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...

***

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 - 26 Apr 09

Argh! Who's running this show? Sorry this is so late, everyone. Here goes...

Michelle Styles received two lovely reviews for IMPOVERISHES MISS, CONVENIENT WIFE. Cataromance said:

Michelle Styles is a must-read for readers who are bored to tears of reading hackneyed, cliched and highly unoriginal wallpaper historical romances. In Impoverished Miss, Convenient Wife, her writing is crisp and effortless, her evocation of Regency England superb, her characters believable and authentic, and her ability to tell an emotionally satisfying love story absolutely breathtaking.

IMPOVERISHED MISS, CONVENIENT WIFE is not your typical run-off-the-mill Regency, but a beautifully rendered tale of hope, sacrifice, tragedy and the everlasting power of love. 5 stars!

The Pink Heart Society said, "Michelle Styles' latest is a beautifully-told, wonderfully written and utterly absorbing historical Regency that I defy anyone to put down once they've read the first page. Imbued with so much style, emotion, humour, charm and intense romance, IMPOVERISHED MISS, CONVENIENT WIFE is outstanding historical romantic fiction at its best!"

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Danielle Thorne's unusual historical, THE PRIVATEER, has been released from Awe-Struck Books. Julius Bertrand secretly privateers for the British Crown. The former pirate thinks a wife will complete his masquerade, until a bounty is put on his head. Adventure, romance, and intrigue, are intertwined with Caribbean history circa 1729.

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

IMPOVERISHED MISS, CONVENIENT WIFE Winner!

We have a winner for Michelle Styles's IMPOVERISHED MISS, CONVENIENT WIFE book release party. A free copy goes to:

MONA!

Contact Michelle to give her your address. The book must be claimed by next Sunday or another winner will be drawn. Please stop back later to let us know what you thought! Congratulations!

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?

Excerpt Thursday: Michelle Styles

Thursdays mean excerpts on Unusual Historicals, and this one come to us from contributor Michelle Styles from her April 3rd release, Impoverished Miss, Convenient Wife. We'll be featuring Michelle as our guest author on Sunday, so be sure to check back for your chance to win a copy!

In this scene, Phoebe Benedict has arrived at Ladywell to look after the ill son of Simon Clare, a wealthy Northumbrian landowner, but things are not as she first thinks.

***

A soft noise woke Phoebe from where she slumbered on a narrow cot. It took a few moments to work out where she was. She forced her muscles to relax as she realized that it was not Atherstone Court and she would not have to see her sister-in-law today.

She listened again, hoping against hope that Robert was not about to experience another fit. The noise appeared to have stopped. She nodded and forced her breathing to come easy.

She was safe here. No men would come knocking at the door, demanding money for unpaid bills, no step-mother would look at her with injured eyes when she suggested economies. No sister-in-law to roll her eyes when Phoebe suggested starting a dressmaking or millinery shop, rather than sinking slowly into the mire of impoverished gentry.

Here, she was giving James a chance. He had not asked for Father to go walking on the frozen Thames. He had not been the one to refuse to join him on that stroll, preferring to stay at home and trim a bonnet. She knew who bore that guilt. And he had not caused Charles to take the corner too fast and overturn his carriage on his way to mediate a dispute between her and Alice. She trusted that Lord Coltonby would do as he promised. Then there would only be Edmund to worry about. She hoped all of them understood the sacrifices she was making and why. Far too often they seemed to take her feelings for granted. Phoebe pushed away the thought. They were the only family she had and belonging to a family was important. She would keep her mind only on the good things, the way forward.

She'd concentrate on the little boy and his unfeeling parent. Imagine having your only child look after by a creature like that and in such conditions. It was not as if they lacked money. The whole house screamed money, but it lacked love and tenderness. It lacked a heart.

The noise sounded again. It appeared to be half way between a sob and a wail. Phoebe's hear sank. She did not want to think about confronting Mr Clare at this hour and explaining why after all her brave words, she had been unable to cope.
She wondered if Mr Clare had been true to his word. Robert could be alone in there or with someone as unfeeling as that miserable maid. She refused to let that happen.

The boy needed help.

In the moonlight, Phoebe fumbled for her shawl and wrapped it around her body. She lit a candle and held it aloft as she tiptoed over to the door that separated her from Robert. She opened the door slightly but kept to the shadows.
Robert appeared to be asleep but a figure knelt at the side of the bed, head bowed and arms stretched out on the coverlet.

She raised the candle light higher, trying to discern who was there. The too long hair and finely moulded shoulders could only belong to one man. Simon Clare. For confirmation, she spied the cane lying by the side of the bed. She started to tiptoe out when she heard a hoarse whisper.

'Let me take his place. Please...I will do anything. Punish me, not him.'

Phoebe put her hand to her mouth. She had inadvertently intruded on this man's grief. How she could have thought him uncaring? A sudden fear gripped her. 'Is everything all right, Mr Clare? Is Robert...?'

At the sound of her voice, the groans ceased. He lifted his head. His white shirt was open at his throat, revealing his golden skin. In the darkness, his face had become all shadows and planes but she could clearly see how handsome he was. He was no monster but the personification of masculinity.

'Robert is asleep. All is well, Miss Benedict.' His voice held a singular raw note.

'That is good to hear. I...I heard a noise.'

'I regret having disturbed you.'

'You...that is...I am light sleeper. Years of practice with my step-brothers, I am afraid.' She gave small shrug and felt the shawl started to slip off her shoulder. Her hand clutched it tighter about her.

'You looked after them.'

Phoebe wet her lips. 'Someone had to. My step-mother was not precisely maternal and the maids unreliable, even before my father died.'

'How good it is that someone cared.'

He stood up, filled the room. His gaze slowly travelled down her body, then back up to her face. She clung on to the thin shawl, aware suddenly she was dressed only in her nightgown; her hair flowed over her shoulders and her bare toes peeped out. Hurriedly she smoothed her gown, and covered her feet. She wished that she had thought to wear a cap. Her hand shook slightly, causing the wax to drip on her wrist. She stifled a cry.

'You should be more careful, Miss Benedict. Wax burns.'

Copyright 2009 Michelle Styles and Harlequin Enterprises

Weekly Announcements - 5 Dec 08

Carrie Lofty has had a whirlwind debut release week, with great reviews coming in from all over. The most exuberant have been at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books, Dear Author, It's Not Chick Porn, and even a Heart Review (the equivalent of an RT Top Pick) from the German romance magazine LoveLetter. The complete listing of Carrie's reviews and interviews can be found here.

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Michelle Styles received author copies of her upcoming release, IMPOVERISHED MISS, CONVENIENT WIFE, the sequel to A QUESTION OF IMPROPRIETY. This marks Michelle's tenth novel with Mills & Boon!

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...

Michelle also received a lovely review from Romance Junkies about VIKING WARRIOR, UNWILLING WIFE.

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Join us tomorrow when Michelle celebrates the American release of VIKING WARRIOR, UNWILLING WIFE. You can read an excerpt of it here.

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We'll also draw the winner of Carrie Lofty's WHAT A SCOUNDREL WANTS. 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...