HIS FOR THE TAKING Winner!

We have a winner for Sarah Parr's HIS FOR THE TAKING guest blog. A free copy of goes to:

MAUREEN!

Contact Carrie to provide your mailing 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!

Weekly Announcements - 1 Oct 2010

This week's guest author, ZOE ARCHER received a great review for the first of her "Blades of the Rose" romances, WARRIOR. Buried by Books gave it an A and wrote, "I love that this book is hard to pin down to a single subgenre. There's suspense. There's paranormal. There's history. Even some steampunkish elements. But all of it is woven with such subtle skill that no one element dominates any other. It's entirely new, yet borrows from an extensive film and literature lore—which only adds to the richness of the storytelling."

In addition, Zoe's second "Blades of the Rose," SCOUNDREL, is up for best cover over at Bitten By Books. Take a look and cast a vote if it strikes your fancy!

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MICHELLE STYLES is happy to announce that "HIS STAND-IN BRIDE" will be a Weekly Online Serial for e-Harlequin starting November 15 and running through January 3. It will be a free read! More details to come.

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Congratulations to LILA DiPASQUA, whose collection of fairy tale retellings set in 17th century France, THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED, received a great review from Publishers Weekly. They described it as "ripe with steamy affairs...hot enough to warm the coldest winter night." Follow Lila on her new blog for the latest updates and to participate in her October 4th party to celebrate the release of THE PRINCESS IN HIS BED.

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Join us Sunday when ZOE ARCHER will be here to chat about the first two of her "Blades of the Rose" Victorian adventure romances. She'll also be giving away a copy of WARRIOR and SCOUNDREL to one lucky commenter! Be sure to join us then.

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We'll also draw the winner of SARAH PARR's HIS FOR THE TAKING 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! JEANNIE LIN, RENEE RYAN, BETH TRISSEL, and DELIA DeLEEST will be our guests. Join us!

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Have a good weekend! Remember, you don't have to be an Unusual Historicals contributor to submit good news to the weekend announcements. If it has to do with unusual historicals, we'd love to shout it out to the world! Send announcements to Carrie. See you next week...

Guest Author: Sarah Parr

This week on Excerpt Thursday we're welcoming back Kensington author SARAH PARR as she celebrates the release of her second 18th century historical romance, HIS FOR THE TAKING. This sensuous pirate adventure travels from England all the way to Bermuda, where Sarah once lived. She'll be here on Sunday to answer questions and give away a signed copy. Join us then!

Persuasion Always Wins...

On a mission to investigate treason, Privateer Marquis Warrick Barry believes he'll have no trouble getting the information he seeks from Karly Bane--the dark-haired beauty the Crown has ordered him to marry. But none of Warrick's tactics work. Unable to deny the hunger the fiery temptress elicits in him, Warrick realizes he must use seduction to persuade his new wife to trust him--both in and out of the bedroom.

When Passion Is the Prize...

As the daughter of a pirate, Karly knows she has nothing in common with the aristocratic Warrick--except an overwhelming mutual attraction. And though Warrick's intentions appear honorable, Karly cannot bring herself to reveal her closely guarded secrets. But when danger threatens to tear them apart, she must decide if she can share herself fully with the man who is now her husband--and if she wants a love that can last forever...

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"Sarah Parr pens a wonderful tale that is both sparkling and fresh." ~ Coffee Time Romance

"Parr's debut is a wild ride of an adventure." ~ RT Book Reviews on RENEGADE

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Why did you choose England and Bermuda for HIS FOR THE TAKING?

It was a natural fit. Heavily fortified by reefs and forts, Bermuda was home to both British pirates and privateers. For years they preyed on French and Spanish ships. Plots and plans to capture Bermuda were made but never carried out. I actually lived there for several years and was able to do my research first hand.

Did you live in England as well?

I've lived all over thanks to a restless father who worked in marketing and travel. It meant a lot of packing, but looking back it was worth it.

How do you get your ideas?

