A PIRATE'S POSSESSION Winner

We have a winner for Michelle Beattie's A PIRATE'S POSSESSION guest blog. A free copy goes to:

D.L.!

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: Michelle Beattie

This week on Unusual Historicals we're welcoming back Michelle Beattie as she celebrates the release of A PIRATE'S POSSESSION, available now from Berkley Sensation. Michelle has become known for adventurous romances set on the high seas of the 17th century--the Age of Sail. Here's the scoop:

Love and gold have one thing in common: they can only be buried for so long...

Abandoned by her father and married to a deceitful man, Claire Gentry fled from her life. Disguised as a man, Claire wagers all she owns in a poker game to locate the treasure her father sought. While her disguise holds, it doesn't protect her when one of her opponents turns out to be the only man she ever gave her heart to.

Nate Carter is no fool. Raised in an orphanage and sailing as the mysterious pirate Sam Steele, Nate is looking to gamble for a map that will lead him to a treasure. But when he looks over his cards, he's reminded of a past he'd rather forget--and the woman who could have given him everything he truly wanted.

After Nate wins the map, Claire has no choice but to accompany her old love on his quest. But running for their lives soon replaced running from the past. And if they survive the bloody battle for the treasure, they may just realize that what they really have been searching for isn't riches--but each other...

***

A PIRATE'S POSSESSION is the third book of your pirate series. How is this one different than the other two?

Unlike WHAT A PIRATE DESIRES and ROMANCING THE PIRATE, most of A PIRATE'S POSSESSION takes place on land. I did that specifically to change things up a bit though of course I have scenes taking place on the ship because it's such an intimate setting. It's hard to avoid each other on a relatively small ship.

What similarities can we expect in this book as compared to the others?

Lots of action, gun battle, sword fights. The lovely, sultry setting of the Caribbean. A strong heroine who can more than hold her own. Villains. I always have a villain and like Sam and Luke from WHAT A PIRATE DESIRES and Blake and Alicia from ROMANCING THE PIRATE, both Nate and Claire have a past to deal with before they can move on.

You mention Luke and Sam, Blake and Alicia. Will we be seeing them again in this latest installment?

Yes. Part of the fun of a series is seeing characters you've fallen in love with come back. They don't steal the show, but you will see them again. They're family. Not all by blood, but this unlikely group of pirates and civilians have become family, so of course it makes sense that you'd see them pop up here and there.

One of the great things in ROMANCING THE PIRATE was the fun camaraderie between Nate, Vincent and Blake. Was that fun to write? And can we expect more of that dynamic in A PIRATE'S POSSESSION?

It was SO much fun to write! I love these men together. They have a real friendship with all the frustration and humour that goes along with it. Writing them together was so easy, it was just a matter of letting them go! You will definitely see much of that continue with Nate and Vincent in this book, and toward the end, when Blake steps in.

What's on your horizon as a writer?

I'm currently switching gears a bit and trying to sell a contemporary that I wrote and have begun another. I'm toying with a few ideas. I really love historical westerns but that market isn't strong right now so I may try a contemporary western. We'll see. First I have to finish this new book.

So no historicals in the future?

For sure! I can't see myself ever NOT writing historicals, but I would like to branch out and write both historicals and contemporaries.

***

Are you ready for some pirates? Leave a comment or question for Michelle to be entered in her contest. I'll draw a winner at random next Sunday, who will receive a copy of A PIRATE'S POSSESSION just in time for the new year! Maybe this question to get you started: Who is your favorite pirate in film or literature, or which is your favorite pirate story? Void where prohibited. Best of luck!

Excerpt Thursday: Michelle Beattie

This week on Excerpt Thursday we're welcoming back Michelle Beattie as she celebrates the release of A PIRATE'S POSSESSION, available now from Berkley Sensation. Michelle has become known for adventurous romances set on the high seas of the 17th century--the Age of Sail. Join us Sunday when she'll be here to answer questions and give away a copy. Don't miss it!

Love and gold have one thing in common: they can only be buried for so long...

Abandoned by her father and married to a deceitful man, Claire Gentry fled from her life. Disguised as a man, Claire wagers all she owns in a poker game to locate the treasure her father sought. While her disguise holds, it doesn't protect her when one of her opponents turns out to be the only man she ever gave her heart to.

