Guest Author: Michelle Styles

Harlequin Historical author and longtime contributor Michelle Styles is back to talk a bit about her new releases--three books and a free online serial. The online serial, HIS STAND-IN BRIDE is set in Tyne Valley, the same place as her North American releases: A QUESTION OF IMPROPRIETY and IMPOVERISHED MISS, CONVENIENT WIFE. Her UK release is the THE VIKING'S CAPTIVE PRINCESS. Join us on Sunday for an interview with Michelle as well as a chance to win all three books!

The following extract is from A QUESTION OF IMPROPRIETY. The blurb reads:

A very improper seduction...

Diana Clare has had enough of London--the balls, the rakes you can never trust... Now, having returned home in disgrace, she is trying to forget what drove her from the ton.
But rake and gambler Brett Farnham, Earl of Coltonby, seems intent on making Diana remember exactly what it was like to be whirled around the ballroom and seduced by the glint in your partner's eye...

But Brett has 'mistress' rather than 'marriage' in mind, and Diana is not sure her reputation can stand up to another scandal...

Three releases in two months, plus an online serial. Michelle, how did you manage that?

It is all down to scheduling rather than superhuman feats of writing. Last year, THE VIKING'S CAPTIVE PRINCESS was out in the US, and the duo A QUESTION OF IMPROPRIETY and IMPOVERISHED MISS, CONVENIENT WIFE appeared in the UK in November 2008 and April 2009. However to help celebrate that duo's US publication, in September I was asked to write an online serial, HIS STAND-IN BRIDE. It is e-Harlequin's free weekly serial, which started on 15 November. The last segment goes out on 3 January. HIS STAND-IN BRIDE takes place in the Tyne Valley several months before the start of A QUESTION OF IMPROPRIETY and gave me a chance to revisit the world I had created. You can read the result here. The blurb reads:

Tyne Valley, 1813

When her sister eloped with someone other than her betrothed, Lady Anne Dunstan knew two things. One, that she completely supported her sister's making her own choice about who she would marry. And two, that Anne--the responsible one--would have to clean up the mess.

What she didn't know was how her sister's intended, Jason Martell, would take the news. Or how Anne would respond to the force of his presence, his rugged good looks, his less-than-gentlemanly advances.

Or to his proposal of marriage.

How does writing a serial differ from say writing a short story?

When my editor called and asked if I would write it, I knew I couldn't refuse even though the two week deadline was very tight. But it was only when I put the phone down, I thought--oh help! What have I done now? Particularly as I had just signed a new contract for four books which also has tight deadlines.

A serial has its own demands. Each chapter or segment must be a specific length and end with a definite hook or cliffhanger. Because people might start the story in say chapter four, it has to always be comprehensible. And the story needs to be able to stand alone and also be fully developed.

Did you enjoy writing it?

After I overcame my initial terror, it became quite fun. I was able to really concentrate on delivering a punchy story. Thankfully during the Unusual Historical panel at RWA Nationals in July, Carrie Lofty said that I tend to write self-made men. I knew when she said those words that they were my favourite type of hero. Part of my core story, if you will. And so I knew I had to take the opportunity and write a self-made man. And because of that, the story fell into place. I am happy to say that thus far I have met all my deadlines.

Core story?

Just before the Unusual Historical panel at the RWA Nationals, Jayne Anne Krentz gave an inspirational speech about her career. One thing she said was to know your core story. Know why you like telling a specific type of story. So I spent the afternoon wondering and then Carrie said the magic words and I knew.

So you write self-made men?

I am not really comfortable writing about men who have lived a life of privilege and have never had to struggle, who are merely caretakers of inherited wealth. Even the hero of A QUESTION OF IMPROPRIETY, despite being born into the aristocracy, has to struggle and has earned his own fortune. Some of the tension between Brett and the hero of IMPOVERISHED MISS, CONVENIENT WIFE, Simon Clare, is that neither recognises the other's struggle. All of my Vikings, including Ivar, the hero of THE VIKING'S CAPTIVE PRINCESS, have had to earn their place at the top table.

What's next for you?

After these three, my Roman Undone "A PERFECT CONCUBINE" is released in February. It is my first Undone and gave me a chance to revisit the world I created with SOLD AND SEDUCED. It was tremendous fun to write. Again the hero is a self-made man. (And it was written before Carrie gave me the insight!)

I am currently working on the first part of my early Victorian duo about two sisters who were kidnapped in the Sinai. The revisions are due this week and my editor is very excited about the story, provided I do the revisions correctly. The hero is a second son of a marquess who has found adventure and a fortune outside English society.

