‘Blog Gang’ from Harlequin & PRIZES!!!
by sue on Mar.20, 2010, under Book Chat
Five Harlequin Historical authors are seated together on the comfortable couches of the virtual Borders Book Store. One exclaimed, “Here we are! Isn’t it exciting? We’re on Sue Grimshaw’s TrueRomance blog.”
“And we are here to talk about Pleasurably Undone, the very first Harlequin Historical Undone anthology,” another said. “Harlequin Historical Undones are sexy and scandalous short stories which, until this anthology, were only available as ebooks. Pleasurably Undone is a print book and it should appear in Borders and other bookstores today.”
“I’ll go first, since my story is first. I’m Christine Merrill. Seducing a Stranger is set in London during the Regency. In 1815 Lieutenant Tom Godfrey returns home to find Victoria Paget, the woman he secretly desires, working in a bawdy house. She’s the widow of an army captain and Tom, a former lieutenant cashiered because of injury, fell in love with her portrait and the stories her late husband used to tell of her.
“And now she is in a bawdy house? Love it! I’m Michelle Willingham and my Undone, The Viking’s Forbidden Love Slave, is set in 1101. Irish noblewomen Aisling Ó Brannon is intended for the king’s bed, but fierce warrior Tharand must decide: please his king…or keep his captive love-slave for himself! Tharand is one of the old-school romance alpha heroes who goes after whatever he wants—-especially the heroine!”
“Louise Allen here.” She waves. “I take readers back to Regency England, like Christine, only my story, Disrobed and Dishonored, takes place in Norfolk and Hertfordshire in 1816. My heroine, Miss Sarah Tatton, wishes to lose her virtue. She meets a highwayman who is only too happy to help her. Sarah and Jonathan (or does he have another name?) have a love affair neither expected.”
“You’re not going to tell us if Jonathan is his real name?” Christine asked.
“No, indeed.” Louise smiled. “I will tell you that there is a scene where Jonathan wakes up after a night of passion to find himself tied to the bed head by a silk stocking and a string of pearls. It was fun to make such a strong man so vulnerable.”
“That certainly makes me curious!” The next author laughed. “I’m Terri Brisbin and, like Michelle, my story takes the reader back to Medieval times. A Night for Her Pleasure takes place in 1066 in Britanny (what we know as France). On their wedding day Lord Simon of Rennes and Lady Elise of Nantes each try to ignore their own desires and dreams in order to be or to do what the other one wants or needs. It’s loosely based on the theme of the O. Henry story, The Gift of the Magi.”
“I based my Undone on The Phantom of the Opera! I’m Diane Gaston. The Unlacing of Miss Leight is about a disfigured recluse, Captain Graham Veall, who advertises for a female companion, and Miss Margaret Leigh, a virginal vicar’s daughter, answers the ad. My story is set in the Regency again, in London and its outskirts. And, I admit, I based Graham on Gerard Butler, the movie version’s Phantom. Terri and I are great Gerard Butler fans!
“We sure are!” Terri and Diane do a high five.
Christine turned pensive. “You know, writing an Undone was certainly different than writing a whole novel. We had only ten thousand words to make a satisfying romance.”
“Our Harlequin Historicals are 70,000 to 75,000 words,” Michelle added. “What I did to make The Viking’s Forbidden Love Slave a satisfying romance was to use a woman’s fantasy, being kidnapped by an incredibly hot Viking. There’s a strong conflict there but women can also experience a fun love story based on a common theme.”
Diane nodded. “I used the Beauty and the Beast fantasy in The Unlacing of Miss Leigh, but I also gave Graham and Margaret strong reasons to engage in an affair so shortly after meeting.”
Christine leaned forward. “To make Seducing a Stranger a satisfying romance, I had to believe in love at first sight. This meant finding something in their backstories of the hero and heroine that made them a perfectly suited emotionally, in addition to the instant physical attraction they feel.
“You and I are like-minded, Christine,” Louise said. “It was important to me to create a situation where both hero and heroine felt an immediate emotional attraction and also that both of them had a strong sense of honour so that there was tenderness and a feeling of commitment right from the start, even when they were falling out with each other.”
Terri shrugged. “I just made sure I put as much emotion in this short story as I do in my longer, novellas or novels.” The others laughed.
“We should tell what’s coming next,” Christine spoke again. “For me it is the Regency Silk and Scandal series, which starts in June! I’ve written the second and eighth books: Paying the Virgin’s Price and Taken by the Wicked Rake, and an Undone related to the series that will be out in May.”
Louise grinned. “I’m part of the Regency Silk and Scandal series, too! I wrote the first and seventh stories. Julia Justiss, Margaret McPhee, Gayle Wilson and Annie Burrows also wrote books for the series. My books are The Lord & the Wayward Lady, which will be out in June, and The Officer & the Proper Lady out in December.”
