Last week, we drew a winner for TJ Bennett's THE PROMISE guest blog, but that person never claimed their copy. The new winner of TJ's debut, THE LEGACY is:
PATRICIA BARRACLOUGH!
Contact Carrie Lofty 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!
We have a winner for TJ Bennett's THE PROMISE guest blog. A free copy of TJ's debut, THE LEGACY goes to:
MARIE BURTON!
Contact TJ 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!
This week we welcome back TJ Bennett as she celebrates the release of her second book, THE PROMISE.
In a dangerous world, sometimes the greatest risk is love...
In 1525, Günter Behaim is a professional soldier in the service of Emperor Charles V. Günter has been betrayed by love and promises not kept. As a result, he has sworn to make few promises of his own and keep those unto death. However, when his friend is mortally wounded while saving Günter's life, he gives a pledge to marry his betrothed. To keep his promise, Günter must use every weapon in his romantic arsenal to convince the reluctant woman to marry him. As his passion for her grows, he realizes he is falling in love. Is he prepared to risk his worst fear: having his heart rejected once more?
The Spanish beauty Alonsa García de Aranjuéz is determined to withstand Günter's relentless pursuit. Haunted by a gypsy's curse on any man who loves her, Alonsa yearns for Günter, but fear for his safety forces her to rebuff him. As she struggles to deny the growing attraction between them, she begins to realize that fate may have other plans. With danger surrounding them, will Alonsa bite from the forbidden fruit? Or will Günter be bitten instead by the mysterious misfortune that seems to plague any with the courage to become Alonsa's love?
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Welcome back! So what's so unusual about THE PROMISE?
Well, the hero of THE PROMISE, Günter Behaim, was introduced in my first book, THE LEGACY. That was set in Martin Luther's Reformation Germany, and during my research on the history of the period, I came across information about the Landsknechts, or the German mercenary companies hired first by Emperor Maximilian and then by Charles V to fight their wars throughout Europe.
Standing armies were rare during this time; many rulers, kings, and princes hired mercenary companies. I was fascinated by the lives these men--and the women who loved them--led. It was harsh and difficult, but at the same time compelling and exciting. I felt the mercenaries who lived, fought, and died during those times must have been extraordinary and well worthy of a story of their own. The story begins just days before the pivotal Battle of Pavia, a turning point in history between medieval and modern warfare. I don't believe I've ever seen a historical romance set in this particular time with this subject matter, so that makes it pretty unusual right there.
How does the setting influence the story?
Of necessity, it is a darker book than THE LEGACY, which was about an arranged marriage between a runaway nun and a middle-class printer. In THE PROMISE, we are dealing with a mercenary soldier, Günter, whose livelihood is fighting, killing, and avoiding being killed. The heroine, Alonsa, is the daughter of a blade merchant who has seen her share of violence as well. I had to deal with these elements in the story yet keep the focus on an impossible yet extremely romantic relationship, and that made it edgier and more adventurous than the first novel. But it is still a wonderful story of the triumph of love over impossible odds, as is THE LEGACY.
Since we are focusing our month long spotlight on literature and education, can you tell us what role those played in this book?
My hero is a Renaissance man (despite some of the advertising copy that suggests this is a Medieval, sorry to say). He joined the army after being jilted by his beloved sometime before the beginning of the first book. Before that, however, his backstory was that he was studying art and music in Florence, one of the great centers of learning and culture. Günter absorbed much while he was a student, and throughout the book, we see his various artistic talents manifest themselves in his ability to speak multiple languages, his skill at composing music, and his knowledge of poetry and art. He even composes a love song to Alonsa, one that leads to an emotional scene before they must part for what they believe is the last time. I loved taking this rough and tumble soldier and layering him with these romantic, sensitive qualities. It makes him a complex hero, not easy to pin down--my favorite kind.
Thanks for stopping by Unusual Historicals and telling us about your book!
Thank you, and let me invite your visitors to come learn more about THE PROMISE and its connected novel, THE LEGACY, at my website. They can also participate in my May contest, read excerpts, and view photos on my gallery pages. I'll be happy to answer any comments posted on this Unusual Historicals blog.
Reviews:
Romantic Times Magazine BOOK Reviews: Four Stars!
