006), "This Month Debbie Chats with Sandy Blair."

Romantic Times,http://www.theromantictimes.com/ (December 11, 2006), Kathe Robin, reviews of How to Marry a Duke, A Man in a Kilt, A Rogue in a Kilt, and A Thief in a Kilt.

Sandy Blair Home Page,http://www.sandyblair.com (December 11, 2006).