Nate Carter is no fool. Raised in an orphanage and sailing as the mysterious pirate Sam Steele, Nate is looking to gamble for a map that will lead him to a treasure. But when he looks over his cards, he's reminded of a past he'd rather forget--and the woman who could have given him everything he truly wanted.

After Nate wins the map, Claire has no choice but to accompany her old love on his quest. But running for their lives soon replaced running from the past. And if they survive the bloody battle for the treasure, they may just realize that what they really have been searching for isn't riches--but each other...

***

The deck had been quiet then and it was even more so now. Peeking out from under the lifeboat, she couldn't see anyone about at all. Not even Vincent. She slid out from the boat, hesitated. No movement came from the quarter deck. Leaving her bag where it lay, Claire looked around. Vincent wasn't at the bow, she crept toward the stern, couldn't see any shadow or movements there either.

Her heart lurched when she heard whistling and she froze. Logically she knew she was being ridiculous. She wasn't doing anything wrong. Yet.

It took her a moment to realize the whistling wasn't coming from the deck, but rather from the galley below. She breathed a sigh of relief, slowly unclenched her hands. Luck had never been her ally and she hoped that the fact that Vincent was below and Nate was asleep was a sign that her fortune was changing. Not about to waste the chance if that was indeed happening, Claire stole over to the captain's hatch.

Her heart beat quickly with her intent and her palms were suddenly damp. She wiped them on her trousers and grabbed the handle. Biting her lower lip, Claire eased open the hatch. Thankfully Nate kept a well tended ship and the hatch swung open soundlessly.

No light came from below and as she strained to listen, the only sound was that of Vincent's soft whistling and the whisper of wind sliding between the sails. Claire swallowed hard, closed her eyes and said a brief prayer. Opening them again, she stepped onto the ladder.

With each step down she paused to listen. It was only once she'd made it far enough to be able to close the hatch above her that she heard Nate's even and deep breathing. Her shoulders sagged. He was asleep. The hatch closed as silently as it had opened.

Since it had been dim above deck as well, her eyes didn't need time to accustom to the darkness. Recalling where she'd seen everything earlier, Claire crept toward the berth. She'd hoped she'd step on some clothing as it would mean she could simply search through his clothes for the map, but her feet hit nothing but smooth wood.

She only dared breathe in short, shallow breaths. Soon she was at the bedside, her heartbeat thumping loudly in her ears. It seemed as though he'd fallen asleep without meaning to, spread out over the blankets. He hadn't even taken off his jacket.

Claire wiped her quaking hands onto her pants, reminded herself to remain steady. She could do this. She had to do this.

He was sleeping on his back and his large hands were at his sides. His head was turned slightly away from her. The part of her that remembered what they'd meant to each other, or rather what she'd believed they'd meant to each other, wanted to linger. It wanted to trace the arch of his brows and feel the roughness of his beard. It wanted to once again be taken in his arms and to be cherished.

For God's sake, stop it, she scolded herself. The map, remember the map. Remember the lies, the hurt.

To that end, she deliberately kept her gaze off his face. Reaching forward, she slid her hand into the pocket of his jacket. Her fingers brushed against the paper and Claire's heart leapt to her throat. She had it!

She slowly pulled her hand away. When Nate didn't move, Claire exhaled a trembling breath.

She looked at him once more, had a moment when she wished things could have been different. But knowing they weren't, could never be, she backed away from the berth, tucked the folded map into her undershirt and turned for the ladder.

She got as far as the base of it before she was grabbed from behind.

The scream ripped from her throat.

"Goddammit, Claire," he swore as she thrashed to break free.

Her arms flailed wildly, desperate to connect with some part of him that would make him release her. Her elbow struck his chest. Her foot came down hard on his. Growling, he spun her around. Her right knee came racing up.

"No, you don't," he said as he deftly wrapped a large hand around the back of her knee and held it there, a mere breath away from where she'd intended to strike him. His other hand grabbed her left wrist and held it shackled down at her hip.

Luckily Claire was right-handed. Smiling sweetly, she aimed for his jaw.

ROMANCING THE PIRATE Winner!