Michelle said, “Trahern MacEgan’s book will be released in September and is titled Surrender to an Irish Warrior. In the meantime, The Accidental Princess was out last month, a Victorian romance that’s a take-off on the Prince and the Pauper.”
Terri spoke next. “Since the second of the Knights of Brittany books is coming out in July, I’m now working on the third story — a real ‘Beauty and the Beast’ tale of a descent into darkness and the redeeming powers of love.”
“Oh, you know I love a Beauty and the Beast story,” Diane said. “Next up for me is the second book in my Soldiers Trilogy (first was Gallant Officer, Forbidden Lady, December, 2009). My hero and heroine meet right in the middle of the Battle of Waterloo. It should be out in the fall.” She turned to the others.
“We have questions for the readers.”
Terri spoke first. “I want to know, do you, the readers, enjoy short stories as much as longer, novel-length ones? Why or why not?
“My question is similar,” Diane said. “Do you like stories to have familiar themes, like Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Secret Baby, and so on?”
“My question is not anything like that.” Louise laughed. “I want to know if you had a time machine, which date would you choose to be taken back to?”
Michelle said, “Or which of our five heroes would you most want to be stranded with?”
“My question is more serious in tone,” Christine said. “Victoria Paget uses her body in what she thinks is a good cause. Is it ever a good idea for a woman to use sex to get what she wants?”
Answer any or all questions or simply leave a comment for a chance to win our prizes:
Borders Gift Certificate 
signed copy of Pleasurably Undone signed by all the authors
signed copy of Miss Winthorpe’s Elopement by Christine Merrill
signed copy of The Accidental Princess by Michelle Willingham
signed copy of The Viscount’s Betrothal by Louise Allen
signed copy of The Conqueror’s Lady by Terri Brisbin
signed copy of Gallant Officer, Forbidden Lady by Diane Gaston
Romantic Tmes Rating: 4 stars
Category: HISTORICAL
Setting: Medieval to 1800s England
Publisher: HARLEQUIN
Published: April 2010
——————————————————————————–
This is a collection of short novellas previously published as Harlequin Historical Undone e-books. The stories feature five very different writers creating sexually charged scenarios that give readers a taste of their writing styles, depth of characters and strong plot in the short space of a brief encounter. Well done!
——————————————————————————-
Summary: Merrill’s heroine plans on going to a bordello and “Seducing a Stranger” to uncover the truth about her husband’s death, but she finds a few surprises, a sizzling passion and the man who holds her heart. In “The Viking’s Forbidden Love-Slave,” Willingham shows how an Irish captive finds a Norse warrior to be the most honorable man she’s ever met. As his captive she discovers a powerful love and a man willing to risk his life for hers.
Allen proves that being “Disrobed and Dishonored” by a highwayman can be quite the fantasy as her heroine meets the man of her dreams. As William the Conqueror takes England, a brave knight conquers his bride in Brisbin’s “A Night for Her Pleasure.” A little of “Beauty and the Beast” mixes with the “Phantom of the Opera” in Gaston’s heartwarming “The Unlacing of Miss Leigh” when a vicar’s daughter answers an ad for a gentleman’s mistress and discovers the hero she always dreamed of hiding behind a mask. (HARLEQUIN, Apr., 280 pp., $5.99) HOT
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About Sue & Borders True Romance Blog
Sue G - Borders True Romance Host - Borders Romance Buyer, reads romance. For her JOB. No, really. You can email Sue at sgrimshaw at bordersgroupinc dot com.
Borders True Romance Blog is a community, developed for you, the romance reader, to find out more about the books you love; the authors who write them & where to buy them :) Borders.com
Previously published as Wishes No Matter How Fast You Run. . .The newborn baby boy is beautiful, perfect, and hers for the asking. All Kate Summers has to do is agree to one condition--she must disappear from Boston and never breathe a word about the adoption to anyone. Or How Far You Go. . .Fifteen years later, Kate has built a good life for herself and her son, Jon, in Hopewell, Oregon. Still, she is haunted by the fear that he will somehow be taken away. Then Daegan O'Rourke arrives in town and strikes up a friendship with her and Jon. But Daegan has his own past to hide--one with shocking ties to hers. A Killer Will Always Find You. . .Someone is watching Kate, watching her son, and is willing to go to any lengths to claim him. And the one man Kate is tempted to trust has dangerous secrets that could change her world forever. Soon the past Kate thought she could outrun will explode, unearthing a legacy of lies and treachery, and a fury powerful enough to kill. . .
Friend Feed
June 16th, 2010 on 4:14 am
People should ingest writer vegetables and complete grains, and inferior adipose meats, and sweetening
March 21st, 2010 on 8:13 pm
I prefer long stories because it gives me more time to become acquainted with characters
March 21st, 2010 on 8:11 pm
Congrats on the release! Regarding Diane’s question I love books with specific themes. I am really fond of the fairy tale them, Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast especially.
