Weekly Announcements - 8 Aug 2010

Margaret Mallory's KNIGHT OF DESIRE and KNIGHT OF PLEASURE tied for 1st place historical in The Beacon contest for published authors. Double congratulations!

***

Congratulations to Lila DiPasqua, who debut historical romance, AWAKENED BY A KISS, was released this week by Berkley Sensation. You can read an excerpt here.

Three classic fairy tales--"Sleeping Beauty," "Puss in Boots," and "Little Red Riding Hood"--cleverly retold with enough sensual twists to prove wickedly ever after does exist...

Sleeping Beau: Five years ago, the notorious rake, Adrien d'Aspe, Marquis de Beaulain, was awakened by a sensuous kiss—and experienced a night of raw ecstasy that was branded into his memory. Years later, he spots his mysterious seductress--and this time, he has no intention of letting her go...

Little Red Writing: Nicolas de Savignac, Comte de Lambelle, has been assigned by the King to uncover the secret identity of the author writing scandalous stories about powerful courtiers. He never expected his investigation would lead to his grandmother's house, or to a ravishing woman who would stir his deepest hunger...

Bewitching in Boots: Elisabeth de Roussel, daughter of the King, is accustomed to getting what she wants--and she wants Tristan de Tiersonnier, Comte de Saint-Marcel, an ex-commander of the King's private Guard. A recent injury has forced Tristan to leave his distinguished position, but Elisabeth is determined to make him see he's every bit the man he once was--and more than man enough for her...

***

Zoe Archer is running an exciting new contest to celebrate the upcoming release of her "Blades of the Rose" series from Kensington, which begins with WARRIOR in September. Here are the details:

Show me your compass! No member of the Blades of the Rose travels without their extremely important compass, and now it's time for YOU to join this daring band of explorers, scientists and adventurers as they find and protect the world's magic.

Between now and September 7, I want to see you and your compass. Tweet, blog and/or Facebook a photo of you, a compass, and a sign that reads: "Blades of the Rose, coming September 7." One very lucky winner will receive ALL FOUR "Blades of the Rose" novels, signed by yours truly. There may be some extra surprise goodies with the books, too! I will pick a winner at random from all entries.

-- If you tweet the photo, be sure to put @zoe_archer in your tweet
-- If you Facebook the photo, be sure to tag Zoe Archer in the picture
-- If you blog the photo, tag it as Zoe Archer, and please email me the link.

Are you ready to join the adventure?


***

Stay with us through the coming weeks when we'll be featuring the best unusual historical authors! Donna Russo Morin, Liz Fichera, Susanna Fraser, and Jeannie Lin will be our guests. Join us!

***

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...

Guest Author: Margaret Mallory

This week on Unusual Historicals we're welcoming back contributor Margaret Mallory as she celebrates the release of KNIGHT OF PASSION, the third of her "All the King's Men" trilogy from Grand Central. Here's the blurb:

Can This Passionate Knight...

Renowned beauty Lady Linnet is torn between two desires: revenge on those who destroyed her family or marriage to her childhood sweetheart Sir James Rayburn. One fateful night, she makes a misguided choice: she sacrifices Jamie's love for a chance at vengeance.

Trust A Beauty with a Past?

Jamie Rayburn returns to England in search of a virtuous wife--only to find the lovely Linnet as bewitching as ever. Their reckless affair ignites anew, even hotter than before, although Jamie vows to never again trust her with his heart. Just as Linnet begins to make amends, she's tempted by one last opportunity to settle old scores. But a final retribution could cost her Jamie's love--this time forever.

***

★ ★ ★ ★ ½ TOP PICK! "Mallory raises the genre to new levels." ~ RT Book Reviews

"[A]n amazing story...filled with sexual tension and hot romance, as well as adventure with a fascinating historical background." ~ Romance Reviews Today

***

Can you tell us a bit about the historical backdrop for your new release, KNIGHT OF PASSION?

KNIGHT OF PASSION is the third book in my medieval trilogy, "All the King's Men." The "King" in the series title is Henry V. The first book, KNIGHT OF DESIRE, takes place during the last Great Welsh Rebellion, when Henry V is still Prince Harry. In the second book, KNIGHT OF PLEASURE, he is in his glory days as King Henry V and "re-conquering" Normandy.

Alas, the great king is dead in this third book, KNIGHT OF PASSION. The royal family is squabbling over control of the kingdom, and--oh my--the young widowed queen is having an affair with her lowly Clerk of the Wardrobe!

