JAZZ BABY Winner!

We have a winner for Lorelie Brown's JAZZ BABY guest blog. A free copy goes to:

Daphne!

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!

Guest Author: Lorelie Brown

This week on Unusual Historicals, we're celebrating with contributor Lorelie Brown because her debut historical romance, JAZZ BABY, was just released by Samhain in paperback. Here's the goods:

Of all the juice joints he had to bust, this one had to be hers...

In the world of illegal speakeasies, Kate Kirkland has her life running smoother than a Model T. Maybe moving the family bar into the basement wasn't the best choice for her alcoholic brother, but Kate's making them a living--until a local gangster tries to expand his territory. Right into her bar.

Luckily Micah Trent, her handsome and too-suave bootlegger, is ready and willing to offer her a helping hand. If Kate can bring herself to accept it. Since sharing one sensual dance to seal their deal, she can't ignore the delectably wicked way he makes her feel.

Micah is keeping secrets of his own. He's a Prohibition Agent, sworn to shut down the gin mills and distilleries that keep illegal booze flowing. Kate's speakeasy is next on his list--right after he uses her as bait to catch the gangster hunting her.

But even if Micah and Kate can maneuver their way through the gangsters' dangerous underworld, will their love survive the trial by fire?

***

"There's always one book that really sticks with me after I finish reading. My top 5 are all examples of this, but I would specifically like to recommend JAZZ BABY by Lorelie Brown. I commend Lorelie for writing a very atmospheric story with a wonderful romance. This is one debut author who I look forward to reading and one I urge you all to try. JAZZ BABY is a perfect romance for any romance reader." ~ Babbling About Books

***

What drew you to the idea of setting a romance in the Roaring Twenties?

Everyone knows the 1920s are a really hard sell across the board. Not only to editors and agents, but to readers. But I loved the idea that popped up in my head. A speakeasy owner and a Prohibition agent. I mean, hello! Instant conflict. Absolutely delicious. And I'd get to research the era of beautiful dresses, sexy menswear and fast (for their time) cars.

Yeah, so what's with the fedoras?

They're hot. They make any guy wearing one even hotter. Nothin' more to it...as you can see by the photographic evidence presented here. Irrefutable!

If you lived in the 1920s, what do you think you'd be?

Think I'd be for real? Probably a housewife who got PhotoPlay magazine and lived vicariously through all the cool kids. But I'd want to be a flapper, wearing daringly short dresses and visiting exciting speakeasys like Kate Kirkland's place--once Kate got rid of her gangster problem, that is.

Are you writing any more 1920s books right now?

Unfortunately, no. I've got the sequel to JAZZ BABY that I want to write soon, but my plate's been seriously full with so many projects!

So what is coming up for you right now?

I've got a western, tentatively titled CATCH ME, coming from Carina Press this summer. It's about a sheriff's daughter who robs a bank and the bounty hunter who's sent to track her down. I've also written two other books alone, and I've started co-writing with a Supah Sekrit Partner of Awesomesauce. We write contemporary together. Seriously, it's been so much fun it oughta be illegal. We've done three books that I have high hopes for. Lots to look forward to!

If you came with a warning label, what would it say?

"Contents Under Pressure." Totally. Most of the time I look fairly laid back and I'm a little class clown-ish, but I'm convinced it's impossible to be an author without hiding a slight mess under the surface. We use our books to neaten it up!

How many times a day do you dance in your kitchen using a wooden spoon as a microphone?

Well, I don't usually do the spoon as a microphone. (My singing voice is so awful that I can't even make-believe that people would want to listen to it.) But I do plug my fancy-dancy headphones into my iPod while I'm cooking and wiggle my butt as I make my way to the pantry. That totally counts!

***

Totally! Now readers, you need to get your hands on this book. The most cost effective way, naturally, is to snag a copy from Lorelie in your choice of print or ebook. Since we're on a roll with these hats, let's talk men's fashion. What men's fashion of old do you wish would make a come back? Feel free to add links to pictures, but keep 'em clean ladies. I'll draw a winner at random next Sunday. Void where prohibited. Best of luck!

Excerpt Thursday: Lorelie Brown

This week on Excerpt Thursday we're celebrating with contributor Lorelie Brown because this week her debut historical romance, JAZZ BABY, is released by Samhain in paperback. JAZZ BABY is set during the Roaring 20s and was recently given special mention on Babbling About Books as a one of the best books of 2010. Join us Sunday when Lorelie will be here to talk about her ongoing fascination with the Prohibition Era and men in fedoras, as well as give away a copy!

Of all the juice joints he had to bust, this one had to be hers...