March 21st, 2010 on 8:01 pm
Is it too late for me to join in?
The book sounds great.
March 21st, 2010 on 5:48 pm
Oooh, I hadn’t known that, Michelle! Thanks for letting me know about Jeannie’s upcoming book! And thanks again for visiting!!
March 21st, 2010 on 2:28 pm
Forgot to mention: I have read books by everyone except Michelle W — in fact the latest by Christine M just showed up on Saturday! I bought it based on a wonderful review on rakehell.com — love that site!
Keep up the great “works” ladies
March 21st, 2010 on 2:07 pm
I enjoy stories with familiar themes…beauty and the beast is one of my favorites. Fun post. Thanks for visiting.
March 21st, 2010 on 11:47 am
Oh, I am so glad so many of you have visited! And that you like the sorts of things we do.
March 21st, 2010 on 8:51 am
Good morning, Ladies.
Your works sound wonderful and I can’t wait to start reading them.
Short stories…There was a time when I didn’t like them (many eons ago when I was much younger). Just when I was “getting into the story”, it ended and I felt cheated. I stopped reading short stories for a long time.
Last year, I bought a book of short stories by an author who was “new” to me. I was curious about her works and thought some short stories was a great sampler. I loved them! They were the right length and I felt satisfied after completing each one.
Now, I’m hooked on short stories, again!
March 21st, 2010 on 5:56 am
I’m looking forward to this read with so many talented Authors involved. I love my longer stories but don’t mind the shorter ones at times.
I’d love to go back to the Scottish Highlands to see all those beautiful Scotts wearing their kilts. Of course I’d have to come right back because I like the modern conveniences too much.
Since I’m being asked who I’d like to be with I’ll say all of them lol.
Loved the post .
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com
March 21st, 2010 on 4:40 am
Terri- I can enjoy a short story as much as a full-length novel, as long as either has a believable love story I’m good.
Diane- I love when a story has a new take on an old favorite story line…. but sometimes an unfamiliar plot is the best surprise.
Louise- I think i’d go back to the Regency era or ancient Rome.
Michelle- I’d want to be trapped with Graham or Jonathan.
Christine- I’d like to say no its not okay… but there are always extenuating circumstances that could apply. When it comes to reading about it I’d probably be more understanding as long as it is for a believable reason.
March 21st, 2010 on 3:20 am
I read short stories in between novels, because it’s like taking a breath of fresh air…but sooner or later I always end up picking up another novel. And I love those familiar themes.
Time machine! Can we pick the destination, too? Well, I’d think it’d be great to see how America was before colonization, anyway, but going back to medieval Europe would be interesting.
March 21st, 2010 on 1:54 am
Terri spoke first. “I want to know, do you, the readers, enjoy short stories as much as longer, novel-length ones? Why or why not?– Hmm. Honestly, I prefer longer novel length. I only say that because when I read short stories with great plot lines and characters I really care about, I always end up wishing their story was longer
“My question is similar,” Diane said. “Do you like stories to have familiar themes, like Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Secret Baby, and so on?”– Those are all great to read about (especially Beauty and the Beast
but author’s own original idea’s are always welcome to!
“My question is not anything like that.” Louise laughed. “I want to know if you had a time machine, which date would you choose to be taken back to?”– Ohh! Sometime where lady’s wore pretty dresses, men bowed when they met you, and Scotsmen wore their kilts around!
Michelle said, “Or which of our five heroes would you most want to be stranded with?”– Umm….All of them? *looks hopeful*
“My question is more serious in tone,” Christine said. “Victoria Paget uses her body in what she thinks is a good cause. Is it ever a good idea for a woman to use sex to get what she wants?”– My immediat answer would be ‘no’. But I hesitate, because there is always that one situation that defies your original thought.
March 21st, 2010 on 1:43 am
As for whether it is ever a good idea for a woman to use sex to get what she wants, I like to say no, but I want to keep the option open for women who may not have had as many choices as I’ve had in my life. Besides, I think that a woman may get want she wants via sex, but the man involved will not have any respect for her so this may be a last resort (unless that man’s respect is not a big deal).
March 21st, 2010 on 1:38 am
Stories in an anthology should have a common theme but it doesn’t have to be too strict. That way, the authors can have more fun with it.
March 21st, 2010 on 1:00 am
I enjoy short stories/anthologies for a change of pace and for times when I don’t have great stretches of time to read. I can read the stories in a shorter period of time, so it fits in with the time I have. It’s also fun to read a lot of authors at once - to see different views of a similar theme. And to find new authors I’m not familiar with as well.
