FROS brings you . . . DOUGAL MACLEAN!
Jan 19th 2008
Karen HawkinsGoddess Eye Candy
A lot of romance authors will use a picture to spur their imagination as they craft their heroines and, especially, their heroes.
I must admit I did the same for the hero of my new book, TO CATCH A HIGHLANDER, which comes out THIS TUESDAY.
Most of my heroes are tall, dark, and handsome. Dougal is tall, blond, and devastatingly sexy. He’s one of the most fun heroes I’ve written . . . and my, I fell hard for him. In fact, suave, sophisticated Dougal is one of my all time favorites.
Here’s the picture I used as inspiration.
I hope you all find Dougal MacLean in TO CATCH A HIGHLANDER just as inspiring as this picture was for me. I’m not usually a Brad Pitt fan, but this picture did it for me. It’s the abs . . . and the smile . . . and the crinkled eyes . . . and well, all of it! So, tell me . . . is this a great picture or what?
42 Comments »
42 Responses to “FROS brings you . . . DOUGAL MACLEAN!”
Kasey on 19 Jan 2008 at 11:57 pm #
Oooohhh yeah! That is definately a great picture of Brad. I’m sure it worked wonders for inspiration. I am inspired just looking at it.
Llarasandra on 20 Jan 2008 at 12:40 am #
Yeah, he is HOT!!! I have always been a Brad Pitt fan. It has to be that baby face.
He can inspire me all day. 
cookeemama on 20 Jan 2008 at 7:46 am #
It’s a fabulous picture, Karen! I’m thrilled to see a picture of any guy with a bit of chest hair. Why do they always show them hairless on book covers?
Margaret in frigid PA
Buffie on 20 Jan 2008 at 8:41 am #
Can’t deny that is one FINE looking man. I can’t wait to read about Dougal!
Meg on 20 Jan 2008 at 9:18 am #
Now that’s a good pic of Brad. Sure beats what they have been showing in the tabloids these days.
I will definately keep that in mind when reading about Dougal! Can’t wait!!
Paula on 20 Jan 2008 at 9:36 am #
Wow what a picture of Brad, and yes Meg it sure beats what they’ve been showing in tabloids lately.
Gannon on 20 Jan 2008 at 9:40 am #
Like you Karen, I’m usually not a huge Brad fan, but that picture is a FINE one! Definitely inspirational! I can’t wait ’til Tuesday! Bring on Dougal, baby!
Judy F on 20 Jan 2008 at 10:00 am #
I am not a huge Brad fan either but that picture is fine.
Good luck to the Packers today
Freedom Writer on 20 Jan 2008 at 10:02 am #
That is a mighty fine picture of Brad Pitt. I too am not big on Brad Pitt either. He’s almost too good looking, and you just know he would break your heart, but I do look forward you reading about Dougal!
BTW, since I’m fairly new here on Mt. Olympus, what does FROS stand for?
Karen Hawkins on 20 Jan 2008 at 10:39 am #
Yup, guys! This picture really sparked my imagination! I loooove it!
Margaret, the reason the art departments never show a hero with chest hair on a romance cover is because they’re painted and chest hair, when blurred, looks like dirt. Which is sad, because I loooove a little chest hair on a man, too!
Judy, thanks with the good luck! The Packers will need every good wish they can find because they face a great team. Fingers crossed!
Freedom Writer, FROS stands for FOR REFRESHMENT ONLY SUNDAY where we indulge in a bit of visual stimulation in preparation for the coming week.
Lisa H on 20 Jan 2008 at 11:56 am #
I think Brad is a hottie, and yes very nice picture…I just can’t forgive him for dumping poor Jen.
Karen Hawkins on 20 Jan 2008 at 12:12 pm #
Yeah, I know, Lisa. I feel the same way, although if he’s THAT kind of a guy to begin with, she deserves better and I know she’ll find it. It’s sort of sad we know so much about the private lives of celebrities today. It’s really taken the gloss off and adds the eewwww! factor, doesn’t it?
PJ on 20 Jan 2008 at 1:21 pm #
I’m not a Brad fan either but that doesn’t stop me from appreciating a fine piece of art and, Oooooh Mama, is that one *fine* piece of art!
Looking forward to cuddling up with Dougal, Karen!
GO PACKERS!
doglady on 20 Jan 2008 at 2:04 pm #
As much as I despise the man for following portions of his anatomy that have NOTHING to do with thinking or loving, I DO love that photo. He is indeed lovely to look at and a great inspiration. And we all know that Karen will write him a much better, sexier, sweeter, more honorable and more fun-loving character than the man in that picture actually has! From now on when I look at pictures of him (sans Hoochilina Lookatme) I will just call him Dougal and enjoy the scenery! Now that is magic, Karen. Thank you. Oh, and as your reward GO PACKERS!!!