I had great fun including a number of real historical figures as secondary characters in this book. (See my earlier posts on Royalty and Witches, Owen Tudor and Katherine de Valois, and the Lancasters.)


So tell us a little about your hero and heroine.

Sir James Rayburn is a warrior and an honorable knight. Poor man. First, I give him a heroine who won't let him do the right thing by her. And then, I throw him into the middle of palace intrigue and royal infighting, when he'd prefer a good clean battle.

Five years after Linnet lacerated Jamie's heart and pride, he's come home to England set on finding a quiet, biddable wife who won't cause trouble--or stir his passions too much. Left to his own devices, Jamie is headed for a safe, tedious life.

Linnet is a rule-breaker. She was raised in the merchant class by an indulgent grandfather--with no mother to tell her all the things she shouldn't do. For the last five years, she has devoted herself to seeking vengeance against the men who destroyed her beloved grandfather and turned her and her brother out to fend for themselves. Losing Jamie along the way is her one regret.

When she meets Jamie again in London, she is on the final--and most dangerous--leg of her quest for justice. If Jamie gives her a second chance, which will she choose this time--love or vengeance?

Do you have a favorite scene?

I don't have a favorite scene, but I love the Prologue because it shows Jamie before he is hardened, when he is young and wears his heart on his sleeve. There is also a scene I like a lot at the end of chapter one when Jamie is on his knees before the Queen and Linnet comes in. In it, Jamie feels like Humphrey Bogart did in Casa Blanca when Bogart says, "Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she had to walk into mine."

What's next?

I'm off to the Highlands! I'm writing a 4-book Scottish series that takes place on the Isle of Skye in 1513. After hearing of a disastrous Scottish loss to Henry VIII's forces, four young Highlanders return from France to help their clan through the perilous times ahead. The four are willing to give their lives for their clan, but taking wives to further their clan's interests is another matter altogether...

Thanks for telling us about your new release, KNIGHT OF PASSION!

I'd love to respond to comments! I will give an autographed copy of KNIGHT OF PASSION to one of the commenters. And for an audio interview where I discuss "All the King's Men," right click here to download the MP3!

***

You heard the nice lady! Leave a comment or question for Margaret for your chance to win a signed copy of KNIGHT OF PASSION. I'll draw the winner at random on Sunday in one week. Void where prohibited. Best of luck!

Weekly Announcements - 7 May 2010

Congratulations to Margaret Mallory, whose debut KNIGHT OF DESIRE (Jul '09) is a Best First Book Finalist in the RomCon 2010's Readers' Crown Contest. Good luck, Margaret!

***

Another finalist in the RomCon 2010's Readers' Crown Contest is Blythe Gifford, whose IN THE MASTER'S BED is up for best Short Historical. Luckily these fine Unusual Historicals contributors are nominated in different categories so we can root for them both! Best of luck!

***

The first review of Lindsay Townsend's forthcoming A KNIGHT'S ENCHANTMENT is in, from the June issue of RT Book Reviews. It received four stars, and Lindsay will be joining us on June 3 to discuss this great romance!

Townsend's newest book, with its back-drop of political and religious intrigue and mayhem, delivers a romance not soon to be forgotten. With characters of great depth and emotion, torn between familial responsibilities and their deepening love, this explosive tale will bring joy and fulfillment to readers.

Joanna of Glastonbury, an alchemist, is forced to create gold for an elixir of eternal life to save her father's life as a prisoner of the corrupt Bishop Thomas. To her surprise, she is taken captive by the knight Hugh Manhill when he accosts the bishop in an attempt to ransom his brother, a Templar, from the bishop. After escaping, he and Joanna begin to feel deep emotional desires for each other. Knowing they cannot succeed alone, they join forces to free the prisoners. The stunning climax will bring them peace.

A KNIGHT'S CAPTIVE was also chosen among the select band of nominees for the Best Historical Novel category in the RT Book Reviews 2009 Reviewers' Choice Awards, which were chosen this month.

***

Join us Sunday when Blythe Gifford will be here to chat about her latest romance from Harlequin Historicals, HIS BORDER BRIDE. She'll also be giving away a copy to one luck commenter! Be sure to join us then.

***

We'll also draw the winner of three historical romances from Michelle Styles's guest appearance on 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! Ali Katz, Diane Whiteside, Isabelle Santiago, and Lindsay Townsend will be our guests. Join us!

***

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...