Are you planning on doing any more Vikings?

I had toyed with doing Thrand's story as an Undone, but I don't think the shorter format would do it justice and currently I am really enjoying writing in the early Victorian period. My current contract calls for more early Victorians in unusual settings rather than more Vikings. But never say never. I may eventually go back and give Thrand his story or I may start a new set of Vikings, perhaps later in the Viking period.

Thank you, Michelle, for stopping by and good luck with all your releases!

You can learn more about my work and read extracts from her releases on my website.

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For a chance to win all three of Michelle's current releases, please leave a comment or question. Michelle suggests commenting on what you think about the idea of core stories. Do you know your core story? Do you have a favorite core story to read? I'll draw one commenter at random on Sunday, December 12. Void where prohibited. Best of luck!

Excerpt Thursday: Michelle Styles

Harlequin Historical author and longtime contributor Michelle Styles has three books and a free online series out in the next two months. The online serial, HIS STAND-IN BRIDE is set in Tyne Valley, the same place as her North American releases: A QUESTION OF IMPROPRIETY and IMPOVERISHED MISS, CONVENIENT WIFE. Her UK release is the THE VIKING'S CAPTIVE PRINCESS. Join us on Sunday for an interview with Michelle as well as a chance to win all three books!

The following extract is from A QUESTION OF IMPROPRIETY. The blurb reads:

A very improper seduction...

Diana Clare has had enough of London--the balls, the rakes you can never trust... Now, having returned home in disgrace, she is trying to forget what drove her from the ton.
But rake and gambler Brett Farnham, Earl of Coltonby, seems intent on making Diana remember exactly what it was like to be whirled around the ballroom and seduced by the glint in your partner's eye...

But Brett has 'mistress' rather than 'marriage' in mind, and Diana is not sure her reputation can stand up to another scandal...

In this extract, Brett Farnham has convinced Diana Clare to go driving with him as part of his scheme to further their friendship. Diana is equally determined to teach him a lesson and continue on living in her narrow world. Only the temptation of being able to drive the horses proves a bit stronger...

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His fingers closed over hers, a warm firm grip but one that did not allow for refusal. 'Then would you care for another challenge and a wager?'

'What sort of wager?'

'A simple one. I will wager you driving the Bays whenever you want against a dance at the Bolts' ball.'

'But I am not going to the ball,' Diana replied quickly before she could give into the temptation. Wagering with him could only be dangerous. How could she even be contemplating such a thing?

Brett raised one eyebrow. 'Are you not confident of winning, Miss Diana? Is this why you are mentioning the fact?'

'In order to dance with you at the ball, I would have to be going to the ball. I am not.' She clenched her fists. 'In any case I do not make a habit of wagering.'

'And the thought of going to a ball is dreadful that you are not prepared to risk it for the pleasure of driving my bays...whenever you want to.' He rubbed his hand across his chin. 'It appears to me that you do not consider yourself an expert driver, and this is why you have no wish to take up the challenge. It has nothing to do with wagering and everything to do with you not feeling confident.'

Diana bristled. Not confident? She could tackle anything. 'What do you want me to do?'

'I have set up a little obstacle course. Something to test my reflexes. It occurs to me that if you can complete a clear round, you will prove to my satisfaction that you can drive...unless you are afraid of losing.'

'I am not afraid.' Diana drew a deep breath and ignored the sudden warning voice in her mind. This was not a wager per se. It was about proving him wrong. 'But I have doubts that you can complete this course.'

He pursed his lips and she thought for a moment he would refuse.

'How sensible you are, Miss Diana.' His voice became liquid honey. 'The rules of the course are that you do it as quickly as possible and the curricle does not hit any of the hurdles. Shall I demonstrate?'

The curricle went through a gate into a harvested field. Bits of stubble and gleanings still lay about but the ground was firm. Five sets of hurdles were placed at odd angles to each other, providing a series of quick turns.

Diana wrinkled her nose. 'The hurdles seem to be set awfully close together.'

'It can be completed...if you know what you are doing.'

Brett clicked his tongue and the black gelding set off at a fast pace. Once the curricle tipped onto one wheel and bounced back down, but he managed to make it through all the openings.

'Well done.' Diana clapped her hands.

Brett gave a boyish smile. 'It is your turn, Miss Diana. At trot, if you dare...'