Passion, intrigue and romance distinguish this wonderful tale. The well-defined characters and fast pace will keep your attention from the first page to the last. Passion and humor are seamlessly inserted into this tale of love and adventure, and the emotional conclusion is very satisfying.
Night Owl Romance: 4.5 star Top Pick
THE PROMISE is "passionate, enchanting, and moving."
Eye on Romance's Historical Romance Writers: "I enjoyed Ms. Bennett's first book THE LEGACY and this book is just as good....The journey these two people take is one of true love."
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Thanks so much for joining us once again, TJ, and best of luck with THE PROMISE! Readers, would you like a copy of TJ's debut, THE LEGACY? If so, leave a comment or a question. I'll draw a winner next Sunday. Good luck!
Michelle Styles took part in the Hexham Book Festival on 2 May, discussing the "Changing Face of Romance in 21st Century." Also, three of her novels are available as a special promotion pack in Spain this month. Históricos relatos que te transportaran a épocas pasadas donde vivirás amores sorprendentes, encuentros apasionados… seductores protagonistas ¡3 historias de Michelle Styles a las que no podrás resistirte!
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Jennifer Linforth is hosting a Gaston Leroux Birthday Tribute Drabble Contest. The prize is a Phantom of the Opera gift basket including a signed copy of Madrigal plus books from contest judges. In a nutshell: A drabble is a story or scene told in 100 words. No more, no less. Many times in the fan-fiction world drabbles are a bit longer. Knowing how restricting writing tight can be, the contest will have an upper limit of 300 words. Details on Jennifer's website.
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Join us Sunday when author TJ Bennett will be here to talk about THE PROMISE, set in 16th century Germany!
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We'll also draw the winner of Diane Whiteside's THE SOUTHERN DEVIL. 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...
Thursdays on Unusual Historicals mean excerpts! Yay! This week we're welcoming back TJ Bennett, who's celebrating the release of her second book, THE PROMISE, set in the Holy Roman Empire of the 16th century. This is the follow-on to THE LEGACY, which we featured back in June of 2008, and tells the story of Wolf Behaim's brother, Günter.
Make sure to join us on Sunday when TJ will be here to talk about THE PROMISE and give away a copy!
In 1525, Günter Behaim is a professional soldier in the service of Emperor Charles V. Günter has been betrayed by love and promises not kept. As a result, he has sworn to make few promises of his own and keep those unto death. However, when his friend is mortally wounded while saving Günter's life, he gives a pledge to marry his betrothed. To keep his promise, Günter must use every weapon in his romantic arsenal to convince the reluctant woman to marry him. As his passion for her grows, he realizes he is falling in love. Is he prepared to risk his worst fear: having his heart rejected once more?
The Spanish beauty Alonsa García de Aranjuéz is determined to withstand Günter's relentless pursuit. Haunted by a gypsy's curse on any man who loves her, Alonsa yearns for Günter, but fear for his safety forces her to rebuff him. As she struggles to deny the growing attraction between them, she begins to realize that fate may have other plans. With danger surrounding them, will Alonsa bite from the forbidden fruit? Or will Günter be bitten instead by the mysterious misfortune that seems to plague any with the courage to become ... Alonsa's love?
***
Alonsa sank down onto her knees, slapping the ground with an open hand repeatedly. "Again! Siempre! Always!" She broke off into a stream of rapid Spanish, but even Günter understood that she railed against the Fates.
"Señora!" he called, rising and grasping her from behind. He lifted her, afraid she would injure herself. "Alonsa, stop!"
She thrashed in his arms, and he turned her swiftly around. He shook her again, but she ignored him, and he feared she would lose hold of her senses in her grief. He realized he had two choices. He could either slap her in order to shock her back to sanity, or kiss her. As he had never raised a hand to a woman in his life, he chose the easier of the two.
Günter gripped her head and pressed his hard mouth to hers.
Dios mío.
Alonsa could see, through a blur of tears, Günter's open eyes. He was not even trying and still he made her heart pound in reaction, her knees go weak with desire. His mouth barely moved, yet she felt the lightning heat of his kiss streak through her. She went limp against him from the effect, and his arms encircled her. The moment she stopped moving, he drew back.