We have a winner for Michelle Beattie's ROMANCING THE PIRATE guest blog. A free copy goes to:

MARISKA!

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 - 2 Oct 09

This is also the last weekend you can sign up for Carrie Lofty's upcoming online workshop with CORW RWA. Entitled "Snakebite Scenes and Hollywood Plots," Carrie presented this workshop at Nationals this past July as a multi-author panel. Now it's interactive! Learn more about it here.

In addition, Carrie has been hard at work designing new bookmarks for her forthcoming January release, SCOUNDREL'S KISS. You can request free bookmarks of your own by emailing her. She also helped celebrate Florence Parry Heide Day in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where the famous American children's author resides.

***

The wonderful Michelle Styles has a new 3-in-1 collection of her novels to be released in Australia this month. You can get TAKEN BY THE VIKING, VIKING WARRIOR, UNWILLING WIFE, and IMPOVERISHED MISS, CONVENIENT WIFE all in one!

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Join us tomorrow when author Michelle Willingham will be here to chat about TAMING HER IRISH WARRIOR, her latest Irish-set medieval from Harlequin Historicals!

***

We'll also draw the winner of Michelle Beattie's newest pirate romance, ROMANCING THE PIRATE. You still have time to leave a comment or question for your chance to win.

***

And stay with us through the coming weeks when we'll be featuring the best unusual historical authors! Kimberley Killion, JoAnn Smith Ainsworth, and Jennifer Linforth, and Anthea Lawson will be our guests. We hope you'll join us!

***

Have a good weekend! If you have an announcement to make for next week, email Carrie. See you next week...

Cover Art used by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises Limited. All rights reserved ®and T are trademarks of Harlequin Enterprises Limited and/or its affiliated companies, used under license.

Guest Author: Michelle Beattie

This week on Unusual Historicals we welcome the return of author Michelle Beattie as she celebrates the release of her second high-seas romance ROMANCING THE PIRATE. Here's the blurb:

Alicia Davidson thought her memory loss and scar were the result of a childhood fall. When she discovers the truth, and that she has a sister she doesn't remember, Alicia will stop at nothing to fill in the missing pieces of her past. Her determination will pit her against a man who not only resents her, but who awakens a flood of desire.

Blake Merritt makes it clear he wants nothing to do with Alicia or anyone bearing the Davidson name. Only when Alicia stows away on his ship does he concede to take her to her sister. His hope is that the faster he gets rid of Alicia, the faster he'll forget her. But he hadn't planned on falling in love with her.

The trip to find her sister is a rocky one filled with fiery emotions, the shocking confession of Blake's anger toward her family, a passion that runs hot as the Caribbean sun and the discovery of a traitor who wields the power to once again take away everything Alicia holds dear.

***

Carracks the parrot stole the scenes in WHAT A PIRATE DESIRES. Does he come back in ROMANCING THE PIRATE?

Yes, Carracks is back in ROMANCING THE PIRATE, and every other book of the series as well! Funny how something so small can turn into a big deal. Several reviewers, including Publisher's Weekly, commented on Carracks and so of course we had to bring him back!

Alicia, the heroine in ROMANCING THE PIRATE, is Sam's sister from WHAT A PIRATE DESIRES. I thought she was killed in a pirate attack when she was a young girl?

Sam believes Alicia is dead but as we see in the beginning of ROMANCING THE PIRATE, Alicia is alive and doesn't remember anything of her life before she was twelve (which is when the pirate attack took place). She soon learns of Sam and the book is her quest to find her sister.

Who, then, is the hero?

Ah, Blake Merritt. Though not a true pirate, he makes a living as a privateer and he's a man with his own troubled past. He loathes the Davidsons, the family that raised Alicia, and so when Alicia asks for him to take her find her sister, Blake refuses to use his ship to help her. It's an interesting dynamic seeing them together and his struggle not to like Alicia, despite the fact that she is, as far as she knows, a Davidson.

Will there be battle scenes like there was in WHAT A PIRATE DESIRES?

Of course, you can't have pirates and villains without battles!

Any other new characters that were fun to add?

