30 April 2010

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!

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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...