Weekly Announcements - 30 Apr 2010

We're welcoming a new author to the ranks of our contributors here at Unusual Historicals. Please say hello to Lila DiPasqua, whose first book comes out in August from Berkley. In AWAKENED BY A KISS, three classic fairy tales are cleverly retold with enough sensual twists to prove wickedly ever after does exist. Here's the blurb:

"Sleeping Beau" Five years ago, notorious rake Adrien d'Aspe, Marquis de Beaulain, was awakened by a sensuous kiss-and experienced a night of raw ecstasy that was branded into his memory. Years later, he spots his mysterious seductress-and this time, he has no intention of letting her go...

"Little Red Writing" Nicolas de Savignac, Comte de Lambelle, has been assigned by the King to uncover the secret identity of the author writing scandalous stories about powerful courtiers. He never expected his investigation would lead to his grandmother's house, or to a ravishing woman who would stir his deepest hunger...

"Bewitching in Boots" Elisabeth de Roussel, daughter of the King, is accustomed to getting what she wants-and she wants Tristan de Tiersonnier, Comte de Saint-Marcel, an ex-commander of the King's private Guard. A recent injury has forced Tristan to leave his distinguished position, but Elisabeth is determined to make him see he's every bit the man he once was-and more than man enough for her...

At age fourteen, Lila's best friend sneaked a romance novel out of her grandmother's house. After devouring it, Lila was hooked on romance novels for life. Today she lives with her real-life hero husband and three children and is a firm believer in the happily-ever-after. She loves history and enjoys traveling. She has been to four continents so far. Weaving in interesting historical facts she discovers during her travels, Lila writes stories about historical alpha-heroes and the heroines who make them lose their hearts. Her next release, THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED, will be released in November.

Welcome aboard, Lila!

***

There's still time to sign up for Carrie Lofty's May 3-17 online workshop, "Snakebite Scenes and Hollywood Plots: Writing Action with Heart," hosted by the Heart of Dixie chapter. Does your story have a sagging middle? Do you fear that your action scenes are tepid? Work with Carrie to fix all of the above, while infusing every story with more emotional punch. Learn more about it and register here.

***

Congratulations to Margaret Mallory, whose debut KNIGHT OF DESIRE (Jul '09) is a Best First Book Finalist in the 2010 Golden Quill Contest, sponsored by Phoenix Desert Rose RWA. Good luck, Margaret!

***

Join us Sunday when Michelle Styles will be here to chat about her four current books, including the US release of her Roman-set A NOBLE CAPTIVE. She'll also be giving away three books to one luck commenter! Be sure to join us then.

***

We'll also draw the winner of "A Night for Miracles" from Cheryl Pierson's guest appearance on 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! Blythe Gifford, Ali Katz, Diane Whiteside, and Isabelle Santiago will be our guests. Join us!

***

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...

The Seasons: Medieval Christmas Court

By Margaret Mallory

In Medieval times, everyone who was anyone attended the king's Christmas Court. The Christmas festivities started later then--no Black Friday shopping--but they went full-bore through Twelfth Night, January 6th. The nobility and others lucky enough to be invited to Christmas Court feasted for days. And, since the water was bad, they drank wine by the gallon.

Christmas Court was a time to see and be seen, ask favors, and ingratiate yourself with the royals with a special gift. Perhaps a lion for the royal menagerie? Of course, it was important to dress to impress.

Woe to the nobleman who didn't get an invitation! And being a no-show was dangerous, particularly if your monarch was the sort to see plots everywhere. (Seriously, my hero in KNIGHT OF DESIRE had no choice but to leave his pregnant wife to make an appearance, even though he had just rescued her from the rebels.)

The royals provided lavish entertainment to make their guests merry, from acrobats, jugglers and mummers to dog fights and the occasional joust. Everyone enjoyed music. The sound of lutes, psalteries, and horns would float down from the gallery. Even the king or queen might take up the harp or sing a song. (You'd best clap loudly if they do.)

The king himself might appear in costume, so be careful what you say. It wasn't at Christmas, but at another celebration, Charles VI of France and a few friends masqueraded as hairy wild men in outfits made with frayed hemp and pitch. Such fun! The king's ambitious younger brother, however, "happened" to get too close with a torch and set the men afire. One lady sacrificed a spectacular gown to save the king by throwing her train over him, but several others died of their burns.

(Note the musicians in the gallery above the burning men.)