Usually when one thought crashes into another. HIS FOR THE TAKING began with a pirate and their nemesis. From there I began to play, adding Bermuda and the history of an area called The Flatts, notorious for smugglers in the day. The story grew from there, a natural sequel to my debut, RENEGADE.

What's next for you?

I have a lot going on in 2011. I just joined Twitter where I post updates, information on "Easter eggs" within the books, answer questions, and provide information on new releases. I also keep a Facebook page. In 2011 I have a couple historical romances in the works and will post more as soon as it is available.

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Thanks for stopping by, Sarah! Readers, if you would like a signed copy of HIS FOR THE TAKING, leave a comment or question. Do you dig pirates? How about the idea of an exotic Bermuda setting. Personally I'd love to hear more about Sarah's adventures in living there. Leave a comment or question for you chance to win. I'll draw a winner at random next Sunday. Void where prohibited. Best of luck!

Weekly Announcements - 24 Sept 2010

The fifth and final new addition to our roll of contributors is Harlequin Spice author AMANDA McINTYRE. Welcome! Amanda's work includes THE DIARY OF COZETTE, set in Victorian England, which released as one of eHarlequin's top ten bestsellers. TORTURED takes place in Britannia in 500 A.D. and was voted one of the Top Ten Best Erotic Fiction Reads at eHarlequin. Her novella "Winter Awakening" in WINTER'S DESIRE, takes place in 1119 Wales, and her latest, THE MASTER & THE MUSES returns to Victorian England. It was awarded 4.5 Stars from RT Book Reviews, which wrote, "At the center of this unique story is an irresistible hero, Thomas Rodin. Complicated and charismatic, he's matched by his muses in complexity, making THE MASTER & THE MUSES a very special reading experience." Here's the blurb:

Icon, rebel, unabashed romantic...with a single look painter Thomas Rodin conveys the ecstasy of creativity--the pleasures awaiting the woman who can fuel his artistry.

The Innocent: What did this master artist see in me? Genius abided in his soul, rapture in his flesh--I doubted not. To refuse him...my folly. To surrender...my sensual salvation.

The Upstart: I chafed at the bonds of servitude until he set me free. I turned my back on all that I knew to follow him and found myself between two men--master and student--one whom I loved with my heart...the other with my body.

The Courtesan: I understood, perhaps better than any, his needs. I stoked the fires of his soul, the spark of his creativity--he made me a legend. But never could I forget his searing touch...

Three transcendent tales of women bewitched by a master of seduction--a slave as much to his art as to his boundless passion.

Here's a little more about Amanda:

From her early days of reading Vampirella and Hitchcock, to writing a Fine Arts column supporting music education, Amanda McIntyre's zest for experiencing life has provided fertile ground for her creative story ideas resulting in a number of published works in contemporary, paranormal and historical women's fiction. Preferring the title 'storyteller' to 'author,' Amanda loves to challenge her characters and her readers to look beyond the ordinary to the extraordinary, where anything is possible! Amanda lives with her never-a-dull-moment family in the Midwest. Even better than researching history, she enjoys visiting with her readers!

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MICHELLE STYLES is pleased that her IMPOVERISHED MISS, CONVENIENT WIFE will be released in Italy in October with the title Notte di Nozze. You can purchase it here.

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One of our new contributors, STEPHANIE DRAY, was featured on Dear Author, telling her first sale story. Check out how she made her big break, and learn more about her alter-ego, Stephanie Draven.

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CARRIE LOFTY was recently mentioned on All About Romance in Lynn Spencer's recent article about sibling relationships in romance, which cited the tense and rocky dynamic between the sisters in WHAT A SCOUNDREL WANTS and SCOUNDREL'S KISS as being particularly emotional. What a nice surprise!

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Join us Sunday when Kensington author SARAH PARR will be here to chat about her 18th c. pirate adventure romance HIS FOR THE TAKING. 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 CHRISTINA PHILLIPS' FORBIDDEN 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, Jeannie Lin, Renee Ryan, and Beth Trissel will be our guests. Join us!

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Have a good weekend! Remember, you don't have to be an Unusual Historicals contributor to submit good news to the weekend announcements. If it has to do with unusual historicals, we'd love to shout it out to the world! Send announcements to Carrie. See you next week...