'Of course I dare.' Diana spit on her gloves and took the ribbons. She regarded the first opening, went over the course in her mind. It was the fourth set of hurdles that was the most difficult. Once she got passed them, everything would be straight forward.

'Whenever you are ready.'

She flicked the reigns and the horse set off. The first set of hurdles flew passed. The second and the third. She reigned in tightly and felt the curricle slip slightly. Corrected her grip and aimed for the fourth set. Held her breath and heard the carriage wheels slide pass.

She let out a breath. Risked a glance up at Bret's face and saw it had become set.

The last set of hurdles loomed towards her. An easy set, slightly narrower than the others but her line was true. She would do this. She could almost see the Bays in front of her, responding to her every moment. She would drive out every day. She flicked the ribbons, urged the horse forward, to complete the final obstacle.

The curricle started to go through. Diana winced as she heard the slightest crunch of the wheel against the left hurdle. She pulled back, trying desperately to change the angle as the hurdle seemed to hold. The curricle went through and she pulled the horse to a stop and prayed.

She released a breath.

'I have done it! I have done it!' She raised her hand in triumphant.

Behind her, a distinct thump resounded. She glanced back and saw the final set of hurdles down on the ground. 'I...I'

Brett lifted one eyebrow and his lips twisted upwards in a sardonic smile. 'I believe you will be going to the ball after all, Miss Diana, but a solid attempt all the same.'

Copyright 2008 Michelle Styles and Harlequin SA.

Weekly Announcements - 20 Nov 2010

Michelle Styles has a number of good things going on this week. First, she's holding a Goodreads contest for THE VIKING'S CAPTIVE PRINCESS, that runs through November 30.

Michelle was selected by Harlequin to write a serialized Regency romance, HIS STAND-IN BRIDE, which is connected to her forthcoming December release, A QUESTION OF IMPROPRIETY. The serial will run through the first week of January. Check it out!

In addition, the UK hardback version of her latest early Victorian romance, BREAKING THE GOVERNESS'S RULES, which is loosely connected to COMPROMISING MISS MILTON, will be available in January.

'How delightful to meet you again, Miss Louisa Sibson.'

Jonathon Lord Chesterholm's eyes bored holes into Louisa Sibson's back. The former fiancée he's thought dead is very much alive...

Louisa has rebuilt her life, after being dishonourably dismissed from her post as governess for allowing Jonathon to seduce her. Now Louisa lives by a rulebook of morals and virtue--the devastating Lord Chesterholm will not ruin her again!

But Jonathon will get to the bottom of Louisa's disappearance--and he'll enjoy breaking a few of her rules along the way...

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Join us Sunday when Kate Allan will be here to chat about KRAKOW WALTZ, a Regency-era romance set in England and Poland. She'll also be giving away a copy to one lucky commenter! Be sure to join us then.

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We'll also draw the winner of Kristi Astor's first Edwardian romance, A MIDNIGHT CLEAR, from her guest appearance on Sunday. You still have time to leave a comment or question for your chance to win.

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Stay with us through the coming weeks when we'll be featuring the best unusual historical authors! Zoe Archer, Michelle Styles, Michelle Beattie and our fourth anniversary bash will be coming up. 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...

Book Party: Michelle Styles

Unusual Historicals is delighted to welcome regular contributor Michelle Styles back to talk about her latest Mills & Boon historical, IMPOVERISHED MISS, CONVENIENT WIFE.

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His unexpected bride...

Wealthy landowner Simon Clare shuns Northumbrian society. With his son gravely ill, the last thing Simon needs is an interfering woman assuming command of his household and nursing young Robert--no matter how sensuous her figure, or how tempting her luscious lips.

Phoebe Benedict knows what it is to struggle, and finds herself drawn to the badly scarred recluse. Despite his tough exterior, she knows that Simon is a father who yearns for his son to recover--and a man who misses the tender embrace of a woman...

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Welcome back Michelle and what is this book about?

This book is the second part of my Regency duo and is set in 1814 Northumberland. It is the story of Simon Clare whom readers might have met in A Question of Impropriety. The book can be read as a stand alone, but the two books are linked. Basically the only way I could get Simon Clare to be silent in A Question of Impropriety was to promise him his own story!

Thus far the reaction has been positive. Pearl from Realms on Our Bookshelves gave Impoverished Miss, Convenient Wife 4 stars and wrote:

Michelle Styles writes Regency romance as it is meant to be: moving, fitting the time-period in historical details, plotlines and emotional conflict. I was enthralled by her writing style that reads easily but is far from boring. A style that's supported by a solid historical background sending you back to the time she writes about and her descriptions are complementary rather than disrupting and further adding to the genuine sympathy provoked by the characters and their story.

