Carrie Lofty's debut, WHAT A SCOUNDREL WANTS, received its first newspaper review from none other than fellow romance writer Jennifer Estep. the review is featured in the Bristol Herald Courier On May 10, 2009. 
Michelle Styles received a solid B review from Dear Author for her novel VIKING WARRIOR, UNWILLING WIFE. Jayne writes: "So score another victory for the non-Regency and this one definitely doesn't have a duke/spy in it. I hope you'll continue to write what would be called more ancient historical books, along with your nineteenth century ones." 
Lisa Marie Wilkinson received a 4-star review from Romantic Times for her upcoming debut from Medallion Press, FIRE AT MIDNIGHT. Kathe Robin wrote: "Romance, action and suspense differentiate this tale of adventure and love. Wilkinson creates the right combination of believable characters, snappy dialogue and fast-paced storytelling. The protagonists are not only passionate about their separate causes, they're passionate about each other too."
Carrie Lofty received a great review for WHAT A SCOUNDREL WANTS over at Literary Escapism. "Usually you get the whole opposites attract in romance novels, but this time around, Scarlett and Meg were more alike than most genre couples and yet they were still different enough that they clashed every step of the way. That chemistry made this story that much more fantastic."
Harrison Jackson must defend his family against British spies, Colonial advocates, and himself. Secret meetings are destroying his good name, and nightmares from a life he thought buried threaten more than his reputation.***
Victoria Greyson steps onto Boston streets and back into Harrison's life without warning. She wouldn't blame him for hating her, but his rage will have to wait. Her sister is dead and Victoria intends to extract revenge on the man responsible.
While Harrison fights to keep his past a secret, Victoria and Colonial Independence demand more than he wants to give--and neither of them will be denied.
Join us Sunday when Geri Krotow will be here to talk about WHAT FAMILY MEANS, her latest release from Harlequin. This Superromance is partly set in the 1950s and 60s.
Carrie Lofty's debut, WHAT A SCOUNDREL WANTS, received a B+ review from All About Romance. Lynn Spencer writes:While WHAT A SCOUNDREL WANTS is really part-legend and part-historical, the author creates a very convincing England-that-might-have-been. Fans looking for a romance with both a good relationship and a meaty, satisfying story should check this one out. I enjoyed visiting this world, and the emotional payoff at the end was wonderful. There is a sequel that appears to be set in medieval Toledo coming out in 2009. I fully intend to read it.***
Jacquie Rogers' DOWN HOME EVER LOVIN' MULE BLUES received a quality review from Susiq2 of SingleTitles. She writes: I am so thrilled to discover this book, and the author who wrote it. I adore romantic comedy. Rarely do I locate a story with as much humor, joy, and downright lust spread so thickly on the pages that I am surprised that I could turn the pages. DOWN HOME EVER LOVIN' MULE BLUES is a treasure not to be missed. Thank you, Ms. Rogers, for all of the laughter, and joy that you bring to the reader of your fabulous book.Also, Jacquie was featured on Book Talk, and she posts weekly on craft over at Texty Ladies. This week's topic is "Write What You Mean."
Jennifer Mueller has collected a number of updates over the holiday season, including the first look at the cover of A RUINED SEASON, a Regency release schedule for April from Robert Hale. Sophie Greenwood went to London to have her season hoping to find a husband. If only they had told her father lost all his money and mother claimed her sum was still intact, but gossip spreads quick all of London already knew Baron Canmore's scandal.In other news, two of Jennifer's books have been nominated for a CAPA at The Romance Studio: ANCIENT WALLS in the Romantic Suspense category, and EGYPTIAN DAYS for a special Psyche award.
Now two years later, will Sophie ruin another season? No one seems to want to make staying scandal free an easy task. Almost everywhere she turns someone is trying to make her the laughing stock. Only the mysterious Mr. Kittridge not caring that no one should want her acquaintance makes the situation bearable. Fleeing London once more is her only option, but after a second ruined season what hope is there for a life of her own?