The royal kitchens worked overtime to prepare countless courses and elaborate presentations for the feasting. Peacock anyone?

In France, at least, the royals were expected to cook enough food to have mounds of leftovers to give away. After England's Henry V marched into Paris and celebrated the holidays at the Louvre, he was bad-mouthed for years for not giving the common people the leftovers.

Who can blame my young couple in KNIGHT OF PASSION for sneaking off to one of the guest's bedchambers at the Louvre Palace while everyone else is feasting, drinking, and politicking? I suspect they weren't the only lovers to take advantage of the opportunities for clandestine meetings during Christmas Court.

I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season! My advice is to sit at the high table where they serve the good wine and ale and avoid over-indulging in the peacock.

*All images from Wikipedia.

Dynasties: The Lancasters

By Margaret Mallory

We will finish the month as we started it, with John of Gaunt's descendants. While Blythe Gifford wrote about the Beauforts, the side of the family born on the wrong side of the blanket, I'll cover the Lancasters, the legitimate heirs who became kings.

I love this painting of John of Gaunt. Hot and dangerous, wouldn't you say? And he liked poetry too. What a man.

John of Gaunt (1340-1399) played an important role in government during the minority of his nephew, Richard II. He also became perhaps the wealthiest man in England.

Richard II turned out to be a poor king who lacked the military skills of his father, the famous Black Prince. When John of Gaunt died, Richard made the fatal mistake of disinheriting John's son Henry Bolingbroke and taking the Lancaster lands for the crown. Bolingbroke, who was in exile in France, landed in Northumberland allegedly to take back his inheritance. As he rolled across England, disgruntled nobles joined his cause. He took the crown from his cousin to become Henry IV, the first Lancaster king.

Henry IV (1367–1413)

When Henry Bolingbroke challenged Richard II for the crown, Richard took Bolingbroke's eleven-year-old heir hostage. The boy was not his father's favorite; Bolingbroke did not even pause. Fortunately, Richard had grown fond of the boy and spared his life. His cousin was not so merciful. The deposed king died in imprisonment...some say of starvation.

Henry IV spent much of his reign foiling conspiracies and putting down rebellions. Apparently, usurping the throne weakened the perception that the king held the throne by divine right. The king began to see plots everywhere. He was jealous of his son, Prince Harry, who was popular with the people and lauded for his military victories.

Henry V (1386/87–1422). Apparently this diligent king was too busy leading armies and running the kingdom to sit for a better portrait.

Henry V is the "king" in my series, "All the King's Men," and an important secondary character in the first two books. While many other royals seemed to put their personal welfare above their kingdom's, Henry V appears to have devoted every waking hour to his duties. He was the best of the Lancasters and a king for the ages.

In my first book, KNIGHT OF DESIRE, he is still Prince Harry, he is in command of the English army charged with putting down the Welsh rebellion. In my new release, he is king and at the height of his powers. He has returned two Normandy two years after his great victory at Agincourt to reclaim the lands his predecessors lost to France.

The painting, below, is of the famous Battle of Agincourt, in which a young King Henry V defeated the French against overwhelming odds. So many French nobles were killed in the battle that it is often said the "cream of French chivalry" died at Agincourt.

Henry V eventually laid claim not only to Normandy, but to the French crown. Under the pressure of the English king's military successes, Charles VI of France, agreed to marry his daughter to Henry. Henry allowed the ailing French king to keep his crown, so long as the French king disinherited his own son and named Henry as his heir.

Henry needed better lawyers, however, for no one seems to have anticipated that he might die before his father-in-law. Who knows what the map of Europe would look like today if Henry had not only inherited the French crown but lived to be an old man? Instead, he died at the age of thirty-five, probably of dysentery, a soldier's illness. His father-in-law died a few weeks later. With their deaths, Henry's nine-month-old babe was heir to two kingdoms.

Henry VI (1421–1471) King of England 1422–1461 and 1470-1471.

Not surprisingly, Henry VI's claim to the French throne was challenged early-on by the dauphin, Charles VI's disinherited heir. Eventually, Joan of Arc would be instrumental in turning the tide against the English.

Henry VI's right to the English crown might never have been challenged, however, if he had been a strong and skilled king like his father. A loyal cadre of Lancaster and Beaufort men made sure England was ruled competently during his minority. Once Henry VI ruled in his own right, however, he proved to be poorly suited to the task. Later, he suffered from bouts of severe mental illness, probably inherited from his French grandfather, "mad" King Charles. As was the case with Richard II, his disastrous rule opened the door to a challenge. And so began the War of the Roses....