March 20th, 2010 on 10:26 pm
I prefer novel length because there’s more character and world building but short stories and anthologies are great especially for when I’m traveling. My favorite is definitely Beauty and the Beast or Plain Jane Triumphs Without Makeover. And if I had a time machine I’d definitely go to 10th or 11th century and spend some time with Michelle’s hot Viking. I want to say it’s never a good idea for a woman to use sex, but if “what she wants” involves achieving freedom or saving a loved one and there’s no other way…sometimes a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do…
March 20th, 2010 on 10:16 pm
I typically enjoy full-length novels more, just because they leave more room for plot and character development. Short stories are fun sometimes too though. If I’m short on reading time, they are great!
There’s something nice about those familiar themes, but I want there to be a new spin on them also. If it’s just the same old story, it probably won’t hold my interest too long.
Congrats on the release ladies:) I don’t buy a lot of ebooks, but this anthology sounds great…nice to see these stories in print also!
March 20th, 2010 on 9:45 pm
I find anthologies are a great way to test drive new authors. And for times when you’re short on time a nice fix for my reading addiction.
One of favorite story types is reunion stories.
As a woman I’m not sure I’d want to go back in time. Life has never been easy for women, but I’d like to see if it gets better for us in the future.
I need to know more about the heroes before I can choose just one.
A woman should never barter her body for anything short of life and death.
Ladies, thank you for sharing your book with us!
March 20th, 2010 on 9:29 pm
I’m not really a fan of short stories it all seems so rushed to me you don’t have time to get to the characters.I think I would like to the regency time .
March 20th, 2010 on 8:09 pm
hi ladies! this was a fun post! here are my answers:
i prefer longer, novel length stories because i find characters/plot are more developed–though a novella now and again provides a nice change of pace.
i like stories with familiar theme: reunion stories or friends/business competitors before becoming lovers.
if i can go back in time, i’d go to 19th century england because i’ve read so many historicals set in that time that i’d love to experience it myself.
i’d prefer to be stranded with all of them
it depends on the situation.
March 20th, 2010 on 8:03 pm
I don’t really care for shorter stories as much because the storyline goes too fast. This was a great post!
March 20th, 2010 on 8:01 pm
Diane–looks like we’ll share a release month! Great news.
Jane–For me, I actually like the variety. I can enjoy a Regency one moment with Louise Allen and a medieval with Terri’s the next. But then, I love to read all historical genres.
March 20th, 2010 on 7:43 pm
Hey girls,
I really would rather have a full length novel than a short story cause just as I get involved in it it’s over. But I still read the anthologies as I think it’s a good way to get a taste of a new author. I love when I discover a short story that has characters in it from another full length novel. They can use it to give you an update on the HEA couple.
March 20th, 2010 on 7:42 pm
Hi! I think the mood I’m in determines whether I read a novel or a short story. Short stories, when written right, can be so romantic and sweet.
Great interview, and I will definitely be checking out your books.
March 20th, 2010 on 7:40 pm
I love the Undones, but perhaps largely because they are ebooks and the access is so fast. Browse, click, read. It’s that simple. So I’m not sure about buying them in a print version. Still, when published together with other Undones, I might - I’ve often bought anthologies of short stories in the past. To increase the odds of my buying such a collection though, it would be better for them to share a time period, i.e. all medievals, all Regencies etc. I’d be more likely then to consider it.
Time machine? The Regency would be my preferred period.
March 20th, 2010 on 7:31 pm
Oh, I forgot to say that my next book now has a title AND a release date!
Chivalrous Captain, Rebel Mistress will be released in September!
March 20th, 2010 on 7:29 pm
Hey Ladies! Congrats on the new release! 1.) I do like some short stories depending on their theme. They have to read well and no fall apart in the middle. 2.)Themes are great. They add a positive twist to a book/novel. 3)If I could be teleported back in time I would go back to either the days of Avalon or Ealry Scotland with men in kilts. 4.)My favorite character/story of this book would probably be Diane Gaston’s Phantom of the Opera story with a man like Gerard Butler! Yummy. 5) And last question, for me, mind over matter. I would use my brain to get things done first, if that fails…used the body… if you got a great one to use.
March 20th, 2010 on 7:27 pm
Terri, now you know Gerard Butler is MINE (even if he mentally unlaces Virginia C.
Keira, I’m glad you chose Captain Graham Veall–he does look just like GB in Phantom of the Opera!
THanks to all of you in your interest in our Harlequin Historical Undone anthology! I hope you’ll all run to Borders and buy it and some of the other Historicals on the shelf.
March 20th, 2010 on 6:47 pm
Hello Ladies,
Pleasurably Undone sounds like great combination of stories. I do like full length novels but sometimes I’m in the mood for something short and anthologies from my favorites authors are a great way to fill that need. Anthologies are also a great way to find new authors.
And the hero I’d like most to be stranded with would be Tharand. Love me some hot Viking alpha hero!
March 20th, 2010 on 6:36 pm
Hi!! I’ve been at a meeting allday so I’m just getting online. It’s really cool how everyone has such different tastes in romances– different kinds, different lengths, different settings.
