Margaret Mallory is hosting a great summer new contest where you could win six new Hachette Forever releases. Check out her website for details!
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The sequel to Jennifer Mueller's HISTORY LESSONS, called FOOTNOTES TO HISTORY, has been picked up at Phaze, close on the heels of the news that HISTORY LESSONS will be released in print. FOOTNOTES TO HISTORY is another collection of stories set through the ages in an 800-year-old Scottish castle.
Also, Jennifer's Regency-set A RUINED SEASON has been licensed for a large print edition. Congratulations!
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Lindsay Townsend's erotic historical romance, SILK AND STEEL, is available now through Siren-Bookstrand. Lindsay says, "After I wrote FLAVIA'S SECRET, I found myself fascinated by the story of a Roman girl who served as a toga girl in the public baths. Could there be a happy ever after for her and a man equally reviled and desired in Roman society--a gladiator? "Silk and Steel" is my story of two people redeemed by love."
It is Rome AD80. Corinna is a bath-girl, a slave compelled to please men. Decimus is a gladiator, a slave forced to kill men. When they come together in a union of silk and steel, they discover new passion, desire and the possibility of love.
SILK AND STEEL marks Lindsay's third novel set in the exotic, sensual world of ancient Rome. The other titles are ESCAPE TO LOVE and FLAVIA'S SECRET. To see all 3 of these exciting novels, please visit her Siren-Bookstrand author page.
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Join us tomorrow when contributor and Harlequin Historical author Blythe Gifford will be here to talk about IN THE MASTER'S BED, set in 14th century Cambridge!
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We'll also draw the winner of Christy Hubbard's gorgeous hardcover western, SAGE CANE'S HOUSE OF GRACE AND FAVOR. You still have time to throw your name in the hat, if you haven't done so.
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And stay with us through the coming weeks when we'll be featuring authors who write everything from erotica to inspirational--but all unusual historicals! Maureen Lang, Jean Adams, Leanna Renee Hieber and Michelle Beattie will be our guests. We hope you'll join us!
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Have a good weekend! If you have an announcement to make for next week, email Carrie. See you next week...
Cover Art used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited. All rights reserved ®and T are trademarks of Harlequin Enterprises Limited and/or its affiliated companies, used under license.
Jennifer Mueller is celebrating the release of two new books this month: A RUINED SEASON, which is a hardcover Regency from Robert Hale, and HISTORY LESSONS, a contemporary e-book that collects multiple historical stories, published by Phaze.
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Ayda Rogers can't believe her luck. She's been invited to a Scottish castle for the summer to research her doctoral thesis. When she gets there she finds that with 800 years of history to contend with, the past is always present. Steamy tales of previous castle owners meld within the modern story as she learns all she needs for her paper. And sometimes it's not the past but the present which makes you change your whole way of thinking, especially when it comes in the form of the future duke named Hunter.
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Today Elise Sinclair, Dowager Duchess of Cairnmuir, has stopped by to tell a little about the family that lives in Am Binnean Castle. Inhabited since 1252 by the Sinclair family, there are tales enough to entertain many a cold Scottish night.
Now, Elise, I see here you live in Scotland. Were you part of the British effort in the war, then?
Elise: (a bit of laughter) No, I was one of those odd Americans who were caught in Paris as it fell. My college roommate's boyfriend was quickly part of the resistance, and he recruited me for a special purpose. There was a German general in Paris who needed a secretary, and with my degree in languages and having been a model, he figured I would be a shoe-in for the position.
What is he up to now? This boyfriend that snagged you into the job?
Elise: Unfortunately, he was killed in the same betrayal that sent me into hiding. If not for that, I never would have ended up on the shores of Am Binnean castle. Marie, my roommate, was killed as well, and who knows what happened to his family. I put the marker for his grave up myself when I realized there was no one to do it.
I suppose the readers would like to know if you ever fell in love with the enemy. If so, how did the relationship end?
Elise: (real laughter) No, I was able to keep my skirt down when it came to Germans. Pretending I was one, working in an office with them, yet not sleeping with them was about the only way I could keep some bit of me reminded I wasn't German. I guess I knew that getting involved with any of the resistance members, even just civilians, would put me in a position I didn't want to have to explain to my German bosses.