Guest Author: Margaret Mallory

We're happy to welcome back one of our regular contributors, Margaret Mallory, as she celebrates the release of KNIGHT OF PLEASURE, the second of her "All the King's Men" trilogy from Grand Central.

THE GREATEST PASSION...

Lady Isobel Hume is an expert swordswoman who knows how to choose her battles. When the king asks her to wed a French nobleman to form a political alliance, she agrees. But that's before the devilishly charming Sir Stephen Carleton captures her heart-and tempts her to betray her betrothed, her king, and her country.

...IS WORTH THE GREATEST PERIL

Sir Stephen Carleton enjoys his many female admirers--until he dedicates himself to winning the lovely Isobel. When a threat against the king leads Isobel into mortal danger, Stephen must prove that he is more than a knight of pleasure...and that love can conquer all.

***

"★ ★ ★ ★ [A] riveting story, intertwining adventure and history...with a constantly increasing level of sensuality....[A] rare treat." ~ RT Book Reviews

"Margaret Mallory's passionate novel, KNIGHT OF PLEASURE, is an absolute delight for fans of historical romance." ~ Fresh Fiction

"You're not just reading a novel, you are stepping into the story...KNIGHT OF PLEASURE is amazing." ~ Gloria Gehres, The Romance Readers Connection

"Book two of Ms. Mallory's All the King's Men series is thrilling, romantic, and just plain good reading." ~ RomRevToday

***

Tell us a little about the unusual setting of your new release.

KNIGHT OF PLEASURE is the second book in my medieval series, "All the King's Men." The first book in the series, KNIGHT OF DESIRE took place during the last Great Welsh Rebellion, when Henry V was still Prince Harry. This second story begins a dozen years later, in 1417, during Henry V's "re-conquest" of Normandy. Most of it takes place in Normandy. As with my first book, I incorporate real historical events and characters into the story. I love history, so that part is always great fun for me.

A number of scenes take place in Caen Castle, which served as King Henry's headquarters in Normandy at this time. My hero, Sir Stephen Carleton, is in Caen with the English army when Lady Isobel Hume arrives from England to marry a French nobleman she has yet to meet.

This massive castle once belonged to Henry V's ancestor, William the Conqueror. Another ancestor, Richard the Lionheart, gathered his knights here before leaving on crusade.

Henry V claimed Normandy as the descendant of William the Conqueror, even though his line back to William was a bit…convoluted. Despite the fact that his father had usurped the throne, Henry V was confident in his divine right to rule England and Normandy. Later, he would add France to the list.

William the Conqueror, also known as "William the Bastard," built a men's and a women's abbey on either side of the town of Caen to absolve himself of the sin of marrying his cousin. I was surprised that this was considered a sin, but apparently it was nothing that couldn't be fixed by building a couple of magnificent abbeys. In the middle ages, the church was often pragmatic in dealing with the rich and powerful. Hence, William's sin was the church's gain.

My heroine's brother spends time with the monks at the men's monastery, the gorgeous Abbaye-aux-Hommes, above.

So tell us a little about your hero and heroine.

I have to say, I adore this hero, Sir Stephen Carleton. Stephen, who was the thirteen-year-old brother of the hero in my first book, proved to be such a charmer that I had to write a story for him when he grew up. Stephen is the sort of man I avoided like the plague back in my dating days—the fun, handsome guy who had too many women hanging off him. My sensible heroine will take one look and tell herself not to trust him further than she can throw him. But Stephen is always more than he seems. Beneath the good looks and charm, beats a true hero's heart.

Isobel is a serious young woman who has learned to put childish dreams aside. Her trust was shattered when the father she adored forced her to marry a disgusting elderly man in order to regain the family lands. When her husband dies, the lands she was promised are taken from her. Faced with only bad choices, she agrees to make a political marriage to a French nobleman at her king's behest.

The moment Stephen and Isobel meet, the attraction sizzles between them--and the King's plans for Isobel are in jeopardy. But trust doesn't come easy for Isobel. And putting her fate in the hands of a Knight of Pleasure does not seem a wise course at all.

Do you have a favorite scene?

I can't say which scene is my very favorite, but one of them is Stephen's opening scene. He's a disillusioned young man with tremendous potential who is headed down the wrong road fast. In this first scene, I show him waking up hung-over and not knowing where he is. When he turns to see who he is in bed with, he groans. Not her again. He's hit bottom, and he knows it.