Join us tomorrow when Ryshia Kennie will be here to talk about FROM THE DUST, set in 1935 Saskatchewan.
Carrie Lofty is pleased that WHAT A SCOUNDREL WANTS continues to earn quality reviews. Merri Crawford of Medieval Book Reviews writes: "Although set in distant times, WHAT A SCOUNDREL WANTS captures in imagery, psychological depth and imagination, a timeless truth in the way only fiction can. ...a book to read slowly in order to savor in all its details. Keep a hanky for the ending, not for tears of pain but joyful tears."
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. His unexpected bride...Michelle also received a lovely review from Romance Junkies about VIKING WARRIOR, UNWILLING WIFE.
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...
In this dazzling, original tale, Carrie Lofty imagines a new chapter in the well-loved Robin Hood fable. Meet Robin's rakish nephew, Will Scarlet, a man whose talents with the sword and the ladies are legendary--until his desire for one woman changes everything.***
A swordsman for the Sheriff of Nottingham, Will Scarlet has finally emerged from his famous uncle's shadow. But when he's unwittingly drawn into a bloody battle between the Sheriff and a nobleman, it's impossible to tell friend from foe. A woman's screams lead Will straight into the carnage to save her--but the ravishing young lady is not the helpless maid she appears to be...
Meg of Keyworth lost her sight to illness years ago, but that hasn't stopped her mission to save her imprisoned sister, who's been arrested by none other than Will Scarlet. Meg wants to hate Will for betraying her family, but he sparks heated desire in her heart--a desire that only he can satisfy. Meg is lovely and loving, and bedding her is sensual bliss. To please her in every way is what he wants most, for Will knows he will cherish her forever....
So what question are you most frequently asked about this book, and why is it so important to answer?
Did Will Scarlet actually exist?
Now that you're all done writing and proofing WHAT A SCOUNDREL WANTS, what will you miss the most about it?
What's next for you?
This week's announcements include good news from RT and two small changes to our Unusual Historicals format. First, we now have a public calendar via our Yahoo group to let everyone know when authors will be posting or stopping by for a giveaway. Second, Thursday will now feature excerpts from our authors' works. Monday thru Wednesday will continue to be historical posts, Fridays or Saturdays for announcements, and promotional features with giveaways on Sundays.
Carrie Lofty received four stars from RT for her December Zebra Debut release, WHAT A SCOUNDREL WANTS. "Lofty debuts with an adventurous romp that's a new take on the Robin Hood legend. The leading man will win readers' hearts as only a bad boy can. Lofty writes adventure romance like a born bard of old." 
Michelle Styles also received four starts from RT for her newest US release, VIKING WARRIOR, UNWILLING WIFE. "A family in conflict, an ambitious hero bent on vengeance and a bold woman hiding a secret quest for salvation combine for a heady, tension-filled, passionate sequel to Taken by the Viking." 
Jennifer Linforth's debut novel, MADRIGAL, a continuation of Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera, is now available for purchase. Congratulations on this wonderful accomplishment, Jennifer! 
Bonnie Vanak will be signing copies of THE SCORPION AND THE SEDUCER, her Egyptian historical, and her new werewolf Nocturne, ENEMY LOVER, at the Altamonte Mall Center Court, 451 E. Altamonte Drive in Altamonte Springs, Florida, on Saturday, November 1, from 2-5 pm.
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Robin pulled a special arrow from his quiver. Instead of barbed metal, the head was made of tightly wound and knotted wool. More like a slender torch than an arrow, he drenched it in the gelatinous solution. The man in charge of that barrel quickly dropped the leather cover back in place, keeping it clear of the rain.In WHAT A SCOUNDREL WANTS, the blind alchemist, Meg, uses an ancient formula to produce Greek Fire for her husband, Will Scarlet, and the legendary Robin Hood to use against their enemies. While the BBC's newest "Robin Hood" television series made the mistake of claiming it to be gunpowder, Greek Fire was actually a forerunner of modern napalm.