In the world of illegal speakeasies, Kate Kirkland has her life running smoother than a Model T. Maybe moving the family bar into the basement wasn't the best choice for her alcoholic brother, but Kate's making them a living--until a local gangster tries to expand his territory. Right into her bar.

Luckily Micah Trent, her handsome and too-suave bootlegger, is ready and willing to offer her a helping hand. If Kate can bring herself to accept it. Since sharing one sensual dance to seal their deal, she can't ignore the delectably wicked way he makes her feel.

Micah is keeping secrets of his own. He's a Prohibition Agent, sworn to shut down the gin mills and distilleries that keep illegal booze flowing. Kate's speakeasy is next on his list--right after he uses her as bait to catch the gangster hunting her.

But even if Micah and Kate can maneuver their way through the gangsters' dangerous underworld, will their love survive the trial by fire?

***

He found Kate near the hallway to her office. Even in the dim lights, she looked flushed. An empty wine glass dangled from one hand. In the other she had a half-empty bottle of wine. Micah knew exactly when she spotted him. She stood upright from her slump against the table. Her cupid's bow mouth pinched tight as her straight, dark brows lowered. Jesus, she was beautiful, even when annoyed. Especially when annoyed. It added a dash of hectic color normally absent from her pale, porcelain skin.

"You. I do not need to deal with you tonight." Her words were slow and rounded at the edges.

"Are you sloshed?" Micah's jaw gaped open. It didn't seem right that carefully controlled Kate should be tipsy.

She paused for a moment and tipped her head. "So what if I am? It's been a really bad day."

"It's nothing to me. I'm just a little surprised." Another couple passed by, leaning on each other, so close that one wrong stagger would send them crashing into Kate. She didn't flinch. He angled his body so he blocked her from view.

"I guess you don't know me half as well as you thought," she said. "Regret chasing me now?"

The light in her eyes was hard to read. She seemed on edge despite her slightly drunken state. She kept looking around for something. "Let's go in your office." He felt like he should get her away from the crowds. Big bad day or no, she'd regret this tomorrow.

"You too, huh?"

"What?"

"Everyone wants to get me in my dang office. You got a business proposition for me also?"

"We already do business, remember? I'd like to be paid." Micah flashed his most charming smile. It had never really worked with her before, but drunken Kate seemed slightly more manageable.

"Oh, yeah." She kept the wine bottle and headed for her office. He followed, scratching the back of his neck. This was completely out of character for her. He wondered what had upset her so badly. Not that there weren't certain compensations, he thought, watching the exaggerated sway of her slender hips, encased in a curve-skimming dress.

In the office, she hopped up and sat on the front of her desk, then leaned over to unlock a drawer the hard way. Her hem drew all the way up to her knees.

He could see the sleek curve of her calf glimmering in silk stockings. His mouth went dry and his fingertips itched. He could practically feel how smooth those legs would be. Oh, yeah, there were definite advantages to her having an edge on.

Mentally, he shook himself. She did not need him to turn into a drooling letch, not now or ever, for that matter. He was on the verge of disgusting himself. He'd never been this obsessed with a woman before.

She waved a fat, white envelope in his face. "Halloo," she crooned. "I'm up here and I'm barely smashed, not oblivious. You'd think you'd never seen a woman's legs before."

"Oh, I've seen quite a few." He chuckled. "I've found myself pretty astonished at how often I see them lately."

"A closet prude, are you?"

Micah grinned. Was that a speck of disappointment in her tone? "Not at all. Would you like me to prove it?"

Movie Adaptations: Public Enemies

By Lorelie Brown

My husband and I don't go out together by ourselves that often. I know date night is supposed to be the thing, but we're homebodies. We're way more likely to play a game of Monopoly together than go out for dinner and a movie. But when I first saw a trailer for Public Enemies, I looked at my husband without saying a word. He immediately nodded. "We'll go, we'll go."

Darn skippy we did. (Don’t we sound all Ward and June Cleaver-like. Heh.)

But really, just look at that trailer.


Doesn't it make inappropriate places on ya warm?

There was no way I was missing Johnny Depp as the charismatic, fast-talking bank robber John Dillinger. I'd just spent the previous two years studying the Prohibition Era to write JAZZ BABY. Dillinger was the poster-boy for the era, in a way. Yes, he was a bank robber, but he intentionally cultivated a Robin Hood sort of persona, which bought him plenty of press time and plenty of love from most of America. Except J. Edgar Hoover, Director of the relatively new FBI.

Hoover declared Dillinger a public enemy--which is where Marvin Purvis comes in. Played by Christian Bale in the movie, Purvis was the FBI agent who led the manhunt for quite a few various public enemies. Oh, and that's the main thrust of the movie--will Purvis get his man or will Dillinger escape?