Oh my, yes. Blake has two first mates, a tall gorgeous man named Nate and a tender-hearted dwarf named Vincent. I absolutely love the dynamic and the friendship between these three men and you'll see some more of them in PLAYING THE PIRATE, which comes out fall of 2010.

So each book of the pirate series stands alone but some of the same characters come back?

Yes, my plan is for each book to have it's own characters and plot line, but you will see many of the same faces pop in and out.

WHAT A PIRATE DESIRES was your first release. What fun things came your way with that?

Well, my first book signings which were in my hometown and more like family reunions! Being a finalist in the Bookseller's Best Awards, doing two book signings at the Romance Writers of America's conference in DC this past July. Being reviewed in Publisher's Weekly and seeing all the good reviews come in. It makes all the long hours at the computer and the rejections worthwhile!

What's next for you?

I'm currently revisiting the first book I ever a wrote, a western, and am trying to beef it up a little and turn it into a trilogy.

Which authors inspired you?

Those that did and still do: Nora Roberts, Sandra Brown and Janet Evanovich. Some new authors I've recently read and loved include Cherry Adair, Robyn Carr, Carla Neggers, Susan Mallery.

You write historicals and yet none of those authors mentioned write them. Don't you read historicals?

Not many, no. Because my favorite historicals are westerns, and for the most part westerns have been non-existent in recent years, it forced me to read elsewhere. Now that I'm writing westerns again, I will be reading those again.

What do you do when you're not writing?

I always have a book nearby. I know some people say they're too busy to read, I've never had that problem. I can't NOT read, especially before bed. And reading inspires me to write, so it's also necessary. I also spend time with my kids, I enjoy the company of my friends, lately I've been busy in the garden. I enjoy movies and sadly, I'm addicted to word games on Facebook!

Any suggestions for aspiring writers?

Never give up. If you want this, REALLY, want this, then work hard. Work every day, or as often as you can and force yourself to work when you don't feel like it. Accept that rejections are part of the business and learn to put them aside so that you can keep writing. Not everyone will like your work and that's okay. Write well, write often, never stop submitting. Believe in yourself even when it seems like nobody else does and keep writing.

***

Thanks so much for visiting us again, Michelle! For readers of Unusual Historicals we have...you guessed it...a giveaway! Just leave a comment or question for Michelle and you'll be entered in a drawing for one free copy. I'll draw a winner next Sunday, so spread the word! Void where prohibited. Good luck to everyone!

Weekly Announcements - 25 Sept 09

Margaret Mallory is holding a new contest on her website. The details? Her covers are so gorgeous that she decided to have small posters made of them. Go to her website to enter for a chance to win 12"X18" color posters of her KNIGHT OF DESIRE and KNIGHT OF PLEASURE covers. She will pick a winner Oct. 15th.

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Jennifer Mueller just learned the release date for her newest new unusual historical. On November 12th, 2009, GHOSTS IN THE NIGHT will be coming out at Red Rose Publishing. Here's an excerpt and the blurb:

Andrew Townsend survived the trenches only to come home to find most of his family had died in their relative safety. When his last uncle dies and leaves him a plantation in far off Ceylon, Andrew drops his life in London and sets out for a new life--only he finds out the past doesn't let him go so easily. With a layabout friend tagging along, and not to mention a case of shell shock that brings to mind the war at every turn, he's more ghost than man. But the woman across the way, as much a ghost as he, is able to help the visions of war as everything he knows is falling apart. Digging up long dead secrets is the only option and it's enough to get them killed.

***

Join us tomorrow when author Michelle Beattie will be here to talk about ROMANCING THE PIRATE, her latest high-seas adventure romance!

***

We'll also draw the winner of Leanna Renee Hieber's ghostly Victorian romance, THE STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL TALE OF MISS PERCY PARKER. You still have time to throw your name in the hat, if you haven't done so.

***

And stay with us through the coming weeks when we'll be featuring the best unusual historical authors! Michelle Willingham, Kimberley Killion, JoAnn Smith Ainsworth, and Jennifer Linforth will be our guests. We hope you'll join us!

***

Have a good weekend! If you have an announcement to make for next week, email Carrie. See you next week...