He marveled at the magic he witnessed. Each drop of water landed upon the coated shaft and sizzled. When he dipped the saturated wool into the open drum of rainwater, it burst into flames. The downpour did nothing to extinguish the fire and, in fact, strengthened its mysterious heat. All around him, he heard his men--sound men of long experience in battle--wonder and fret about the unnatural blaze.
But then the hoardings opened. Archers began their assault on Will's team.
Robin watched the trap unfold, neither surprised nor discouraged. At least Will and a few of his accomplices made it inside the gate. "Archers! On me!"
A line of men stood ready, wielding the flaming arrows no water could douse.
"On the hoardings! Ready! Fire!"
Curving over the shallow glade, blazing arrows glowed against the deep gloom of the evening storm. While a few flew wide in the wind, most of the points met their mark and embedded in the wooden galleries that shielded the opposing archers. The arrows burned and burned. No amount of water quenched their hunger, until even the rain-soaked wood fell victim to the tremendous heat and caught fire.
Throughout the years, it has been referred to as Roman fire, Byzantine fire, liquid fire, and sea fire. Thought to have been the creation of the Byzantines in the 6th century, drawing from the Alexandrian school of early chemists, Greek fire was an incendiary weapon that burned even in water. The formula became a treasured Byzantine secret, passed down by emperors and their scientists. While the exact formula is not known, historians believe it was either a form of quicklime that increased its heat when exposed to water, or a floating hydrocarbon such as naphtha. 
No matter its composition, Byzantine armies used Greek Fire throughout the Middle Ages, particularly in sea battles where the opposition could be destroyed while trapped in narrow straights or against rocky shores. Some delivery methods included barrels flung via catapult, arrows laced with the substance, or primitive grenades--metal or glass canisters hurled at the opposition. Crusaders returned home to England and France with wild tales of fire that only grew stronger in water. Western science trailed those eastern innovations by such an extent that such a thing could not be believed, let alone recreated.
Eastern cultures including the Persians and Chinese also had a type of Greek Fire, but many historians believe the formula differed from that of the Byzantines. The modern equivalent, napalm, is actually a sticky version. Incendiary petroleum splashed too easily, so the addition of the napalm bonding agent helped to jelly the flammable fuel, making it stick while burning. The weapon was used to famously horrific results during the Vietnam Conflict. Napalm victims asphyxiate or suffer third degree burns that destroy layers of skin and shut down the immune system, and survivors suffer burns called keloids--growths of tissue around the scar site, which permanently impair motor function.
***Anna Thornton leads a privileged life, but she's not content. When the dashing Matt Cowan sweeps her off her feet, she thinks her boring existence has changed for the better--only all is not as it seems. Although Matt loves her, he lies and leaves her. Once he has gone she finds she is pregnant. Heartbroken Anna flees her home with her trusted maid.
She buys a run-down farm in Yorkshire and is determined to make a new life and be independent. She begins again, but events occur that will test her strength and self belief. An Irishman comes along looking for work. Anna reluctantly hires him, but she's wary of men, of love, and hates to find herself attracted to him, a penniless labourer, so she fights her feelings. Then, just when Anna believes she is getting on with her new life, the past returns to confront her.
***Michelle also received the cover of her upcoming release, AN IMPULSIVE DEBUTANTE. It's also available for pre-order ahead of its September UK release.The part I like best is Michelle Styles wields her talent once more to spin a Viking tale of long ago, filled with strong willed personalities, compelling love and secrets to uncover. VIKING WARRIOR, UNWILLING WIFE will give the reader a few enjoyable reading hours in the time of the VIken!
Join us Sunday when Blythe Gifford will be discussing her latest release INNOCENCE UNVEILED, set in 14th century Flanders, and giving away a free copy!
This timely work considers the impact of war on everyday lives and emotions. Compassion and sympathy are to be found throughout, but also friendship and honor. Bravery is no stranger - and is often to be found in the minor characters, in less overt ways - from the injured themselves, to some of the dedicated staff. The story is in no way predictable.Make sure to leave a comment on Anne's Q&A from Sunday for your chance to win a copy of Broken Hero. The drawing is tomorrow.