What's next?

The third book in the series, KNIGHT OF PASSION, is scheduled for release in June. Except for the prologue, which takes place at the Louvre in Paris, this last book is set in England. The hero is Jamie Rayburn, who was a toddler in the first book and a teenager in the second. Other characters from the earlier books, including Stephen and Isobel, will make appearances in KNIGHT OF PASSION

I have plans for a new series after that, but I can't talk about it yet! Learn more about my books, events and contests, check out my website.

Thanks for telling us about your new release, KNIGHT OF PLEASURE!

I'd love to respond to comments! I will be in an airplane most of Monday, so please be patient with me that day. I will give an autographed copy of KNIGHT OF PLEASURE to one of the commenters.

***

Thanks for stopping by, Margaret. All right, dear readers, leave a comment or question for Margaret and you'll be entered into a random drawing for an autographed copy. I'll draw the winner next Sunday. Void where prohibited. Good luck!

KNIGHT OF DESIRE Winner!

We have a winner for Margaret Mallory's KNIGHT OF DESIRE guest blog. A free copy goes to:

QUILT LADY!

Contact Margaret 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!

Guest Author: Margaret Mallory

This week we're welcoming Margaret Mallory as she celebrates the release of her debut, KNIGHT OF DESIRE from Grand Central Publishing. It's set in medieval Wales! Here's the scoop:

FEARLESS IN BATTLE

His surcoat still bloody from battle, William FitzAlan comes to claim the strategic borderlands granted to him by the king. One last prize awaits him at the castle gates: the lovely Lady Catherine Rayburn.

TENDER IN BED

Catherine risked everything to spy for the crown. Her reward? Her lands are declared forfeit and she is given this choice: marry FitzAlan or be taken to the Tower. Catherine agrees to give her handsome new husband her body, but she's keeping secrets and dares not give him her heart. As passion ignites and danger closes in, Catherine and William must learn to trust in each other to save their marriage, their land, and their very lives.

"4 Stars" -- RT Book Reviews

"An impressive debut...Margaret Mallory is a star in the making." --Mary Balogh, New York Times bestselling author of At Last Comes Love

"A wonderful new voice in the tradition of Gellis and Woodiwiss." --Bertrice Small, New York Times bestselling author of The Shadow Queen

"Spellbinding! Few writers share Margaret Mallory's talent for bringing history to vivid, pulsing life." --Virginia Henley, New York Times bestselling author of The Decadent Duke

***

Welcome to Unusual Historicals!

Thanks so much for inviting me to blog today, Carrie. This should be fun!

Tell us a little about your debut release and what is unusual about it.

KNIGHT OF DESIRE is the first book in my late medieval series, "ALL THE KING'S MEN". Most of the story takes place in the English-Welsh border region, known as the Welsh Marches, during the Last Great Welsh Rebellion. A lot of readers have commented that this was a new setting for them, that they were unfamiliar with Welsh Rebellion, and that the novelty of both added to their enjoyment of the book.

Harlech Castle in Wales, where my heroine is held hostage for a time. Photo by Oosoom via Wikipedia.

I also incorporate real historical characters into my books to an "unusual" degree. In KNIGHT OF DESIRE, my heroine has the good fortune to meet the most interesting men of her time. ;) She spies on her traitorous husband for her childhood friend, Prince Harry (later Henry V). Later, she is taken hostage by the devilishly charming Maredudd Tudor, a Welsh rebel whose great grandson will usurp the throne eighty years later. She also has a couple of interesting encounters with Tudor's cousin, the charismatic Welsh rebel leader, Owain Glyndwr (rhymes with "endure"), who inspired the twelve year rebellion.

Owain Glyndwr, leader of the Welsh Rebellion.

Of course, the love story is the central part of the story, but I hope readers enjoy meeting these real-life characters along the way. One of the great things about using historical figures from 600 years ago is that there is enough information for a writer to work with, but not so much as to stifle the imagination. ;)

What led you to this setting and how does it influence your story?

I had a story in my head that involved knights, castles and a forced political marriage, so I knew I was in the Middle Ages. That narrowed it down to a few hundred years.... Since my story had a theme of loyalty and I like a strong element of adventure, I went searching for a period mired in conflict and divided loyalties. What luck for me that Henry Bollingbroke usurped the throne from his cousin! Shortly after he took the crown, Henry faced rebellions on both borders and conspiracies left and right. I knew I'd found my year: 1405.