Excerpt Thursday: Michelle Beattie

For this week's Excerpt Thursday, we're featuring a sample of Michelle Beattie's sexy, adventurous high-seas romp ROMANCING THE PIRATE. Join us Sunday when Michelle will stop by to answer questions and give away a free copy! Don't miss it!

Alicia Davidson thought her memory loss and scar were the result of a childhood fall. When she discovers the truth, and that she has a sister she doesn't remember, Alicia will stop at nothing to fill in the missing pieces of her past. Her determination will pit her against a man who not only resents her, but who awakens a flood of desire.

Blake Merritt makes it clear he wants nothing to do with Alicia or anyone bearing the Davidson name. Only when Alicia stows away on his ship does he concede to take her to her sister. His hope is that the faster he gets rid of Alicia, the faster he'll forget her. But he hadn't planned on falling in love with her.

The trip to find her sister is a rocky one filled with fiery emotions, the shocking confession of Blake's anger toward her family, a passion that runs hot as the Caribbean sun and the discovery of a traitor who wields the power to once again take away everything Alicia holds dear.

***

"You're Blake Merritt?" she asked.

"Last time I checked."

Alicia exhaled heavily. "Well, this is unexpected."

"As is your presence here." He looked over her brown trousers and white shirt. "Mourning periods must be getting shorter and shorter."

Her mouth pinched. "I am in mourning, but it's not practical to travel in a heavy skirt. And I'm here because I require your help."

Blake crossed his arms over his chest. "I wasn't aware that I'd given you the impression of someone who cared."

"You haven't" she answered. "And had I known it was you he'd sent me to, I may have reconsidered."

Blake gestured to the door. "It's never too late."

"And give you the satisfaction? I think not."

"Well, let's say I am not in the giving mood. Whatever it was you needed from me, you'll have to find elsewhere."

"What is it ya need?" Captain asked.

"I'm looking for someone. Her name is Samantha. She was last seen five years ago leaving Port Royal on a stolen sloop."

"Well, now that we have so much to go on, let's not waste any more time. I mean, five years. Why, she's practically around the corner," Blake taunted.

"Samantha..." Captain said with some thought. "Are ya family?"

Alicia nodded. "She's my sister. But I don't know where she is."

"And she's in a sloop, ya say?"

"No," Blake corrected. "She was five years ago."

"That's what I was told," she said, once again talking to Captain.

"Hmm..." Captain said, rubbing his protruding belly. "I don't know 'ow much value this is to ya, but me knows a Samantha."

"Oh, good. I'll go ready the ship," Blake muttered.

"She's about yer height, a little older. Her hair is darker than yers, but I know her and Luke own a sloop." He shrugged. "Might be the same girl."

"You expect me to sail off to..."

"St. Kitts."

Blake choked. "You want me to sail to St. Kitts on the chance that this is the same woman?" He looked from Captain to Alicia, not sure who was more mad. "I won't waste my bloody time, nor that of my crew."

"How far is St. Kitts?" Alicia asked.

"At least a six day's sail, longer if ya get bad weather."

"Doesn't matter how long it takes as I won't be taking you."

Her hand dropped back to her side. "We've never met. Why is it that you hate me so?"

Though the rum was starting to work, it wasn't enough to shut out her words. And it certainly wasn't enough to tell her the reason for his hatred.

"I've heard of you, let's leave it at that. And I won't sail you anywhere, therefore it appears you've wasted your time."

She pulled an envelope from the bag she carried and dropped it on the table.

"Perhaps this will change your mind."

He recognized the swirl of letters and knew who'd written his name.

"Where did you get this?" he demanded, all fuzziness gone from his head.

"I found it in my father's effects. There was a letter for me as well. He was the one who told me that should I look for Samantha, I should seek your help."

"How is it ye don't know where she is?" Captain asked.

"We were separated years ago and I lost my memory. I don't remember anything before I was twelve, and that includes Samantha."

Blake sneered. "Let me guess. You're loving father knew all along you had a sister and he only decided to tell you after he'd died?"

She looked down her nose at him, her color returning. "That's right."

"Why am I not surprised?" he muttered.

"He also said you were a good man that I could trust."

Her tone left no doubt that she believed the complete opposite.

Blake didn't open the letter. It was too late for words, or apologies, or anything else that could be written on that parchment. And her sad tale didn't change that. If anything, it infuriated him further. He refused to let himself be used.