You have a reputation for writing Unusual Historical, so why are you writing a Regency?

It is set in the Northeast of England and features a self-made man as the hero, dealing with the development of the locomotive. So in many ways, it is not a typical Regency. I like stories that take place in a wide variety of settings. I have always been interested in the Industrial Revolution and why Great Britain became such a leader. Thus, I jumped at the chance to explore the world further.

Rather than concentrating on the ton, I have been able to explore society in the Northeast. At that time, the Northeast of England was one of the more vibrant places where fortunes were made and lost. Also there seems to be this notion that somehow industrialisation only happens after Queen Victoria takes the throne. Industrialisation and the rise of consumerism, plus the pressures from the Peninsula War, are what drove the Regency and why it was such a time of change.

Will there be any more Vikings?

Yes, the third Viking will come out in the US in December 09. It has not been titled yet and I do not have a UK release date. This is Ivar's story and deals with the border between Norway and Sweden.

Do you know if any more of your Romans will be released in the US?

My editors and I have discussed this. The remaining Romans (A Noble Captive and Sold and Seduced) will be going in the Direct Programme. So they will be available in e-book format and through e-harlequin, rather than going into North American retail. This is for a variety of technical reasons, but my editors are keen to get the books out into the North American marketplace. I think this will be happening in early 2010.

What is next for you?

I have just signed a four book contract and am working on the third book. This is a linked book to my 1837 governess book. Then I am doing a trilogy which is going to be set in late Regency/early Victorian times.

Oh, I am taking part in the Hexham Literary Festival on 2 May 2009 and the Middlesborough Library "Girls Night In" on 25 June. At both venues, I am giving a talk on the challenges and pleasures of writing romance in the 21st century.

It sounds like you are going to be busy!

I hope so. I enjoy writing and creating my worlds. I only hope that readers enjoy my writing as well!

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Thank you for being here, Michelle and best of luck for the future.

Michelle is giving away a copy of Impoverished Miss, Convenient Wife to one lucky poster. So please leave a comment. Michelle would like to know what you think about e-books and are you starting to buy more of your books as e-books?

Weekly Announcements - 15 Nov 08

Michelle Styles has been featured in The Hexham Courant, her local paper, about her latest book, A QUESTION OF IMPROPRIETY

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Erastes has done an interview with Romance at Heart magazine and received a nice review for FROST FAIR:

The historical details are obviously very accurate, you can always picture the nineteen century London in which is set the story, and I bet that you can still follow the steps of Gideon around the city still now and seeing the same view he saw. The nice description of the FROST FAIR, an impromptu fair held on the frozen Thames, is the same you can see in some prints of the time.

FROST FAIR was released today, so you can pick up a copy here.

Gideon Frost is willing to do whatever it takes to earn enough money to save the printing shop that was left to him by his father. But when faced with the prospect of having to engage in acts society deems unnatural and the law declares punishable by death, he realized there are limits as to how far he'll go. Then he meets the privileged and handsome Joshua Redfern, the one man who tempts Gideon to break his own rules.

Joshua Redfern has no title or important relations, but his independent fortune allows him a life that is more than comfortable. And more importantly, it enables him to offer assistance to the unfortunate but beautiful Gideon just when the man needs it most. Joshua realizes his interest in Gideon is far more than charitable, but is the man similarly attracted or merely indebted?

When the Thames freezes over and London hosts the great Frost Fair of 1814, trouble and necessity bring Gideon and Joshua together. But just as ice is destined to eventually crack, will the circumstances break these two men as they learn that life isn't always fair?

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Elizabeth Lane received two reviews for THE BORROWED BRIDE from The Good, the Bad and the Unread. Wendy the Super Librarian wrote, "THE BORROWED BRIDE is an emotional read, and Judd is just the ticket for readers who adore haunted, wounded heroes," while Devon said, "The chemistry was good and the tension was involving. I was waiting for that first kiss."

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Hot on the heels of her first release, Jennifer Linforth just sold book two of The Madrigals. ABENDLIED, which weaves in Philippe de Chagny's role in The Madrigals, will be a 2009 release. More details to come!

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If you have an announcement to make for next week, email Carrie. See you next week...

Excerpt Thursday: Michelle Styles

Thursdays on Unusual Historicals means excerpts!