So probably unsurprisingly, the movie was missing an element of tension for me. I already knew what was going to happen, unless they took really big liberties with history. (And then that'd tick me off.)

Does that keep Public Enemies from being a good movie? Nope. Not at all. Depp's got the amazing charismatic presence needed to pull off being Dillinger and there's danger and excitement abounding. Even a romantic thread with Dillinger's long-time girlfriend, Billie Frechette. And the costumes are just bloody awesome. (I have a weak spot for men in fedoras. It's the truth.) The movie's pretty much accurate. In fact, at the scene with the wooden gun they soften up history because Dillinger would seem too insanely awesome otherwise.

Oh, and I know certain people who'll be happy to hear this one--Channing Tatum is in it too! Well, he dies early. And bloodily. Christian Bale kills him in one of the most memorable scenes of the movie.

I give up. Go rent the movie. It'll be in the cheap bins at this point, so it'll be really impossible to regret. And I'll stop pretending I can put together a logical post today. My debut book is available in paper as of yesterday! Can you believe it? All the last hold-outs of my family, the ones who doubt I'm an author because they couldn't hold a paper copy? They have to suck it. Heh.

Lorelie Brown's first book, JAZZ BABY, is currently available from Samhain Publishing in both e-book and paperback formats. Her second romance, an 1880s-set western, will be published by Carina Press in Summer 2011.

Weekly Announcements - 14 Aug 2010

Lorelie Brown's JAZZ BABY is now available to pre-order in advance of its print release in January. Can't wait!

***

Congratulations to Zoe Archer, who sold another historical paranormal series to Kensington! Here's the announcement that ran in Publisher's Weekly: BLADES OF THE ROSE author Zoe Archer's THE HELLRAISERS, a three-book historical paranormal romance series, wherein a group of 18th century English rakes free the Devil from his prison and literally raise hell.

This is fantastic timing for Zoe, whose "Blades of the Rose" begins in September with WARRIOR!

***

Remember that we'll be featuring Donna Russo Morin tomorrow, as well as drawing the winner of the France Hunter guest appearance. You still have time to enter for a free copy of THE FAIREST PORTION OF THE GLOBE.

Stay with us through the coming weeks when we'll be featuring the best unusual historical authors! Liz Fichera, Susanna Fraser, Jeannie Lin, and Lila DiPasqua 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...

JAZZ BABY Winner!

We have a winner for Lorelie Brown's JAZZ BABY guest blog. A free copy goes to:

VERONA ST. JAMES!

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!

Guest Author: Lorelie Brown

This week on Unusual Historicals we're featuring contributor Lorelie Brown as she celebrates the release of her 1920s-set debut, JAZZ BABY. Let's hear it for Roaring 20s romance!

Of all the juice joints he had to bust, this one had to be hers...

In the world of illegal speakeasies, Kate Kirkland has her life running smoother than a Model T. Maybe moving the family bar into the basement wasn't the best choice for her alcoholic brother, but Kate's making them a living--until a local gangster tries to expand his territory. Right into her bar.

Luckily Micah Trent, her handsome and too-suave bootlegger, is ready and willing to offer her a helping hand. If Kate can bring herself to accept it. Since sharing one sensual dance to seal their deal, she can’t ignore the delectably wicked way he makes her feel.

Micah is keeping secrets of his own. He's a Prohibition Agent, sworn to shut down the gin mills and distilleries that keep illegal booze flowing. Kate's speakeasy is next on his list--right after he uses her as bait to catch the gangster hunting her.

But even if Micah and Kate can maneuver their way through the gangsters' dangerous underworld, will their love survive the trial by fire?

***

First, can you tell us a little about JAZZ BABY?

Released from Samhain on March 2, JAZZ BABY is the story of Kate Kirkland, speakeasy owner, and Micah Trent, the Prohibition agent who intends to shut down her bar--but only after he uses her as bait to catch a gangster. And only if he can get over this raging attraction he feels for her.

Since this is Unusual Historical, we have to know about the history – was there anything you didn't like researching about the Jazz age?

The Prohibition agents and bureau, definitely. Mostly because they were a hot mess. The US was unprepared to actually enforce the 21st amendment, and then the Prohibition Bureau went through so many changes over the course of Prohibition. Who they answered to, where they were funded, how they were structured. It was incredibly difficult (for me, at least) to pin down everything to a specific year. But I think I managed it. I'm sure if I screwed something up, someone will be sure to let me know.

Kate's speakeasy is called The Kirk and has curious methods of avoiding raiding by the Prohibition agents. Can you tell us more about that?