And I’m glad to see so many Gerard Butler fans though I should warn you– he is MINE!!
Terri Brisbin
March 20th, 2010 on 6:11 pm
1. I usually prefer longer stories, but I’ve been known to buy and keep anthologies based on sometimes just one really cute short story.
2. I love fairy tale themes, but in general I don’t think a book needs to be themed up. Anthologies should be themed though.
3. Pioneering America or Regency. Others places and times would be exotic and fun to visit but I can see myself living in the other two times. (Maybe not well but I’d give it a shot anyway lol)
4. Michelle said, “Or which of our five heroes would you most want to be stranded with?”
4. Captain Graham Veall - Gerard Butler figure + scars = win.
5. Potentially.
March 20th, 2010 on 5:48 pm
Hello ladies great interview I love the novella length stories, a great way to be introduced to 3 or more authors at a time,I usually end up buying the full length books fo the authors I enjoy
March 20th, 2010 on 5:42 pm
Fedora–definitely, it’s a round trip!
Did you know that Jeannie Lin is releasing her first Harlequin Historical set in China? I think the name of it is Butterfly Swords, and it comes out in October.
March 20th, 2010 on 5:05 pm
Hello ladies, that was a really interesting chat. It makes me want to read all those short stories, although, normally, I do prefer a full length novel where the plot can have a few twists.
My time machine would take me to England in 1805, so long as I could live on a prosperous estate and afford to go to Town for the Season. I’d love to collect fans and the beautiful shawls the ladies had in those days.
March 20th, 2010 on 4:51 pm
Hi! I like anthologies because they give me a taste of the writings of authors I do not know yet. If I like their stories, I would read their full-length novels so I like both short and novel length stories.
March 20th, 2010 on 4:44 pm
First of all, thanks for having this blog! It’s great to be able to learn the “behind the scenes” thoughts of an author. I’m a historical romance junkie! Love history, love romance! However, I rather read longer books than shorter ones because the author has more time to develop the characters and the plot. I also like it when you annotate your novels by author’s notes on the time or suggested readings. For all that I have a degree in history, I still have learned more about how people lived and loved by reading historical romances. Finally, I don’t really have a special time to go back to anymore because I’m learning so much from reading historical romances. I do know that I wish I could learn to use herbs and such the way the women did in the past.
March 20th, 2010 on 4:03 pm
I love reading short stories as much as I like reading long novels because it’s a fast read and sometimes I get to read more about main characters in a longer book.
March 20th, 2010 on 3:56 pm
I am not familiar with any of these heroes so cannot answer that, but how about Jack from Virgin River?
There are many themes I like - man next door, bad boy or old love returning, tortured hero.
I like my computer and all my modern conveniences so tt not for me. I am a contemp gal all the way.
Pat L.
March 20th, 2010 on 3:14 pm
Am perfectly happy living in my time with all it conveniences.
Sex is never a good tool to use for an ends unles it is to save your life of course.
There are so many different themes I like, tortured hero, secret child, too many to name.
Great site!
Joanne V.
March 20th, 2010 on 3:12 pm
If I had a time machine I’d go back to Regency times. I’d enjoy the clothes and the constant get-togethers. Of course if I went back now I’d be considered an old maid, an on the shelf spinster. Maybe I should rethink my travel plans…..
March 20th, 2010 on 2:50 pm
Write other things regarding lady gaga please, i like to know more about her.
March 20th, 2010 on 2:47 pm
I enjoy short stories when I don’t have much time to read. Novel length when I have more tome.
I like many themes, fairy tale based and others.
.
March 20th, 2010 on 2:45 pm
I do like a longer story since you can do so much more developing the characters and tension. But, I also do enjoy a good shorter story when I have less time to read since I like to read start to finish. I have a few of the titles mentioned here already and I am liking the Undones, being a huge historical fan. Beauty and the Beast is one of my favorite themes, and marriage of convenience.
March 20th, 2010 on 2:29 pm
Using sex to get what you want - no way, unless it is to save your life like the other lady said or the life of a loved one.
There are many themes I like, bad boy back in town, hero next door to name a few.
No time machine for me; I like the present time.
Prefer the longer stories, more substance altho I do read novellas occasionally.
Great giveaway.
Rosie G.
March 20th, 2010 on 2:19 pm
I like novels over novellas, and anthologies aren’t really my thing. And I love Beauty and the Beast stories. They’re my favorites!
March 20th, 2010 on 2:18 pm
I enjoy short stories when I don’t have a lot of time to read.
March 20th, 2010 on 2:06 pm
Woohoo!! Hi, Christine, Michelle, Louise, Terri, and Diane!! It’s great to see you all here! As for your questions, yes, I do tend to enjoy short stories, too, as long as they’re well done and don’t feel too short–some authors really have a gift for making even a novella feel rich and complete, and I love their shorter stories as much as I do their longer books. I love shorter stories because sometimes I don’t have time for a whole book, and can read it with fewer interruptions.