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Carrie Lofty now has the cover for her December Zebra Debut, What a Scoundrel Wants. You can read the back cover copy here.
Michelle Styles also has a new cover, this time for Viking Warrior, Unwilling Wife, a June release from Harlequin Mills & Boon.
"You heard the boy, Scarlet. We need sugar."So no sugar, then. How about honey? Honey was a much more common and ancient sweetener, even depicted in Mesolithic cave paintings. Like sugar, it was believed to have medicinal qualities and was used in poultices, salves, and oral remedies. Without the steep price tag associated with cane sugar, even poorer peasants could afford honey for their homemade cures.
Will could not swallow the foul taste of their argument. Frustrations ground together in his throat. "I admit it. I'm lost."
"Niter, when heated and distilled, creates an acid. Combined with sugar, that acid creates smoke. A great deal of smoke." Her condescending tone reminded him far too much of Robin. "The smoke may help us if we need to get into or out of places we shouldn't be."
"You're insane," he said. "But that's not a bad idea. Where?"
"The apothecary in Keyworth, I should think."
"But sugar is expensive," Jacob said.
Meg shrugged. "He's not wrong. You'll have to steal it."
Amber Schulman stepped into a lush English garden in 2007, only to arrive in breathtaking Sorrento, Italy--in 1958. The only person who understands her confusion is fellow time traveler Mark Lacey, a New Yorker who comes from the land of cassette tapes and Reaganomics. His dark, world-weary eyes beckon her with secrets and sensuality. But why does he seem so familiar?
Trapped in the past since he was a teen, Mark wants nothing to do with another whining newcomer. But the blue-eyed Aussie might be able to answer the one question that haunts him: Do I ever get back to 1987? From soccer to samba to sex, Amber tempts him with a zeal for life and love, pulling him free of his lonely isolation.
But getting home could prove easier than they imagined. How will their love endure if Amber returns to her time--and Mark to his?
"So," he said, clearing his throat. "Am I famous in 2007? As big as Schwarzenegger?"
Amber's self-consciousness spilled into laughter. "No, I've never heard of you."
Yet her denial hid a deeper truth, the pesky feeling of familiarity--something about him she couldn't identify. The question burrowed into the base of her skull, like trying to remember an actor's name without using the Internet.
"And anyway," she said. "Schwarzenegger is the governor of California now."
"No way."
"Way." She grinned, feeling very Wayne's World--her roommate's favorite film. That Mark used '80s slang without irony amused her.
Carrie Lofty won the "Through the Garden Gate" historical contest from The Wild Rose Press, in the vintage category (1950s-60s). This time travel short, "SUNDIAL," tells the story of Mark Lacey, a New Yorker from 1987. He's been trapped in 1950s Sorrento, Italy for four years, since he was 16. Thirty-year-old Australian Amber Schulman--daughter of a globe-hopping, thrice-divorced ambassador father--is from 2007. She just arrived in 1958, and they're trying their best to make sense of the crazy mixed-up thing that is time travel, love and life. And then they have The Hot, Hot Sex.
Karen Mercury's newest book from Medallion, (The) STRANGELY WONDERFUL (Tale of Count Balashazy), was released on Tuesday--a month ahead of schedule. Eep! In Madagascar in 1828, a refugee from Jean Lafitte's band has built a pirate colony that he rules through a bitter opium haze until the arrival of an American naturalist and her two eccentric brothers tears his utopian paradise asunder. With the King's death, the psychotic Queen begins a rampage of anti-European persecution.We'll be featuring Karen and her new historical adventure on Sunday's guest blog. Hope you can make it!
Michelle Styles is a busy, busy lady. Her seasonal release, THE CHRISTMAS WEDDING WAGER has gone on sale at eHarlequin, both print and ebook. Retail sales will begin in December, so look for her release party later this month.