Excerpt Thursday: Sarah Parr

This week on Excerpt Thursday we're welcoming back Kensington author SARAH PARR as she celebrates the release of her second 18th century historical romance, HIS FOR THE TAKING. This sensuous pirate adventure travels from England all the way to Bermuda, where Sarah once lived. She'll be here on Sunday to answer questions and give away a signed copy. Join us then!

Persuasion Always Wins...

On a mission to investigate treason, Privateer Marquis Warrick Barry believes he'll have no trouble getting the information he seeks from Karly Bane--the dark-haired beauty the Crown has ordered him to marry. But none of Warrick's tactics work. Unable to deny the hunger the fiery temptress elicits in him, Warrick realizes he must use seduction to persuade his new wife to trust him--both in and out of the bedroom.

When Passion Is the Prize...

As the daughter of a pirate, Karly knows she has nothing in common with the aristocratic Warrick--except an overwhelming mutual attraction. And though Warrick's intentions appear honorable, Karly cannot bring herself to reveal her closely guarded secrets. But when danger threatens to tear them apart, she must decide if she can share herself fully with the man who is now her husband--and if she wants a love that can last forever...

***

For a moment she could forget they were at odds and surrender to safety. He would not harm her, of that she was sure. It hadn't pained to bare her soul before him, his quiet words were comforting. Men weren't like that or was it simply around her? She gathered every shred of logic she could manage and patched the open wound in her heart, taking deep breaths until she was again solid. "I don't normally lose control like that."

"It's time you did. You've been holding tight for too long, not without reason."

Karly sank onto the bench and didn't move when he tucked her hair over her shoulders. Across from them the fountain splashed and water meandered down the wall into a small pool. It was silent, the rain masking the sound. If only she could drown the sound of her racing thoughts as easily. "You should annul the marriage soon. The damage will be less that way."

"How very philosophical of you."

"Will I need to sign anything?"

"No, the matter is entirely in my hands. All I need to do is ask and our marriage will be dissolved within the week. But I don't believe I will." Shadows deepened and then were gone from his face but never seemed to leave his eyes.

She sensed danger, from him and from within her heart. She needed to guide the conversation, before the path became more treacherous. "The rain is slowing."

"Stop running from me."

His voice was like liquid silver in her veins. He stood before her and touched her lips with his finger, then languidly traced their outline. It was all Karly could do not to move or speak. Her body began to tremble with want of words. She could not go back, she could not break the spell he was casting. His touch advanced slowly past her cheek until his hand massaged the nape of her neck. She heard her own sigh and felt the tension ease, replaced by a delicious warmth that spread outward. "I won't fall in love."

RENEGADE Winner!

I'm a little late this week because I just arrived back from my vacation. Here we go!

We have a winner for Sarah Parr's RENEGADE guest blog. A free copy goes to:

JESSICA!

Contact Sarah 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!

Weekly Announcements - 19 June 09

Not too many announcements this week, as Carrie is on vacation. Check back soon! But here's what's coming up on the weekend...

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Join us Sunday when Dark Castle Lords author Miriam Newman will be here to talk about her latest release, SPIRIT AWAKENED, a fantasy historical novella set in pre-medieval Europe!

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We'll also draw the winner of Sarah Parr's RENEGADE. 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...

Guest Author: Sarah Parr

Welcome to our Sunday guest post featuring Kensington Debut author Sarah Parr. She's here to celebrate the release of her first novel, an adventure romance called RENEGADE, set in 1762 Constantinople. Here's the blurb:

Far from England, alone for too long, Captain Jonathon Barry is captivated the instant he saw Jaline--she is too magnificent not to notice. There is a grace to her movements, an elegance to her bearing, that sets her apart even before she lifts her exotic black eyes or speaks. Her voice is intoxicating, soft as velvet with a sweet, lilting quality, as she recounts an evil bargain made against her will. She is to be his mistress, and he may do with her as he pleases...