So you were part of the Special Operations Executive then?
Elise: No, the Resistance group I belonged to just reported to them. François didn't want there to be any leaks with the group, so he was the only one I was in contact with. The SOE had my name; it was supposed to be safer that way. I was at the doctor's sick when the Germans started killing everyone on the SOE's ranks. Someone had given up the names. You know that all the details of that time in my life were written down in a story called "Once Upon a Spy." Ayda Rogers, who came to conserve the family art collection, seems to be collecting all the stories the family knows. I have a feeling that she'll make a story of her own to add, what with the way my grandson looks at her every time she's in the room.
Stories? You mean there's more than one? Tell me about those.
Elise: With a castle inhabited since 1252, how could there not be stories? There are more stories than hard fact. A lot can be forgotten in 800 years.
Which ones has she found out then? The ghost perhaps? I've heard talk of a castle ghost.
Elise: Heavens, which ones has she heard? I'm certain she's seen the ghost, actually. She jumps now and then when there is a noise. I know the cook, Mary, let loose about the naughty "Unexpected Relatives," such as Eaduin Sinclair who rebuilt the castle after it was regained from the English. He fought with Robert the Bruce, you know.
The family has long been involved in politics. "Politics of Marriage" is another she's collected. The castle might look picturesque after centuries of quiet, but in 1714, it was embroiled in the beginning of the Stuart claims to the throne. It was a sad day when so many men were killed that it kept the family from the risings.
Hunter has told her of our "Rose Among the Heather," a favorite story of mine, perhaps because it mirrors my own circumstances--a commoner catching the eye of the duke. Edward had just returned from fighting Napoleon only to find a house party that kept him from forgetting the horrors of battle. Heavens, I just realized all of
those are rather naughty! My own, of course, I could never tell such details, and I think she's researching a new one come to light only recently.
Five? That's all there is in 800 years?
Elise: (more laughter) She's only been here a few months, and she's been busy with a painting she's found. If it's what she thinks it is, that will be quite the coup for us--a missing Titian hidden for who knows how long. It is a working visit after all. I do know that she's found a most intriguing story set long before the Sinclairs and even the Vikings invaded the area. Romans and Picts! It's hard to believe this little part of the world far from everything has had so much history. She posted it online with an author friend of hers. I'm sure more stories will come to light, especially if Hunter is able to woo our guest. I'm certain his heart is lost already. Ayda's is harder to guess.
Then you know of more stories yourself?
Elise: Well, of course, my dear. So many years in the castle without a television leave many an evening to hear them all. I suppose you'll ask what? "A Faire Lass" is a short little tale of one of our ancestors falling in love at first sight. It's a most unusual problem when she sells iron goods in the market. "In Search of the Picturesque" brings a little scandal into the family. It's not the lack of title, either, nor is it without other misunderstandings. I'm getting tired though. I'm not as young as I once was when I survived a shipwreck and found my way to these shores. Perhaps another time.
Of course. I'd never want to tire you. I don't suppose Ayda would ever tell these tales though you have me quite intrigued.
Elise: (a vague smile) She's had help from that author friend of hers. They've written all the stories down and they'll even be published on April 27th. I think Ayda's even confided her decision of how she feels about my grandson Hunter. Now I really should have a nap before the nurse comes with my medication. She'll never be happy if she finds me worn out.
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Thanks for stopping by today, Elise. I'm sure Jennifer is pleased to have you speaking about HISTORY LESSONS on her behalf. If you're intrigued by a story that takes you through the history of a great Scottish castle--and all the mischief and romance that takes place--then leave a comment or question for Jennifer. Next week, I'll pick a random name and that person will win a copy of HISTORY LESSONS. Good luck!
Thursdays on Unusual Historicals mean excerpts! This one is from the April 30 release A RUINED SEASON by our long-time contributor, Jennifer Mueller. Her April is shaping up to be very busy! We'll be featuring Jennifer on Sunday, so stop back for your chance to win a free book.