As for familiar themes, yes, I do enjoy those too, as long as it’s well written and I do always love fresh twist. I like seeing what each author does to make a common theme her own–there are obviously a zillion ways to tell a story, and each writer gives it her own spin–that’s why I keep reading! There are also some themes I tend to avoid, but if it’s a writer I enjoy, I may chance even those stories to see how she handles it!
Um, the time machine is round-trip, right? If so, I’ve always been curious to explore some of the Chinese dynasties (as a wealthy, powerful person, please ;)) And assuming it’s not too long a stay
Heroes? I have to choose just one??
And I don’t recommend using sex as currency all the time–I think it devalues it for everyone involved. I can see that there may be a time and place for that though–sex can be a powerful motivator!
Thanks again for visiting–can’t wait to read all your stories!
March 20th, 2010 on 1:37 pm
Sue–I wanted to add that the Borders gift card is for $25, just so you can add that in.
March 20th, 2010 on 1:07 pm
Terri, to be honest, I don’t really enjoy novellas as much as I do full length stories. I need time with the characters. And the better the novella, the more I get frustrated. I’ve read a few though… because sometimes I don’t have time for a whole book but do need a quick romance fix ,-)
“My question is similar,” Diane said. “Do you like stories to have familiar themes, like Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Secret Baby, and so on?”
Louise, wich time period to be taken back to? Probably the middle age. I know life was hard and all but I’d love to get my own norman chief or scottish laird !!
Congrats to you ladies !!
March 20th, 2010 on 1:00 pm
Can’t wait to read the anthology!! I love shorter stories. As a mother of three sometimes I can only read for a little while and it’s nice to be able to finish a whole story instead of having to put it on hold for who know’s how long.
I think that the reason some themes are classic is because we love them. I’m a huge fan of the beauty and the beast and the best friend themes.
I would love to visit Victorian england, but wouldn’t want to live there, lol.
March 20th, 2010 on 12:57 pm
I enjoy short stories when I don’t have a lot of time to read!
I do enjoy the fairy take stories.
I would love to get in a time machine and go back to the 1800 in the old west!
I want to be stranded with all five heros at different times of course.
I don’t think its right for a women to use sex to get what she wants.
March 20th, 2010 on 12:37 pm
I usually read novel length, but occasionally a short story is good. I like books in a series. Would love to read these books.
March 20th, 2010 on 12:27 pm
*waving* Just wanted to stop by and say hi! I’m dying to get my hands on this antho. The only story I’ve read in it is Michelle’s, and I loved it! So I can’t wait to read more!
March 20th, 2010 on 12:26 pm
I tend to prefer full length novels because I like character driven stories but I also read category romances regularly and they are similar in length to short novellas.
I’m not a stickler for themes, I do like second chance love and Cinderella types but a well written blurb will always get my attention.
This anthology sounds great!
March 20th, 2010 on 12:25 pm
I like short stories just as much as long stories. I’m able to find more authors by reading short stories.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a familiar theme or not. It all comes down to whether or not I enjoy the characters and storyline.
If I had a time machine I’d go back to the 1800’s just because I’ve read many good books based in that era.
The hero I’d like to be stranded with is Lieutenant Tom Godfrey.
As for a woman using sex as a means to get what she wants, if it is to save her life from a villain it might work.
March 20th, 2010 on 11:47 am
It’s fun to see so many people here!
One thing I enjoy about writing the Undones is that they can let you explore time periods and situations that might not work in a full-length book. My next Undone, which will be out in June is set in a harem within the 16th century Ottoman Empire (title pending–right now I’m calling it “Captive of the Harem”). Researching the harem was fascinating, and it’s a fun “visit” to another time and culture.
I do think that the Undones are very similar to our full-length styles. The challenge is in keeping the story tight and trying to fully develop a love story. I think you will enjoy all of the stories, though!
March 20th, 2010 on 11:21 am
-I enjoy short stories, not as much as the longer ones but I do like them. If their by one of my fav authors I always enjoy reading them. They are great for when I don’t have much time or when I’m waiting somewhere or on something.
-I love stories that have a theme. Beauty and the Beast is one of my all time favorites. I wish there were more stories with this core.
-If I had a time machine I’d go to the roaring twenties. I’ll put on a nice frog and my dancing shoes and dance dance dance till my feet give way or the morning comes.
-Oh, I’m gonna get stranded with the Highwayman. He sounds interesting.
-I don’t approve of a woman using sex to get what she wants. It doesn’t always work and she’ll probably regret it. Also it should be something sacred between two people that love each other.
March 20th, 2010 on 11:17 am
I love anthologies for couple of reasons, the first is after reading allot of other books they really help clear my mind. If I am in a slump they help me get out of it. To me it s also a good way to read new authors I have never read before. If I like thier story in the anthologies I will go and look for their other books.