Freedom Writer on 20 Jan 2008 at 2:06 pm #
Thanks Karen,
I am feeling quite Refreshed this Sunday. Last Sunday wasn’t bad either.
Gannon on 20 Jan 2008 at 2:17 pm #
LOL, Doglady. Hoochillina Lookatme?! *snort*
Mia Rose Favre on 20 Jan 2008 at 2:26 pm #
Mmmm… that is quite a yummy pic. I have to agree Karen, the crinkled up smiling eyes throws it over the top. Kinda reminds me of Brett.
I can’t wait for Dougal, especially after that pic for inspiration. I’ve decided I’m just going to have to treat the book to myself as a b-day present.
Today is the day… are you wearing your Favre tee for good luck??
GO PACK!
Mia Rose Favre on 20 Jan 2008 at 2:33 pm #
Karen…
In order to thank you for the pic, and to celebrate the Packers game today, and as always to celebrate Favre… here’s a present…
http://youtube.com/watch?v=HvDOHYy49V0
classic.
J Perry Stone on 20 Jan 2008 at 3:54 pm #
I’ve been waiting for this book forever! FOREVER!
BP is cute, but I gotta say, I’d rather read the book.
So here are my questions:
What role do the three little lasses have, if any, in this one?
Are there any appearances by Fiona and Gregor–do we get a snapshot of how they’re doing with their significant others now?
and what, exactly, was the main thing that made you fall for Dougal? What was it?
Suzanne Enoch on 20 Jan 2008 at 4:17 pm #
Yep, Karen, that’s one of the nicest parts of being a writer, isn’t it? That we NEED to have pics like that around for inspiration. It’s part of the job, you know. Hee hee.
ilovetoread on 20 Jan 2008 at 4:52 pm #
It’s the eyes, abs, smile, but good Lord above, look at the dimples!! WOW!!
(We all know who will be in the inspiration of KarenH’s book that is Hugh’s story, don’t we??)
Sabrina Jeffries on 20 Jan 2008 at 4:55 pm #
I once asked my hubby if he minded that I kept a pic of a hot guy as my wallpaper on my laptop (Richard Armitage, yum!), and he said, “Of course not. It’s for inspiration, right?”
I said, “Um, yes, of course. Sure. Absolutely.”
I LOVE this job!
Kimberly W on 20 Jan 2008 at 5:23 pm #
I’m not a Brad fan for the most part… at all really but that photo makes me forget that I don’t like him….. If that particular photo was the visual inspiration for Dougal, oh boy are we in for some fun starting Tuesday.
Lisa H on 20 Jan 2008 at 6:25 pm #
Karen I too await your book with bated ____________ feel free to fill in noun!
Yasmin on 20 Jan 2008 at 6:48 pm #
I too cant forgive him for dumping Jen. The made such a cute couple together.
Even though dont feel too favorably toward him noadays I have to say he looks very yummy and love the dimples. I am already visualizing Dougal…….all I need now is the book. *sigh* Good thing its only 2 more days to go.
Karen Hawkins on 20 Jan 2008 at 8:23 pm #
Hooohooo, YES!!! GO, PACKERS! Thank you all for your kind Pack Thoughts! Of course, the Giants are a great team, too, though I know who will win!!! (I hope!)
And yes, Suzanne and Sabrina, the need for Visual Stimulation is indeed a perk for this fabulous career. YUMMMM!
Can’t wait for everyone to meet Dougal on Tuesday!
ilovetoread on 20 Jan 2008 at 8:38 pm #
Dimples like his make me swoon!
Karen Hawkins on 20 Jan 2008 at 11:07 pm #
We lost. The Mighty, Mighty Packers lost.
Sigh. Poor Brett. I know he and the team have to be sad.
I was VERY impressed with Eli Manning, though. He played an awesome game; he and Plexi really took the air out of the Packers defense. It as a fun game to watch even though my team didn’t win.
Now, I need to decide: Do I root for the Giant Giants or the Peerless Patriots? I love the idea of someone having a perfect season but then I also love the underdog concept. What to do? What to do?
doglady on 20 Jan 2008 at 11:10 pm #
My condolences, Karen! It really was a great game, wasn’t it? Glad I did not have to play in it. Negative 23. are they kidding???? Hmmm. That IS a tough choice. Giants or Patriots?
Karen Hawkins on 20 Jan 2008 at 11:17 pm #
It hurts, but hey, it was a GREAT season! Better than last and only going to get better, imho.