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Sophie Greenwood went to London to have her season hoping to find a husband. If only they had told her that her father had lost all his money, but gossip spreads quickly around London and everyone knew Baron Canmore's scandal. Now two years later, will Sophie ruin another season? No one seems to want to make staying scandal-free an easy task. Almost everywhere she turns, someone is trying to make her the laughing stock. "Fleeing London" once more seems to be her only option. What hope is there for a life of her own?
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How many times had she been told in the last weeks she couldn't go for a walk as she had in the country? Not without a chaperon at least. Even now, Anjanette walked alongside her just to visit three doors down. Riding in the morning was about the only time she had alone, all else was in accompaniment of her host and cousin. They were fine, it was all the visiting they did that wore on her. Not being talked to, all but snubbed while they gave her just enough attention to not label it a cut. They dare not provoke the displeasure of Lady Sandbourne. Her censure would not be advisable.
Anjanette's cry was the only warning Sophie had before powerful arms closed around her throat. Sophie could do nothing as she watched Anjanette hitting the ground hard. A nasty voice filled her ears. "Tell me where to find Greyfriars and you'll stay alive."
The smell of the man was bad enough, something good came from being choked so she couldn't breathe. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Don't lie to me, I've seen you wearing your finery. Tell me where to find him." His hands tightened. "I've seen the letter. Tell me where he is."
Just as she was about to run out of air, Anjanette finally found her tongue and started yelling. Sophie sank to the ground when she could suddenly breathe while the sound of heavy uneven footsteps ran quickly away. Strong hands helped her up as Lady Sandbourne and Mariah came at haste, along with most of the other residents of the street. Their manservants at any rate.
"Get away from her, you blackguard," Roberts, Lady Sandbourne's butler, ordered.
Sophie's voice strained, the words unable to form.
Anjanette spoke instead. "He's the one that saved her."
Turning to look at her savior, it was no wonder Roberts was skeptical. The man's strong jaw was covered in stubble, tanned as few gentlemen are in England making his piercing blue eyes stand out all the more. Sun had bleached his dark hair and she could smell the sea on him. Somehow, she couldn't pull her eyes away from his.
"Thank you." Sophie was finally able to whisper.
"You're sure he isn't the one?" Lady Sandbourne pressed.
Sophie shook her head forcing the words to come. "The man that attacked me stank. I'm sure you can smell it even now on my clothes. It was not the sea I smelled."
Her rescuer smiled faintly. "Are you quite well? Nothing was stolen?"
A neighbor's servant sniffed disdainfully. "Not from her, nothing to take." The group broke up without orders, she was certain, so they could go report to their ladies how she made a spectacle of herself by being attacked.
Lady Sandbourne slipped in at her side fretting and clucking like a hen as Mariah helped Anjanette. "I can't believe you were attacked outside my own home. Mayfair is supposed to be above that sort of thing." She was escorted away from her mystery rescuer before she could find out his name to thank him properly.
"Did you see the one that saved her? He looked as disreputable as the man that attacked her must have," Mariah announced once the door was closed.
Sophie saved her throat though Mariah's disdain was unfounded. Sophie would stake the last of her reputation on that fact. A long sea voyage perhaps and he had just docked by the smell he carried. Not yet had time to shave.
"Fearful handsome, though." Lady Sandbourne commented leaving Mariah to be scandalized, never expecting such a thing from her aunt.
All Sophie could think of in order to forget almost being strangled was the look in the man's eyes. Even after it was mentioned she had nothing, those eyes kept smiling at her.
Margaret Mallory is hosting a great summer new contest where you could win six new Hachette Forever releases. Check out her website for details!
Lindsay Townsend's erotic historical romance, SILK AND STEEL, is available now through Siren-Bookstrand. Lindsay says, "After I wrote FLAVIA'S SECRET, I found myself fascinated by the story of a Roman girl who served as a toga girl in the public baths. Could there be a happy ever after for her and a man equally reviled and desired in Roman society--a gladiator? "Silk and Steel" is my story of two people redeemed by love."
Join us tomorrow when contributor and Harlequin Historical author Blythe Gifford will be here to talk about IN THE MASTER'S BED, set in 14th century Cambridge!