The shelves at the bar of The Kirk are rigged to drop if a warning buzzer is hit at the front door. Once they fold down, all the booze breaks and spills out into the sewers. Also, the door from the main bar to the liquor cellars looks like an unbroken section of wall and can only be opened with a looooonng, skinny piece of metal.

The really fun part? Both these things are based on the 21 Club in New York and were really used to avoid padlocking by Prohibition enforcement. Booze was never, ever found on the premises of the club, despite numerous raids. The 21 Club is still in operation and you can have dinner in the wine cellar, behind the hidden wall, if you've got the blunt.

What are you working on now? Sticking with the unusual historicals?

Of course! I've got a completed project set in the mining towns of Montana in the 1880s. It's a western with no cowboys or guns. I like life difficult! Right now I'm working on another western, but this one has plenty of gunslinging. Next up is a sequel to JAZZ BABY, which will be Jake and Susie's story.

***

Thanks for stopping by, Lorelie, and congratulations on your debut! Readers, would you like to win a free copy of JAZZ BABY? Just leave a comment or question here for your chance. Maybe answer this: Does the Roaring 20s appeal to you as a romantic setting? Is it "historical enough" for today's romance market? Any of your thoughts would be appreciated! A winner will be drawn at random next Sunday. Void where prohibited. Best of luck!

Weekly Announcements - 20 Mar 2010

Zoe Archer has the second cover from her "Blades of the Rose" quadrilogy, SCOUNDREL, which is due to be released from Kensington in October. Here's the blurb:

The Blades of the Rose are sworn to protect the sources of magic in the world. But the work is dangerous--and they can't always protect their own...

READY FOR ACTION...

London Harcourt's father is bent on subjugating the world's magic to British rule. But since London is a mere female, he hasn't bothered to tell her so. He's said only that he's leading a voyage to the Greek isles. No matter, after a smothering marriage and three years of straitlaced widowhood, London jumps at the opportunity--unfortunately, right into the arms of Bennett Day.

RISKING IT ALL...

Bennett is a ladies' man, when he's not dodging lethal attacks to protect the powers of the ancients from men like London's father. Sometimes, he's a ladies' man even when he is dodging them. But the minute he sees London he knows she will require his full attention. The woman is lovely, brilliant, and the only known speaker of a dialect of ancient Greek that holds the key to calling down the wrath of the gods. Bennett will be risking his life again--but around London, what really worries him is the danger to his heart...

***

Congratulations to Lindsay Townsend, whose Egyptian-set romance BLUE GOLD was chosen as one of eight historical romance finalists in the DABWAHA tournament. That's so cool!

***

Congratulations to Lisa Marie Wilkinson, whose latest romance, STOLEN PROMISE, received a 5 Blue Ribbon Rating from Romance Junkies. It also received 4.5/5 stars from SingleTitles.com and 5/5 Coffee Cups from Coffee Time Romance.

***

Join us Sunday when Unusual Historicals contributor Lorelie Brown will be here to chat about her debut romance from Samhain, JAZZ BABY, set in 1920s New York. She'll also be giving away a copy. Don't miss it!

***

We'll also draw the winner of THE HORSEMAN'S BRIDE from Elizabeth Lane's guest appearance last 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! Deborah Schneider, Jennifer Blake, P.L. Parker, and Cat Lindler will be our guests. We hope you'll 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...

Excerpt Thursday: Lorelie Brown

This week on Excerpt Thursday we're featuring Unusual Historicals contributor Lorelie Brown as she celebrates the release of her 1920s-set debut, JAZZ BABY. Let's hear it for Roaring 20s romance! Join us Sunday when Lorelie will be here to discuss this sexy romance and give away a copy. Here's the blurb:

Of all the juice joints he had to bust, this one had to be hers...

In the world of illegal speakeasies, Kate Kirkland has her life running smoother than a Model T. Maybe moving the family bar into the basement wasn’t the best choice for her alcoholic brother, but Kate's making them a living--until a local gangster tries to expand his territory. Right into her bar.

Luckily Micah Trent, her handsome and too-suave bootlegger, is ready and willing to offer her a helping hand. If Kate can bring herself to accept it. Since sharing one sensual dance to seal their deal, she can’t ignore the delectably wicked way he makes her feel.

Micah is keeping secrets of his own. He's a Prohibition Agent, sworn to shut down the gin mills and distilleries that keep illegal booze flowing. Kate's speakeasy is next on his list--right after he uses her as bait to catch the gangster hunting her.

But even if Micah and Kate can maneuver their way through the gangsters' dangerous underworld, will their love survive the trial by fire?