"Well?" Captain asked, his gaze darting between her and Blake. "What'll it be?"

Blake leaned forward, shoving aside the letter with his elbow. "I'll tell you what it'll be," he answered, his gaze piercing hers. "It'll be a cold day in Hell before I take you anywhere."

Her jaw clenched and her eyes hardened. She braced her hands on the table and leaned forward. "I don't know who you are, or how you knew my father, but clearly he was mistaken about you."

"That, my dear, is the first thing you've said that I agree with." And because the truth of that haunted him every day, he raised his cup to his lips and drank.

Scandal: Captain George Bisset's Trial

By Michelle Styles

In 1782, the chattering classes of Britain and the United States were held transfixed by the trial of George Bisset for criminal conversation. The transcript had seven printings in the first year--even George Washington requested one.

The action was brought by Sir Richard Worsley and he claimed damages of £20,000. In 1775, Worsley had married a very rich heiress, Seymour Dorothy Fleming. At first they were the perfect power couple of Georgian England. Sir Richard became a rising star in Lord North's government and Lady Worsley was popular in the ton. They had a son, Robert Edwin, within a year or two of the marriage and to the outside word, a daughter born August 1781.

However, all was not happy and Sir Richard buried himself in his work and in the Hampshire Militia. Worsley was also a collector of Roman artifacts and there is a suggestion that such men often preferred not to look at women. Lady Worsley would later say that for the the first three months of her marriage, it was like living with a brother. In any case, there is evidence that he did not pay Seymour much attention and Lady Worsley craved attention.

Lady Worsley took a number of discrete lovers. Her friendship with one George M Bisset became something more and she gave birth to their daughter.

On 18 November 1781, she eloped with Bisset, travelling in a carriage from Lewes to London where the pair hid. It can be assumed that Lady Worsley felt a quick divorce would be in the offing and everything would be settled discretely. After all Sir Richard had been content with the previous arrangement and had even accepted Bisset's daughter as his own.

Faced with the humiliation of a runaway wife, Sir Richard decided to take his revenge. He sued George M Bisset for £20,000 in damages. This would have ruined Bisset.

As the pair had been discovered in London, there was no real defence on Bisset's part. He had eloped with another man's wife. However Sir Richard had reckoned without his estranged wife. Rather than allow her lover to be ruined, Seymour decided to run the defence that not only had her husband known about her various relationships, he had approved of them.

Thus a series of men were called who gave discrete evidence about relations with Seymour. All of London, in particular the demi-monde, turned out to hear the case.

However, it was the evidence of the bath lady that stunned the court. She could well remember that sunny day when the Worsleys and Captain Bisset came to use her bath house. She had helped Lady Worsley undress. Suddenly she had heard Sir Richard saying in a loud voice: "Seymour, Seymour, Bisset is looking at you." Furthermore, the bath lady announced the only way Bisset could have achieved this feat was by standing on Sir Richard's shoulders. In short, Sir Richard had been exposed as a voyeur. The cartoonists had a field day and ever afterward, people would think of the cartoons rather his collection of Roman cameos or his position as counsel in Venice.

The jury took every little time in deliberating. Sir Richard won his case but was rewarded one shilling for his trouble rather than the fortune he had demanded. A transcript of the trial can be seen here.

While the case was going on, Lord North's government was busy collapsing and it has been speculated that because Sir Richard was distracted, the government fell and a government that was sympathetic to ending the American Revolution was installed.

Sir Richard, his career and reputation in ruins, took more revenge by refusing to divorce Seymour. They formally separated in 1788 and she was only entitled to pin money, rather than her extensive dowry. Neither did she have any access to her lavish wardrobe or jewels. Seymour and Bisset's love affair ended as they could not marry and she took a series of lovers in order to survive (as well to rub her husband's nose in her notoriety).

Unfortunately Sir Richard also refused to allow her access to either of her children and the little daughter died. Seymour suspected that the death was from neglect. There was further tragedy when their son, in his late teens, died due to an accident with the militia. Because of the Napoleonic War, their son had not been able to have Grand Tour (not considered safe) but had served for a time with the Hampshire Militia.