Yeah, Patriots or Giants? That’s gonna be tough! A true dream year v. seriously talented underdogs.
Santa on 20 Jan 2008 at 11:57 pm #
Now that was a great game!! GO GIANTS! And, yes, it’s going to be a close one in two weeks!
Love the picture of Brad. Nice abs!
I pre-ordered your book on Amazon! I CANNOT WAIT!
I also ordered ‘Skinny Dipping’ because I couldn’t find it ANYWHERE!
Judy F on 21 Jan 2008 at 5:41 am #
ah Karen I am so sorry about the Packers. It was a great game. I don’t know who to route for either. hugs
Jessica on 21 Jan 2008 at 8:45 am #
I’ve been living in Scotland for four months now and I can honestly say I can’t wait to read Dougal’s book and of course imagine Brad Pitt with a Scottish accent! LOL! I still stop and stare when I hear the accents.
Freedom Writer on 21 Jan 2008 at 8:58 am #
Sorry about the Packers, Karen.
As for Eli, even if he plays well he is still a big time JERK in my book because of the way he acted coming out of college and into the pros.
I finished reading TO ABDUCT A HIGHLAND LORD yesterday before the big game. I really liked it, but I have to read FROM SCOTLAND WITH LOVE before I can even think about reading Dougal’s story.
Karen Hawkins on 21 Jan 2008 at 9:23 am #
doglady, can you imagine being in that weather? BRRRRRRR! But both teams did well, though the Giants were game on and the Packers defense just couldn’t get it going. Then Brett threw that interception and well, that was pretty much it. Next year, though! We’ll be right THERE!
Santa, thanks for ordering my book! And I think you’ll looooove SKINNY DIPPING. Connie’s an incredible writer and does black humor better than anyone.
Judy, thanks for the hugs! I was pretty down last night, but hey! You can’t win ‘em all. Who’d have ever thought the Packers would make it this far after their season last year? They’ll be back!
Jessica, you’re in Scotland? I’m so JEALOUS! I love Scotland and can’t wait to go back. Where are you living?
Freedom Writer, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the MacLeans! I am having a blast writing them. I’m working on Hugh’s story right now.
Lance on 21 Jan 2008 at 9:34 am #
GO GIANTS !!!!!!!!, hehehehehe
Meg on 21 Jan 2008 at 9:41 am #
I was rooting for you last night, Karen, but to no avail. So Sorry. But my mind is already made up. I will be pulling for the Giants! I so hope New Engalnd looses. >:-)
Freedom Writer on 21 Jan 2008 at 2:17 pm #
I must apologize Karen since I miss title your second book in my note. It is TO SCOTLAND WITH LOVE. I’m glad to see that Gregor will be the focus of this one. He was the one brother I really liked in TAaHL.
As for the Packers, next year they will dominate football, and winning the Super Bowl with Brett Farve at the helm will be so much sweeter in 2009. (The year BF turns 40.)
ilovetoread on 21 Jan 2008 at 11:40 pm #
Okay, if someone could please post a picture of each quarterback, I’ll be able to decide which team I will cheer for. (Sorry, but I have to do it this way since I don’t *gasp* follow football.) Please help me out ladies!!
Karen Hawkins on 22 Jan 2008 at 8:26 am #
Lance, that’s cold. But s’ok. I’d be gloating, too, if . . .sob!
Meg, thanks for pulling for The Team! I’m still torn on who to root for next. I need to do some research!
FreedomW, no problem! They go like this - HOW TO ABDUCT A HIGHLAND LORD(Fiona), TO SCOTLAND WITH LOVE (Gregor), and TO CATCH A HIGHLANDER (Dougal). I get them mixed up, too. I just think of them as ‘Dougal’s story’ rather than by title.
ilovetoread, now THAT’S a great idea! Hmmmm . . . we should address that!
Angela on 29 Jan 2008 at 2:06 pm #
I don’t usually do blondes but I do him (that really came out wrong). I’ve been a sucker for Brad since “Legends of the Fall” came out. I saw it 12 times (I’m pathetic, I know) and I immediately started dating my boyfriend who just happened to have the honey blonde, long hair like Tristan’s. I was ate up with Brad at one time. Now my interests lie more along the Gerard Butler lines and I’m currently searching out a Scottish boyfriend (aren’t we all??).
Sorry, I meant to only write “Yes, fabulous picture”.
BeatriceYoung on 03 Feb 2008 at 1:42 pm #
That is a very sexy picture Karen. Anybody would be inspired (even the strictest nun would be compelled to swoon!)