***

Dark enveloped the alley at four in the morning. Humid summer air lay heavy on Kate's bare arms. Dawn light slipped skinny fingers between the tall buildings. At this ungodly hour, the streets were quiet. Lucas and Nick shuffled and rustled behind her. Even the most determined revelers had stumbled home. Kate had shut down The Kirk an hour ago.

Headlights turned into the narrow alley. Nick shook off his doze and straightened from the brick wall. Lucas and Kate had already been alert. Lucas because he was always studiously observant in dangerous situations. Kate because she could seldom rest. When the Ford truck pulled even with the weathered door, she moved forward. Lucas stood behind her and to the right.

The driver's door of the battered truck opened and a man slid out. In the dim light, Kate could see only his outline. Tall and lean, he inclined his head to her. Kate's heartbeat leaped into her throat, the same silly reaction she'd had at every meeting over the last three weeks. She didn't move.

"Miss Kirkland." His voice was deep and buttery rich.

"Mr. Trent."

"I wish you would let me call you Kate."

She ignored the urge to say yes and eyed the man who had climbed out of the passenger side, Trent's partner. Jacob Sterling was shorter and stockier than Trent and while Trent managed to look elegant in his dark two-piece suit, Sterling only looked messy. "Hello, Mr. Sterling."

The man nodded, adding no greeting. It was normal for him. The most words she'd heard from him at one time were when he and Susie Nichols, The Kirk's resident songstress, snipped at each other.

Trent pulled a slim case from his jacket that gleamed silver in a stray beam of light. Behind her, Lucas tensed and lifted a hand to his waistband. Kate waved him off. Much about Trent made her nervous, from his wickedly edged smile to the heat in his gaze when he looked at her. The chance of him opening fire on them was not one. Trent smiled and his even teeth flashed pale white. Naturally he'd seen Lucas flinch, but it didn't seem to rattle him. Nothing did.

He held out the silver case. "Would you like a cigarette?"

She shook her head. "No, thank you."

"Always so unswervingly polite."

"I've found it serves in matters such as this to keep a cool head."

He slid the case back into his breast pocket. "I'd been under the impression that all you modern women smoked."

"I can't abide the taste." The dawn illuminated her, though it only backlit Trent, so Kate allowed a wicked smile to tip her lips. "From the source or from my men."

His chuckle was low and genuine. Something low in her belly took a tumble.

"I'll be sure to remember that in the future."

"Why do you believe you'll have a reason to? You've asked time and time again but my answer hasn't changed."

"I am incredibly determined. Like a mule."

She tilted her head. "Are you begging me to compare you to an ass?"

"I don't suppose it would convince you to finally accept my invitation to dinner?"

"Not a chance."

"I'll have to think of another tack for our next meeting."

"You're not determined, you're flat out stubborn."

Dramatically, Trent threw a hand over his heart. "You're starting to know me. I've got no hope now."

She smothered a laugh, even as her heart strummed heavily under her breastbone, and a low-level heat drew a taut sting of awareness through her.

Micah Trent was the one man who tempted her to mix business and pleasure. It was a damn shame that in her business letting her guard down and getting involved with the wrong man could get a body killed. Nick shuffled his feet behind her, always restless. Lucas waited patiently, but guilt flushed through Kate. The man had a wife and child at home, and she kept him out late while she flirted.

She propped a hand on her hip. "Time to show the goods, Trent."

"Are we back to business again?"

"We always were." Trent said nothing and the lie weighed heavy on her chest. She wished suddenly that she could see his eyes as more than a gleam in the dark. "Let's get on with it."

"Your wish is my command."

Humor: Knife to a Gun fight?

By Lorelie Brown

Holy crap-a-doodle, am I late or what? But it's still Tuesday, so while Carrie will yell at me, she won't actually beat me up. In my defense, I've been pretty busy the last few days, putting the final touches on a manuscript that has to go out tomorrow. Then I got a super fabulous new idea for my next project. And I got the cover for JAZZ BABY today, which makes me so happy I am silly-goofy with it. My first cover! It should be shareable soon.

Ok, on to my funny-funny which will probably be ridiculously short:

John "Old Smoke" Morrisey was a gangster in late 1800s, but he got his start as a boxer (actually an unsurprising career move for someone who wanted to go into politics in NYC at the time). In addition, he sometimes ran a small gambling outfit, particularly faro.

In 1852, a man named Jim Hughes decided he'd been cheated. In the way of things, he challenged Morrisey to a duel. Morrisey agreed, but requested the right to choose the weapons.

The duel never happened.

Apparently seeing Old Smoke Morrisey arrive with two butcher knives in his hands was a little much for Mr. Hughes. I can't say as I blame him much.