So tell us a little about your hero and heroine.

William FitzAlan is a battle-hardened knight. His honor is everything to him, for he has had little else to claim as his own. When his mother became pregnant by a powerful lord in the hope he would wed her, he instead pawned her off to marry one of his knights. She left William to be raised in his father's household , where his parentage was an open secret and his status was always uncertain. Now, after his many successes on the battlefield, King Henry is finally rewarding him with what he has always wanted: lands of his own. What he truly longs for, of course, are a home and family. But trust come hard for William. His mother's affair and abandonment have left him with a great mistrust of noblewomen and their motives.

Lady Catherine is brave and fiercely loyal to those she loves. When the husband the king chose for her turns out to be a traitor, as well as violently abusive, she risks her life to spy on him and pass rebel plans to her childhood friend, Prince Harry. The king is neither grateful nor sentimental. The day her husband is captured and executed, he gives Catherine the choice of marrying the victor in battle or being imprisoned as a traitor's widow. Either way, he will grant her strategic border castle to the man he trusts to hold it against the rebels. Catherine's first marriage was so perilous, that she might choose the Tower over a new husband...except she will not leave her young son.

Do you have a favorite scene?

It's hard to choose, but I'd have to say the scene on the drawbridge at the beginning of the book is one of my very favorites. This was the first scene that came into my head; the whole story developed from here.

Lady Catherine is waiting to hear whether her husband has been caught with the rebels, when a group of men-at-arms arrive at her castle gates. Since they carry the king's banner, she cannot refuse them entry. Still, she is suspicious. She warns the guards to be ready to drop the portcullis behind her if she signals, then ducks under it when it is half-raised to step out alone onto the drawbridge.

Our hero, William FitzAlan, is among the men waiting on the other side of the moat. The king has granted him the castle and lands belonging to the traitor he defeated in battle that day. At long last, he has lands of his own. He has reluctantly accepted the second "prize" the king offers: the newly-made widow standing on the drawbridge. How could a woman share her husband's bed for years and still betray him to his enemies? She must have the loyalty of a snake. Jaded as he is, he is shocked when the woman falls on her knees to praise God upon hearing of her husband's death. When she likens marriage to William to hell, he is in full fury. Instead of being grateful to him for agreeing to save her by this marriage, she is ridiculing him! He charges his horse up onto the draw bridge.

When he stares down at her from atop his horse, he recognizes her as the young lady he accompanied on a midnight ride years ago--and has dreamed of her ever since. (See prologue excerpt.) He will have her for his bride, for his desire for this achingly beautiful woman is boundless. But he knows he can never trust her.

Is this book related to any of your other releases?

Yes. The hero of the second book in the series, KNIGHT OF PLEASURE, is William's half-brother, Sir Stephen Carleton. I'll admit it here; I adore Stephen. He was such a trouble-prone charmer as a youth in KNIGHT OF DESIRE that I knew he would make a great hero when he grew up. As with the first book, the setting for this one is a bit unusual. Most of KNIGHT OF PLEASURE takes place in Normandy, where Henry V (Prince Harry in book 1) is in the midst of re-conquering lands that once belonged to England. KNIGHT OF PLEASURE will be out December 1st--just four months from now.

I'm busy wrapping up the third book in the series, KNIGHT OF PASSION, which is scheduled for release next June. The hero of this one is Catherine's son, Jamie, who is a toddler in the first book and a teenager in the second. Poor Jamie—Linnet, the French orphan he first met in book 2, is proving to be quite a challenge for him. ;) Various other characters from the earlier books reappear as well.

Wedding of Henry V and French Princess, Catherine de Valois

Thanks for stopping by Unusual Historicals and telling us about your book!

Thanks so much for inviting me. I'd love to respond to comments! As Carrie mentioned, I will be giving away a copy of KNIGHT OF DESIRE to one of the commenters. She'll draw a winner in one week. Best of luck!

To learn more about me and my books, readers may want to check out my website. I'll be starting a new contest this week. To enter it, just sign up for my newsletter from my website.

Weekly Announcements - 1 Aug 09

We've been a little slim on announcements lately, but I think it's because summer is a little slow in publishing. It's reverse hibernation! However, we do have two new, exciting additions to our line-up of Unusual Historicals contributors. Let me introduce them to you...