March 20th, 2010 on 11:15 am
I really didn’t think I would enjoy short stories until I bought a couple of undones, now, I do!
I don’t mind familiar themes either, And if I had a time machine, I’d go back to the Victorian Age! But only for a short visit, I couldn’t go without electricity, unless a handsome, virile duke could persuade me!
I think I would like to meet Diane’s soldier, I wish there were more stories with ‘gallant officers’.
Sex as a flyswatter? Why not, I say go for it!
Great to see you all here, I ADORE Harlequin Historicals!
March 20th, 2010 on 11:04 am
The book sounds interesting — covers both periods I’m currently into reading. (I’ve recently been switching back & forth btwn these book types (read a regency, read a medieval, read a regency, etc.) nice to have an anthology do it for me
and all the stories have interesting concepts that would tempt me individually.
I find anthologies nice on occasion for reasons that others mentioned as well –> 1. less reading time devoted to each story without loosing any of the enjoyment of the story (I sometimes “forget” to take care of other things once becoming engrossed in a story, anthologies give natural stopping points during the book
and 2. a chance to try new (to me) authors. The trouble with them is sometimes only one or two of the stories sound of interest while the others hold little or no appeal to me.
March 20th, 2010 on 10:55 am
Hi everyone,
It is 4pm here in the UK and I’m just surfacing from correcting proofs to read all the great comments.
Margay - many of the Undone! stories are linked to full length HH novels - mine in this anthology connects to my 6 Ravenhurst books and the one I have just completed ties into the Shelley Sisters trilogy that is out next year. They give you a taster of an author and some of her characters that you can follow up with the full length books.
Now I’ve got to get back to those proofs with the mental image of Gerard Butler to tantalise me!
March 20th, 2010 on 10:49 am
Hi and welcome, Congratulations on the anthology. What thought provoking questions. Reading a long novel is my favorite enjoyment. Getting into the characters minds and hearts and learning about their trials and tribulations is what interests me greatly. A time machine to drift back to the Flapper time is what I would experience. A definite theme that I find appealing is forgotten lovers and reuniting. Thanks for this wakeup today.
March 20th, 2010 on 10:42 am
Janet W, if you loved the Signet Regency anthologies, you might like to know that Harlequin Historical puts out a Christmas anthology every year. Look for them in November on the Harlequin displays in your bookstore.
At the risk of sounding like a Harlequin Historical marketing person, HH really offers something for all tastes. The Undones are the shortest; novellas (in the regular anthologies) are longer; and then there are the full length books. Authors often connect the novellas and Undones with their books. For Example, in the Unlacing of Miss Leigh, you briefly meet characters who figure in the HH anthology The Diamonds of Welbourne Manor (I am one of the authors), which will have three books connected to it.
March 20th, 2010 on 10:27 am
Mmmmmm…well I like short stories for finding new authors and for running around in the car doing errands. my 4yrold falls asleep and I stay in the car and read while my husband does whatever it is that needs to be done!
Your book looks Wonderful! Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
April
March 20th, 2010 on 10:20 am
I was always a fan of the Signet anthologies and am not sure I have read any other short romances recently. One thing that strikes me about your anthology is that while all the stories are intriguing, there is no single time frame which might be a weird experience for the reader going back and forth from Regency era to medieval and back again. Still, I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about all of you and your interests.
March 20th, 2010 on 10:10 am
I sometimes enjoy short stories more than longer ones because there is less time for bad things to happen to the couple and the HEA happens that much faster. Also, when I pick up an anthology for an author I know and like, I often also find a new author I like.
I don’t mind familiar themes but they shouldn’t be so familiar that they’re boring. That is, I like a twist in the theme somewhere.
If I had a time machine, I would be inclined to go back to Regency England since 1) I’m a Jane Austen fan, 2) I love the Empire style dresses, and 3) I love all those muscular thighs from all that horse riding in those tight breeches. But I probably wouldn’t want to stay long as the thought of chamber pots really freaks me out!
I would most want to be stranded with the highwayman or the Viking.
I cannot say I think it’s a good idea for a woman to use sex to get what she wants but I think it may possibly be the only way in some situations so I cannot condemn a woman for doing so.
Fun questions! Looking forward to reading the stories!
March 20th, 2010 on 10:03 am
Welcome wonderful ladies. I enjoy lengthy novels which are captivating and enthralling. They saty with me for a long time and are completely my ultimate favorites. Favorite themes which you mentioned are always a lovely storyline. A time machine is something that I had always dreamed about. The era would be be Edwardian era. Lovely time. Thanks for this interesting post.
March 20th, 2010 on 9:18 am
Morning, everybody! I see you’ve all popped out of bed on a Saturday, and beaten me to the keybaord.
The short stories are as fun to write as they are to read. Sometimes it’s nice to have just a little something that finishes up quick, between doing longer books.