Here's one from Michelle Styles's debut release from Mills & Boon, A QUESTION OF IMPROPRIETY.

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Of all the idiotic things she had done in her life, yesterday's wager with Brett Farnham was one of the worst. She should have known that the course would not be easy. She should have yielded to caution. She'd made her rules for a purpose, not to be bent or disregarded. But it was done and she would abide the terms of the wager. The next time, she would turn a deaf ear to his blandishments.

Luckily she still had the very modest ball gown from two years ago when Simon had forced her to go the Grand Allies rout at the Assembly Rooms in Newcastle. Rose had reluctantly agreed to alter it slightly, grumbling that either the blue-green or the deep rose pink would have been a better choice. After insisting on the brown, Diana retired to the summer house and furiously painted.

"I thought I might discover you here," Brett's low voice slid over her skin. "I am pleased to see that you took my advice and your feet are solidly on the ground."

"The garlands are nearly completed."

"Hopefully they give the effect you want."

"Not entirely," Diana admitted. "There is something missing."

"A perfectionist. Is this the only summer house that you have painted?"

"I painted the Bolts summer house four summers ago when the Dowager was still alive." Diana kept her gaze on the flowers. "She insisted that no one else would do."

"You did those murals?" His eyes widened. "Now I am impressed. Sir Norman showed me them the other day when I picked up my winnings."

"Thank you." Diana bowed her head as warmth infused her body. "In the end, I was very pleased with them, but the Dowager was a hard task master -- always changing her mind."

"Of course, you have completely ruined my stratagem for getting you out into the garden during the ball."

Diana looked up at him and saw a small smile tugging at his lips. "I never go into gardens during balls."

"A wise policy, but you will go to the ball and you will dance with me."

"I have not danced for years." Diana gave a strangled laugh. "Some of the newer dances were nearly beyond me. All the twists and turns. It was a nightmare at the Grand Allies ball. I was so nervous that I would be asked to dance, but thankfully only Simon bothered and that was only out of duty, so I excused him."

"Your steps might slightly rusty but you have a natural rhythm. I can see it in the way you move, the way you walk."

"Thank you." Diana took a quick glance up at him. The sunlight from the door gave him a halo, darkening his face, but highlighting his broad shoulders and well formed legs. What would it be like to be in his arms? She quickly dropped her gaze and studied her hands. A paint blotch marred the right one. Something real and solid to cling on to. He was being kind.

"I do mean it. I seem to recall you dance beautifully in London."

"You will find me a poor partner unless it is the Roger de Coverely at the end. The last time I took lessons was five years and I am certain the figures will have changed."

"I have a plan to deal with your lack of knowledge."

"You do?" Diana started to rearrange the brush in the water pot -- smallest on the left, largest to the right. Everything correct and in its place. Simply because she had abandoned her caps, she had not abandoned her reason or her rules.

"I shall to teach you to waltz. You and I are going to dance a waltz together at the ball."

"A waltz?" Diana swallowed hard and concentrated very hard on the middle brush, the one she had used for the red of the final rose. "I have no idea how to waltz."

"I suspected that. It is why I am here." He held out his arms. "I plan to educate you on the finer points of the waltz."

"You must be joking. I won't waltz."

"But you agreed, Miss Diana. You agreed to dance with me at the ball." His voice was smooth but there was a steely determination. "Unless you want me to choose another forfeit, a forfeit more suited to a wager between a man and a woman. You were the one who lost the wager. It is up to me to name the terms."

"You wouldn't dare."

"Try me."

Weekly Announcements - 08 Nov 08

Michelle Styles' A QUESTION OF IMPROPRIETY received a four-star review from Realms on Our Bookshelves. "Lovely is the first word that came to mind after finishing Michelle Styles' A QUESTION OF IMPROPRIETY. With it I reconnected with the genuine Regency historical romance, complete with the society gossips, the secretive seduction and wooing, the misinterpreted intentions and the budding feelings of love."

Also, the cover for AN IMPULSIVE DEBUTANTE appeared on the opening credits of the BBC 4 production of Consuming Passions, a docu-drama about the history of Mills & Boon.

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Join us tomorrow when our guest author will be Unusual Historicals contributor Jennifer Linforth. Jennifer will be talking about her debut release MADRIGAL, which continues Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera.

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We'll also draw the winner of Elizabeth Lane's THE BORROWED BRIDE. There's still time to leave a comment for your shot at winning!

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Have a good weekend. If you have an announcement to make for next week, email Carrie. See you next week...