She gazed up at him stupidly.
"Forgive me," he murmured, and the warm spice of his breath fanned across her lips. "You were upset. I was losing you. I didn't know what else to do."
He stared down at her, and she felt a subtle tightening in the tension of his arms. His eyes drifted to her mouth, and he frowned. He slowly reached up and traced a callused finger across her bottom lip.
"Was I too rough?" he whispered.
Her breath caught in her throat. The feel of his finger sent little shivers across her skin. It sent mysterious messages throughout her body to hidden places long restrained. It unlocked doors chained shut for far too many years. And it was just a finger, just a stroke upon her lips. What could he do with that hand elsewhere?
"Was I?" he repeated, and absently trailed the finger across her chin, down her jaw, and up the sensitive skin of her cheek.
He tilted his head as he stroked the shell of her ear. She could see his eyes following its progress. He barely touched her, and yet she trembled. He must have felt the tremors, for his gaze returned to hers.
He moved to release her. "Are you cold? I'll get you a blanket--"
Instinct made her clutch at him, though reason screamed a warning in her head.
"No." Please kiss me again.
She gazed up at him in unbearable anticipation.
His eyes narrowed. He looked at her mouth, stared at it for so long she could count the time with the beat of the blood flowing through her body. Then slowly he lowered his head to hers once more. A scant hairsbreadth from her lips, he stopped.
She made a sound like a whimper. She could not help it. She should be ashamed, but she was not. She tilted her face, closed the last little distance between them, and pressed her lips to his.
We have a winner for T.J. Bennett's THE LEGACY giveaway:
JENN!
Contact T.J. 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 of her book! Congratulations!
Today we welcome T.J. Bennett to celebrate the release of her debut novel from Medallion Press, THE LEGACY.
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When her brief, disastrous marriage to a fortune hunter ends in scandal, Baronesse Sabina von Ziegler's vengeful adoptive father imprisons her in a cloister. She arranges a daring escape and suddenly finds herself betrothed to Wolfgang Behaim, a tradition-bound printer from the rising middle class with a secret that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear.
As they fight to discover the truth of the mysteries surrounding the Baron's machinations, they find themselves challenged by a fiery passion they cannot resist. Can they overcome their past and find love even as lies, war, and an unexpected enemy conspire against them?
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Welcome to Unusual Historicals! So what's so unusual about THE LEGACY?
The setting and characters. THE LEGACY takes place in 1525, during the early Reformation period in theologian Martin Luther's Wittenberg, Electoral Saxony (now Germany). It uses the social and religious turmoil of the times as a backdrop for the story about a printer and the runaway nun he is blackmailed into marrying.
What led you to this setting?
I loved historical romances, and when writing my first, I didn't want to use a setting that had been done many times before. I wanted to bring something new to the table. I was inspired to write this story when I came across a book entitled Martin Luther Had a Wife. The book described how the religious reformer met and married Katherine von Bora, an ex-nun. She and eleven other nuns engineered a daring escape from the convent and fled to Luther's doorstep in Wittenberg, asking for help in starting a new life. He helped them by finding most of them husbands or positions, and marrying Katherine himself. It got me thinking: What must it have been like for the other eleven women? Thus THE LEGACY, the fictionalized account of one of those other escapee nuns, was born.
How does the setting influence the story?
During the story's setting, the Peasant Revolution takes place in the German regions. This was the beginning of the rise of egalitarianism we later see in France's revolution as well as in the American colonies. Also, Gutenberg invented his printing press less than a century before. It made the written word affordable for the common man, and the German literacy rate among the lower classes was very high. And, of course, Luther hammered his Ninety-five Theses on the church door in Wittenberg, sparking the Protestant Revolution. All these threads are woven into my tale.
So tell us a little about your characters.
After Baronesse Sabina von Ziegler's vengeful adoptive father imprisons her in a cloister, she eventually takes vows. But nine years later, following the teachings of the reformer Martin Luther, she arranges a daring escape. She is free at last--for the moment--a noblewoman of conscience who has learned a lesson about trusting men she will never forget.
Wolfgang Behaim, burdened by the mysterious circumstances surrounding his father's death, has no heart for love. Yet he finds himself suddenly betrothed to Sabina, the Baron von Ziegler's adopted daughter.