Last month, Jeannie Lin won the Golden Heart for her historical entry "Butterfly Swords," set in Tang Dynasty China. She'd just sold the manuscript to Harlequin Mills & Boon earlier that week! I had the pleasure to meet Jeannie at Nationals and congratulate her for her many successes. I'm looking forward to what she has to add to our monthly topics, and I'm more than a little eager to read her debut! Welcome to our site, Jeannie!

Lorelie Brown is an aficionado of all things 1920s, and her sexy speakeasy romance "Jazz Baby" just sold to Samhain last month. She's clever, funny, tough, and she's been one of my critique partners for three years, so I'm doubly excited to welcome her to our ranks!

We are currently on the hunt for two new full-time contributors to Unusual Historicals. If you're interested--even if only to know what might be required--please email email Carrie Lofty.

***

Elizabeth Lane has received the cover for her upcoming October release, an anthology called COWBOY CHRISTMAS, featuring Carol Finch and Pam Crooks. Very nice!

***

Join us Sunday when author Margaret Mallory will be joining us to talk about KNIGHT OF DESIRE, her exciting medieval debut!

We'll also draw the winner of Meredith Duran's BOUND BY YOUR TOUCH and WRITTEN ON YOUR SKIN...so join us then!

***

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

Excerpt Thursday: Margaret Mallory

This week on Unusual Historicals, we're featuring debut medieval author Margaret Mallory as she celebrates the release of KNIGHT OF DESIRE, the first of her "All the King's Men" trilogy. It's available now from Grand Central. Join us Sunday when Margaret will be here to talk about her debut and give away a copy!

FEARLESS IN BATTLE

His surcoat still bloody from battle, William FitzAlan comes to claim the strategic borderlands granted to him by the king. One last prize awaits him at the castle gates: the lovely Lady Catherine Rayburn.

TENDER IN BED

Catherine risked everything to spy for the crown. Her reward? Her lands are declared forfeit and she is given this choice: marry FitzAlan or be taken to the Tower. Catherine agrees to give her handsome new husband her body, but she's keeping secrets and dares not give him her heart. As passion ignites and danger closes in, Catherine and William must learn to trust in each other to save their marriage, their land, and their very lives.

***

Set-up: Five years before the story begins, William is delivering a message at a castle near the Welsh border when he surprises a young lady as she is sneaking out for a midnight ride on the eve of her wedding. When she refuses to abandon her plan, he accompanies her to ensure her safety.

***

"Tomorrow I am to be married."

The surge of disappointment in Williams' chest caught him by surprise. Although he was told the castle was crowded because of a wedding, it had not occurred to him that this achingly lovely girl could be the bride.

"I do not expect this will be a happy marriage for me," she said, lifting her chin. "But tomorrow I will do what my father and my king require of me and wed this man. From that time forward, I will have to do as my husband bids and submit to him in all things."

William, of course, thought of the man taking her to bed and wondered if she truly understood all that her words implied...

"Lady, I would save you from this marriage if I knew how."

He spoke in a rush, not expecting to say the foolish words that were in his heart. He was as good as any man with a sword, but he had no weapon to wield in this fight. Someday, he would be a man to be reckoned with, but as a landless knight, he could only put her at risk by interfering with the king's plans...

Impulsively, he reached out to trace the outline of her cheek. Before he knew what he was doing, he had her face cupped in his hands.

Very softly, he brushed his lips against hers. At the first touch, a shot of lust ran through him, hitting him so hard he felt light-headed and weak in the knees. He pressed his mouth hard against hers. Dimly, through his raging desire, he was aware of the innocence of her kiss. He willed himself to keep his hands where they were and not give in to the overpowering urge to reach for her body.

He broke the kiss and pulled her into his arms. Closing his eyes, he held her to him and waited for the thundering of his heart to subside. God have mercy! What happened to him? This girl, who trusted him blindly, had no notion of the danger.

Swallowing hard, he released her from his embrace. He could think of no words, could not speak at all. With deliberate care, he pulled her hood up and tucked her long hair inside it. Then he let his arms fall to his sides like heavy weights.

"I did not want his to be my first kiss," she said, as though she needed to explain why she had permitted it.

She took a quick step forward and, rising on her tiptoes, lightly touched her lips to his. In another moment, she was running across the yard, clutching her cloak about her.

For many years, William dreamed of that night. In his dreams, though, he held her in his arms by the river in the moonlight. In his dreams, he kissed the worry and fear from her face. In his dreams, he rescued her from her unhappy fate.

In his dreams, she was his.