Jonathon is deeply torn, for Jaline is indeed his by right. She is only a slave, the prize he has won in a Constantinople gambling den. Trembling, bared to him, body and soul--he can see how cruelly she has been treated. It is clear that Jaline is in danger still and he may well be her only hope. Yet even a renegade like Jonathon would risk anything to save so beautiful a woman...and to love her, if she will let him.

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Thanks for stopping by today, Sarah! So tell us about what sort of romance you write.

I write historical romance adventures. They are page turners--think Romancing the Stone and Indiana Jones with a heavier dose of romance. The pace is fast, the action is quick and the romance is hot.

Why did you choose Istanbul for your opening location?

I fell in the love with it, studied it and had the chance to visit it a few years ago. In 1762, it was known as Constantinople. The Seven Year War in Europe was coming to a close and power--power was shifting and the Ottomans were close to falling. Exciting and exotic, it was the perfect place where Jonathon and Jaline could meet.

What was your journey to publication?

RENEGADE and the untitled sequel that comes out in July 2010 are the first two manuscripts I have written. I sold them at my first RWA conference after my first editor meeting with Hilary Sares. It has been a whirlwind! Before writing, I worked for Carnival Cruise Lines in marketing and sales.

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Reviews:

"Lyrical, sensual, passionate." -- Shannon McKenna

"With non-stop action, humorous situations and plenty of emotion evoking scenes RENEGADE is one book that demands the reader’s attention right from the beginning." -- Romance Junkies

"Parr's debut is a wild ride of an adventure." -- Romantic Times

"Sarah Parr pens a wonderful tale that is both sparkling and fresh." -- Coffee Time Romance

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Again, thanks to Sarah Parr for joining us today! If you'd like a chance to win a copy of RENEGADE, leave a comment or question. I'll select a winner on Monday evening, after I get back from vacation! So you have plenty of time to enter and no excuse not to throw your name into the hat. Good luck!

Weekly Announcements - 12 June 09

Michelle Styles has learned about another foreign sale, this time for VIKING WARRIOR, UNWILLING WIFE to Italy. It's due to be released as Il Sole di Mezzanotte in July. Here's a purchase link--check it out if only for the snazzy, evocative cover.

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Join us Sunday when Zebra Debut author Sarah Parr will be here to talk about her first romance, RENEGADE, set 1762 Constantinople!

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We'll also draw the winner of Sherry Thomas's NOT QUITE A HUSBAND. 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...

Excerpt Thursday: Sarah Parr

Thursdays on Unusual Historicals mean excerpts! This week we're featuring Kensington Debut author Sarah Parr and adventure romance, RENEGADE, set in 1762 Constantinople. Check back on Sunday when Sarah will be here for a Q&A and you'll have the chance to win a copy.

Far from England, alone for too long, Captain Jonathon Barry is captivated the instant he saw Jaline--she is too magnificent not to notice. There is a grace to her movements, an elegance to her bearing, that sets her apart even before she lifts her exotic black eyes or speaks. Her voice is intoxicating, soft as velvet with a sweet, lilting quality, as she recounts an evil bargain made against her will. She is to be his mistress, and he may do with her as he pleases...

Jonathon is deeply torn, for Jaline is indeed his by right. She is only a slave, the prize he has won in a Constantinople gambling den. Trembling, bared to him, body and soul--he can see how cruelly she has been treated. It is clear that Jaline is in danger still and he may well be her only hope. Yet even a renegade like Jonathon would risk anything to save so beautiful a woman...and to love her, if she will let him.

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A shadow could not hold water and she could never truly love him. That made her the worst choice for a mistress, as if Jonathon Barry needed one at all. He saw a tiny shudder shake her frame and he leaned forward. "Do I frighten you?"

She neither moved nor flinched, nestled behind an eerie façade of composure. The words hung in the air between them and fractured the tentative calm.

Slowly, she lifted her brilliant onyx eyes to meet his, wayward curls masking one side of her face, dirt the other, her expression watchful. "You do, a little," she said, an odd lilt in her voice.

