All of our heartfelt congratulations go out to the former Unusual Historicals guest authors whose books were recently nominated for the Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA award for published works. Those writers include Carla Capshaw for THE GLADIATOR (Best First Book and Best Inspirational Romance), Sherry Thomas for NOT QUITE A HUSBAND (Best Historical Romance), Michelle Willingham for TAMING HER IRISH WARRIOR (Best Historical Romance), and Tessa Dare for SURRENDER OF A SIREN (Best Regency Historical Romance). 
And we're so proud of our very own Margaret Mallory, whose KNIGHT OF PLEASURE was also nominated in the Best Historical Romance category!That means locations as diverse as Wales, Ireland, the Virgin Islands, Pakistan, and ancient Rome all made the cut this year. You have to admit that we're seeing wonderful progress! Congratulations to all the finalists and best of luck!
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The cover to Carrie Lofty's SONG OF SEDUCTION was featured twice in the latest issue of Romantic Times, once as an ad and once in this cute write-up for Carina Press. (Click to enlarge.) I'm especially amused at being declared "established"! Here's the newly-released and official cover blurb:***Tormented by guilt. Haunted by scandal.
Freed by love.
Austria, 1804
Eight years ago, composer Arie De Voss claimed his late mentor's final symphony as his own and became an icon. But fame has a price: fear of discovery now poisons his attempts to compose a redemptive masterpiece. Until a new muse appears, intoxicating and inspiring him...
Mathilda Heidel renounced her own musical gift to marry, seeking a quiet life to escape the shame surrounding her birth. Sudden widowhood finds her tempted by song once more. An unexpected introduction to her idol, Arie De Voss, renews Mathilda's passion for the violin--and ignites a passion for the man himself.
But when lust and lies reach a crescendo, Arie will be forced to choose: love or truth?
Join us Sunday when Deborah Schneider will be here to chat about her latest Western romance PROMISE ME. She'll also be giving away a copy. Don't miss it!***
We'll also draw the winner of JAZZ BABY from Lorelie Brown's guest appearance last Sunday. You still have time to leave a comment or question for your chance to win.***
Stay with us through the coming weeks when we'll be featuring the best unusual historical authors! Jennifer Blake, P.L. Parker, Cat Lindler, and Cheryl Pierson will be our guests. 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...
