The title for Carrie Lofty's June release from Carina Press has been selected by popular vote. The winning title is SONG OF SEDUCTION. In addition, Carrie has contracted with Carina to write a sequel called PORTRAIT OF SEDUCTION. Here's the blrub:Gifted painter Greta Zweig earns her keep by forging masterpieces, whereby wealthy families can hide the priceless originals from Napoleon's advancing armies. She yearns to be known for her own work, but her uncle, a destitute marquis, exploits her desire for an advantageous marriage. Oliver Doerger, a German duke's bastard and former soldier, poses as a valet in order to further his aristocratic half-brother's political career. He, too, longs to emerge from the shadows--to be regarded not as a spy but as a respected member of society.***
When someone begins marketing Greta's forgeries as originals, Oliver is drawn into her world of art and subterfuge. She will do anything to shield her family from scandal, even if that means resisting her improper attraction to the intense, surprising valet. But the appearance of a charismatic grifter threatens to reveal a shameful debt from Oliver's past. Caught between love and duty, he must choose between honoring his loyalties and indulging in a passionate affair with Greta that could expose them both.
Contributor Lorelie Brown will be making her debut on March 2 with the release of her 1920s-set romance, JAZZ BABY, from Samhain. In the world of illegal speakeasies, Kate Kirkland has her life running smoother than a Model T. Maybe moving the family bar into the basement wasn't the best choice for her alcoholic brother, but Kate's making them a living--until a local gangster tries to expand his territory. Right into her bar.***
Luckily Micah Trent, her handsome and too-suave bootlegger, is ready and willing to offer her a helping hand. If Kate can bring herself to accept it. Since sharing one sensual dance to seal their deal, she can’t ignore the delectably wicked way he makes her feel.
Micah is keeping secrets of his own. He's a Prohibition Agent, sworn to shut down the gin mills and distilleries that keep illegal booze flowing. Kate’s speakeasy is next on his list--right after he uses her as bait to catch the gangster hunting her.
But even if Micah and Kate can maneuver their way through the gangsters' dangerous underworld, will their love survive the trial by fire?
Suspense Magazine's February issue focuses on Romantic Suspense with such authors as Susan Crandall, Wendi Corsi Staub, Anne Rice, Erica Spindler, and Tami Hoag, but their new author spotlight is with our own Isabel Roman! Included are a short review on her Russian-set Victorian KISS OF SCANDAL, as well as an interview.***
Michelle Styles received a lovely review for SOLD & SEDUCED from Rebecca at Enduring Romance: "I would recommend this generally to anyone interested in historical romance, and specifically (and enthusiastically) recommend it to anyone who loves classical history in their historical romance."***
The cover for the first of Zoe Archer's WARRIOR has been released--and isn't it hot?? Also, the pre-order links for the other three "Blades of the Rose" romances are now up on Amazon: SCOUNDREL, REBEL, and STRANGER. Here's the blurb for WARRIOR:To most people, the realm of magic is the stuff of nursery rhymes and dusty libraries. But for Capt. Gabriel Huntley, it's become quite real and quite dangerous...***
The vicious attack Capt. Gabriel Huntley witnesses in a dark alley sparks a chain of events that will take him to the ends of the Earth and beyond--where what is real and what is imagined become terribly confused. And frankly, Huntley couldn't be more pleased. Intrigue, danger, and a beautiful woman in distress--just what he needs.
Raised thousands of miles from England, Thalia Burgess is no typical Victorian lady. A good thing, because a proper lady would have no hope of recovering the priceless magical artifact Thalia is after. Huntley’s assistance might come in handy, though she has to keep him in the dark. But this distractingly handsome soldier isn't easy to deceive...
Join us Sunday when Unusual Historicals will chat with contributor Jennifer Linforth. She'll be discussing the latest of her "Madrigals" series, ABENDLIED, which continues Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera! She'll also be giving away a copy. Don't miss it!***
We'll also draw the winner of Carla Capshaw's THE DUKE'S REDEMPTION, set in colonial South Carolina. You still have time to leave a comment or question for your chance to win.***
And stay with us through the coming weeks when we'll be featuring the best unusual historical authors! Amanda McCabe, Sandra Hill, Erica Ridley, and Lisa Marie Wilkinson will be our guests. We hope you'll join us!
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Have a good weekend! Remember, you don't have to be an Unusual Historicals contributor to submit good news to the weekend announcements. If it has to do with unusual historicals, we'd love to shout it out to the world! Send announcements to Carrie. See you next week...