It was only after Sir Richard's death that Seymour regained control of her fortune. She eventually married a second time--to a much younger man. She was never received in polite society again but was eventually allowed to have some contact with her sister and mother.

If you are interested in the scandal, Hallie Rubenfield wrote a comprehensive account of it in Lady Worsley's Whim.

WHAT A PIRATE DESIRES Winner!

We have a winner for Michelle Beattie's WHAT A PIRATE DESIRES giveaway:

Maureen!

Contact Michelle 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!

Weekly Announcements - 3 Jan 09

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.

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?

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.

Among Jennifer's upcoming releases are SAMBURU HILLS, a re-release of her Kenyan historical, on 1/18, TILL DEATH DO US PART, a re-release of her 1600s-set pirate story, on 1/29, and a modern story set in Ireland on 2/5. HAVANA HOLIDAY and ANCIENT WALLS will also go to print soon. Congrats!

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Join us tomorrow when Ryshia Kennie will be here to talk about FROM THE DUST, set in 1935 Saskatchewan.

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We'll also draw the winner of Michelle Beattie's WHAT A PIRATE DESIRES. There's still time to leave a comment for your shot at winning!

***

Have a good weekend and a fantastic new year!

If you have an announcement to make for next week, email Carrie. See you next week...

Guest Blogger: Michelle Beattie

We're back! Hope everyone had a lovely winter break, as we did here at Unusual Historicals. To get us back in the swing of things for the last week of the year, we've invited Michelle Beattie to talk about her debut WHAT A PIRATE DESIRES, set in the 17th century Caribbean.

A LADY IN DISGUISE...

When her family was murdered by the brigand named Dervish, all that Samantha Fine cherished was swept away in the churning waters of the Caribbean. Driven by revenge, she masquerades as Sam Steele, the most cunning pirate of the seas, striking terror in the hearts of every merchant who dares to cross her path. If only they knew the legendary buccaneer's extraordinary secret...

A MAN IN NEED...

One man has discovered that a fiery female spirit wrestles beneath Sam's fearsome exterior: the pirate, Luke Bradley. He once sailed with the vile Dervish, and now has a score of his own to settle. But as he joins Sam on her journey across the unpredictable Caribbean Sea, Luke is drawn to her loyal heart and courageous strength. Now, making Dervish pay for his sins is second to the quest to win Sam's heart...

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Welcome, Michelle! Tell us a little about how you got started with this swashbuckling idea.

WHAT A PIRATE DESIRES came about due largely to Johnny Depp and his portrayal of Captain Jack Sparrow. I'd never written a pirate book, it had never even crossed my mind. Can't say they interested me much. Sparrow changed all that. Johnny changed all that, as I don't think anyone else could have sparked my interest the way he did. So, after 18 months of writing drought, brought on by the death of my dad, I now had a drive, a purpose and a story.

How do you come up with the characters names?

Some just come. I take into account the year and the setting, and then often take the first name that pops in my head from there. For Samantha, I thought a little harder. I wanted a name I could shorten to be a man's name and I wanted a tough last name, thus Sam Steele came to be. I since learned there was an R.C.M.P officer named Sam Steele. Honestly, that's a coincidence, but being Canadian and finding out there was a real Canadian Mounted Police Officer by that name is kinda cool too. For Luke, I wanted a name with a hard sound at the end, because it sounded stronger. Since there was already a pirate we all know named Jack, I thought of Luke. It's also how I came up with the heroes in books two and three of the series, Blake and Nate.

And I always try to have names that flow well together, like Sam and Luke. Justine and Luke wouldn't sound as good.

How do you create a character?

I'm more of a plot-driven writer. I usually think of a story first, and then pick people to play the parts. Using Sam and Luke, I knew I wanted a female pirate, and once I had her name, then I thought, all right, what would make her be a pirate? Is she a reluctant one or a willing one? And usually the best conflict between your main characters comes when their goals contradict one another. I knew I wanted Luke to be a man who enjoyed piracy, so right away I knew Sam wouldn't like it. Then I thought, ok, why? Why would she do something if she didn't like it? And from there came her back story.

For Luke, he needed a reason, too. Why did he like piracy? What did it give him that he couldn't find elsewhere? What would it take for him to give up something he loves?