It is a marriage neither wants. Sabina again finds herself imprisoned by the Baron, in a dungeon this time, being slowly starved to death. Her only key to freedom is marriage to Wolf. And Wolf must marry Sabina, or the murderous Baron will reveal the secret from his past.
Since we are continuing our month long spotlight on religious beliefs, can you tell us what role religion played in this book?
Well, since the split in the Catholic Church occurs during this time, religion is important to the story. I tried very hard to capture both sides of the issue. Wolf (a devout Catholic) and Sabina (a Protestant) represent those different sides, and deal with religion in the context of their lives. However, the book really isn't about the religious turmoil happening in their world, but rather about how ordinary people survive in extraordinary times, and how love lives on, despite everything. It's sensual, dark, sometimes humorous, sometimes poignant, but first and foremost a romance. I always tried to remember that.
Thanks for stopping by Unusual Historicals and telling us about your book!
Thank you, and let me invite your visitors to come learn more about THE LEGACY and its connected novel, THE PROMISE (May 2009), at my website. They can also participate in my June/July contest, read excerpts, and view photos on my gallery pages. I hope everyone gets a chance to read THE LEGACY and visit my site.
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Excerpt:
Wolf scowled at Sabina. "Why did you come? What do you want?"
He looked almost feral. His eyes glittered dangerously, and he had raked his hands through his hair. His doublet was gone, and he'd untied the strings holding his cambric shirt together; as a consequence, it gaped open to the waist. Sabina gawked at the skin it revealed and warmth flooded her. She realized belatedly what she was doing and jerked her eyes up to meet his.
"Forgive me," she said. "I did not mean to disturb you. You looked unwell, and I just wanted to ..." Her voice trailed off as his intent gaze traveled over her.
He appeared not to have heard a word she'd said. Nervous, she licked her suddenly dry lips, and his eyes flared with emerald fire.
"Sweet Jesu, what do you want from me?"
She heard the aching torment in his voice.
You.
For one horrified moment, she thought she had spoken aloud. She had not, but something must have shown in her expression because the mood shifted instantly, tightening into an almost unbearable tension.
As though she were naked, she could feel the heat of his hand against the curve of her waist. Her breath caught in her throat at the wall of solid muscle against her breasts, and she became intensely aware he was aroused. The realization made her pulse beat in a staccato rhythm, from fear or desire she knew not which.
They stood pressed together it seemed forever, while he debated whether or not to kiss her. She could see the argument going on behind his eyes, could almost hear him lecturing himself about the reasons why he should not.
She rose up on her toes and touched her lips to his.
Wolf, startled at first, quickly recovered. He lunged for her, his arms going like steel bands around her waist, his mouth devouring hers. She staggered backward, and he pressed her up against the wall, its unyielding indifference counterpoint to his fevered response. A painting behind her crashed unheeded to the floor.
For a lightning moment, she felt trapped. That old familiar fear engulfed her, but her heart whispered this man would not hurt her. There was no anger in him, no domination. In fact, it was as if he had surrendered to a need greater than his own will, a need so palpable it crackled in the air around them. He kissed her throat, her eyes, her lips.
Tentatively, she kissed him back, touching her tongue to his. He groaned into her mouth.
"Oh, God, I'm on fire," he rasped. He tugged her hand up, placed it on the hot skin over his rapidly beating heart. "Can you feel it, Sabina? I burn for you ..."
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Review links:
"T. J. Bennett has crafted a believable story.... The depth of the characters and their ever increasing desire for one another make The Legacy a most enjoyable read." ~ Novelspot
"THE LEGACY is an excellent read. Ms. Bennett has written characters you'll fall in love with. I highly recommend this book to everyone." ~ Wendy Keel, The Romance Readers Connection, rating 4 1/2
"Ms. Bennett has penned a fabulous story that will keep the reader glued to its pages; a vivid, intriguing, and fast-paced tale that grabs your heart from the beginning and keeps it to the very end." ~ Affaire de Coeur
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You can win a copy of THE LEGACY. Simply leave a comment or question for T.J. We'll draw a random commenter next Sunday, so be sure to check back and see who's won. Good luck!