"I trust that will fade with time and experience," he offered. She gave a slight nod and turned to study the alleys of Constantinople as the carriage rattled on through the early morning light. He must be a fool. His life was too complicated as it was, even though the war was almost over. He felt her eyes on him, met her gaze and logic dimmed. Lust made his throat dry. He wanted her and now she was his, a slave, won in a gambling den. It didn't matter. Vivid erotic thoughts clouded his mind. "You'll become accustomed to me."

The corners of her mouth lifted in a wickedly uncertain smile. "I learn quickly."

"Indeed?"

Jaline clasped her hands in her lap. "This morning I watered horses." She drew a long breath. "Now I'm to share your bed. I understand." She paused and cocked her head. "Are we going to your ship, Mister Barry?"

"The name is Jonathon." With a small frown, she looked away. Jonathon glanced down at her delicate fingers. He wanted to take them in his, feel their warmth, their touch. More importantly, he had questions starting with what happened after she left him. Her friend, Faresh had appeared only a few hours later to plead for his help. He studied her as they passed an inn, its lights flickering over her features. "The Lornea is moored in the Golden Horn."

"What happened to the Amadine?"

"Thanks to the information you provided, she sailed for Odessa."

Her eyes brightened. "Then it was helpful."

"I expect it will be profitable too. Collectors want artifacts of any kind, even if there are half the number of Greek relics."

She gave a nod and brought her fingertips together, studying them. "So you are taking the Lornea back to London?"

He raised a brow. "I don't recall telling you that."

Her full lips pursed into a straight line. "I am good at gathering pieces of information, as you well know."

He inclined his head. This was no hapless kitten, but a careful, clever, exotic creature. He needed to watch what he said. "Once I talk to this Asam you mentioned." Her smile vanished and the mask returned. He narrowed his eyes and searched for the reason. "You will come with me." She nodded, lifted her hands and began to braid her hair, then dropped it from sight. She might have been fiddling, but it was one of the most erotic gestures he had witnessed, possibly because she was completely unaware of the effect. "Why don't you explain why you are limping?" He inclined his head to catch her gaze. "That was not the situation when I left you."

Jaline clasped her hands and set them in her lap. "Yesterday was a long time ago."

"You're different." Before, her eyes had been lit with a hidden fire. Whereas tonight, she was far away, as if he was watching her somewhere in the distance.

"Faresh said you were in trouble." He could almost see her pale.

When he spoke the name, she met his gaze and held it. "He shouldn't have made you feel responsible." Jaline swallowed. "Faresh has been like an uncle to me since I was sold to Toran."

Faresh had been twice her age and several inches taller, his eyes black but the resemblance ended there. His skin had been olive whereas Jaline was fair, the shape of his face narrow while Jaline's was a classic heart, her features near perfect. "He's not an actual relation?"

She exhaled and smiled wistfully. "We looked after each other in the slave quarters. I cooked his evening porridge, he taught me to - survive." She lifted her chin. "That's near to family."

He returned her look and narrowed his, distinctly aware of what she had said, and what she had left out. "Tell me what happened."

She blinked and lowered her eyes. "When I got back to the stables, Toran was waiting. Someone told him we had been talking. He found the coins you paid me and wanted to know where they came from. When I didn't tell him, he assumed you were my lover. That you had paid me for..." she gave a quick jerky shake of her head. "He ordered ten lashes, one for each coin."

Rage bubbled deep. He had known the man was cruel, sensed it as they sat across the table from each other. There had been a lifeless boredom in Toran's speech that held his sneer firmly in place. Greasy with perfumed oils, he had waved his jeweled finger at the money Jonathon had offered, as if it were a dish that offended his nose. "Toran didn't want to do business, you did."

"I'm not his servant. I'm his slave. Toran can do whatever he wants."

"You sold me information about ancient valuables. That doesn't warrant a beating," he said tightly.

She gave a feminine snort and shook her head. If anything, she appeared more vulnerable than moments before, her breath uneven. Time passed before she lifted her gaze to his. "A slave owner's rights are absolute. That is the way it is."

She didn't have to cry for him to hear the unshed tears in her voice, or feel the brush of accusation. He was the master now.