Do you associate a name to a character trait?

Sometimes. The villain in WHAT A PIRATE DESIRES is called Dervish, which means devil. I picked that purposefully as Dervish is a vile and cruel man. Usually I give villains names I don't particularly like, or named I wouldn't ever give one of my heroes.

How much research was necessary?

I have a great dictionary called English Through the Ages. It tells me when a word was invented and what's it meaning was at that time, since meanings change over time. If a word I really want to use wasn't actually used until 1700 and this is 1650, I'll probably use it. But there was one word I wanted that wasn't used until the 1800's and because that was too long a stretch I found another word. As a reader, I don't like words that jar me out of a story by sounding too modern for that time period. However, I try to use less formal words as what may have been used because it should still be about the story. If you have to stop reading to look up a word or have to stop to try to figure out what it means, then you lose flow for the sake of exactness. For me, I'd rather have a well-moving story.

Do you have any other ideas after this series that's not written yet?

Yes. I love westerns, it's what I started writing first and where my heart lies. I have one for sure in my head at the moment. I've also written a contemporary and have new ideas for a few more of those as well.

How did 'the call' come about?

Well, I'd sent off my partial (3 chapters) at the end of January. Less than two weeks later came the written request for the full manuscript. That was sent off immediately, and just under 3 months later, as I was unpacking my daughter's backpack from school, I hit the play button on my answering machine. And there it was. "Hi Michelle, It's Berkeley Publishing calling, we'd like to talk to you about your manuscript."

I'd won two contests with the manuscript and also came in dead last in another. From those two contest wins I had one agent and one editor look at the partial. Neither liked it enough to ask to see the whole thing. I went to a conference, met another agent and editor and neither of those two thought they could do anything with this manuscript. I don't think, for me, that contests and the conference helped, though certainly the contest wins wouldn't have looked bad on the query letter. But I think it was hitting the right editor for my writing on the right day.

Where do you get your inspirations?

From movies, other books, life in general. I started writing after reading a book and being disappointed in a direction she took the story. I thought, "I'd have done that differently," so books certainly influence me. Sometimes, like the first western I wrote, the idea just comes. Other times I'll have a vague idea and will brainstorm it around with friends until it becomes something I can work with.

Does your life resemble Samantha's in any way?

Well, I've never been to the Caribbean or on any sailing ship but I always give each of my heroines a trait I either have or wished I have. Sam is stubborn and when she gets an idea in her head, she goes for it. I'm much the same.

Does your next book continue with Sam and Luke or are there new characters?

My plan is to have this be a five book series. In each book you'll see many of the same faces pop in, and yes, Sam and Luke will be in each, though certainly not as the main players. Each book will have its own hero and heroine and its own story. There is an underlying theme that'll carry through each book and won't be wrapped up until the end of book five, but you'll have to wait for Romancing the Pirate to come out in September before you know what that is!

Selected Reviews

"Mr. Depp did for Pirates of the Caribbean what Michelle Beattie is doing again in her pirate series featuring What a Pirate Desires. This story is filled with lots of swashbuckling action, adventure, mayhem and don't forget the romance." Cheryl, Manic Readers

"What a Pirate Desires is swashbuckling good fun. Luke has charisma and warmth that just oozes. Both characters are wonderful in the way they take chances. With crisp dialogue and romance that sizzles, Michelle Beattie spins an interesting tale that this reader found satisfying." Cherokee, Coffee Time Romance

"Beattie's latest is a treasure trove for pirate/adventure lovers as a daring female brigand and a rugged captain match wits in a sexy battle of wills. Beattie uses rapid-fire repartee, double entendres and a daring heroine and dashing hero to spice up a tried-and-true plotline, turning it onto a nonstop read. 4 stars." Romantic Times

"This very traditional but fun romance features a feisty heroine, a tortured hero and a sassy parrot along with strong doses of betrayal, action and plenty of cunning." Publisher's Weekly

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So, to participate in our last Sunday promo contest of the year, please leave a comment or question for Michelle. Maybe...what do you think of pirates as romance heroes? Any Johnny Depp fans out there? A winner will be drawn next Sunday. Good luck!