And my sympathies on your parents, Pam. I’d love to get in that time machine with you, since that covered was high school, college and marriage for me. Those were some good days.
March 20th, 2010 on 9:16 am
“I want to know, do you, the readers, enjoy short stories as much as longer, novel-length ones? Why or why not?
ANSWER : I prefer reading longer, novel length stories because it gives me a chance to thoroughly immerse myself in the book…I find them to be more satisfying in the long run. However, that doesn’t stop me from reading anthologies since sometime when I’m in the mood for something short & sweet, an anthology pretty much hits the spot.
“Do you like stories to have familiar themes, like Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Secret Baby, and so on?”
ANSWER : I love love reading adult interpretations of classic fairy tales. My absolute fave version is Beauty & the Beast variations and I’m always on the look-out for stories that base the plot on a fairy tale.
“I want to know if you had a time machine, which date would you choose to be taken back to?”
ANSWER : err…toughie…I’m too attached to my creature comforts to ever really want to go back in time but if I had to choose under duress *grin* well then I would have to go with late 1800’s.
“Or which of our five heroes would you most want to be stranded with?”
ANSWER : I would have to go with Captain Graham Veal since I’m a total sucker for a great Gothic romance and this slightly reminiscent of Beauty & the Beast.
“Victoria Paget uses her body in what she thinks is a good cause. Is it ever a good idea for a woman to use sex to get what she wants?”
ANSWER : I think that it depends on the situation…if it came down to it being the only means of survival then I can see the logic behind using sex to get what a person wanted but if that wasn’t the case then I would have to say that using sex as a means isn’t the best way to go.
Thanks for the wonderful visit and I hope to read your book very soon…*my local bookstore takes forever to put up the new releases so I have a feeling I’ll be hitting the online shops to pick up this one.”
Have a wonderful weekend!
March 20th, 2010 on 9:16 am
Congratulations on the first anthology from this line. Shorter stories are great when time is very limited and they are also a great way to find new to me authors that I like.
I do enjoy stories with the same theme. Two of my favorites are the marriage of convenience and beauty and the beast.
March 20th, 2010 on 9:07 am
Hi ladies,
Your books sound very enticing - both for the anthology and your other releases. I love reading both novellas and full length novels. The novellas fulfill a certain sweet tooth I have for a quick and satisfying romance. I love novels as well..but they are satisfying on that savoring a nice bottle of wine level. Now I think I need to go eat some chocolate and drink some wine
March 20th, 2010 on 8:50 am
I have every Christmas anthology with Balogh, Kelly et al that I can lay my hands on. A few more I purchased because there was a character in them that related to a series (like In Praise of Younger Men, with a marvelous story by Jo Beverley). But this sounds intriguing and sensual and frankly, sometimes one only has time for a fast fun read!
March 20th, 2010 on 8:41 am
Deb and Anna, the Harlequin Historical Undone stories are short stories that began their lives as eShort Stories, available only where ebooks are sold. They and the other Harlequin short story lines, like Spice Briefs or Nocturne Bites, are perfect when you feel like reading a whole story but you don’t have time for a book. Like during a lunch break.
We’re excited by this anthology, because now readers who prefer printed books can read our stories, too.
March 20th, 2010 on 8:34 am
Jess, how nice of you to say that!
Virginia C, I’m insanely jealous that Gerard Butler spends a lot of time mentally unlacing you…
Pam K and Katrina, if you like Historicals, I think you will love the Harlequin Historicals. They are just a tad shorter and they cost less, $5.99. What’s more, they are very diverse, as maybe you can tell by the variety in our Undone stories.
All Borders stores carry the Harlequin Historicals and they are shelved with the other Harlequin lines. Like the other lines, they are in bookstores during the month of their release, but are available for longer online.
March 20th, 2010 on 9:05 am
Diane: GB doesn’t have as much free time as I do…so, I do most of the unlacing : )
March 20th, 2010 on 10:53 am
My time machine would take me back to the American Old West of the mid 1800’s. Historical Western Romance is my favorite genre. I love westerns of all kinds. Being a Southerner, I also love Civil War romances and stories set in the South. However, for me, nothing beats a western in its purest form. By that, I mean a stalwart cowboy and his lady, the land, and the life. When a cowboy truly loves, he loves with all his heart, forever. His woman is as cherished as his values, his “cowboy code of honor”. Not always in words, but in deep, deep feelings. Feelings as true as the blue of a Texas bluebonnet.
March 20th, 2010 on 11:12 am
Hi Diane. It may sounds stupid, but I hadn’t thought about anthologies being a good way to find new authors to love. Would you say your writing style is different in an anthology than it is for a full-length novel? I mean, if someone loves your part of an anthology, would they probably love your full novels?
March 20th, 2010 on 8:26 am
I do like anthologies; I think some authors do a great job of giving a satisfying romance in novellas. Sometimes I am not in a mood to read an entire book, so the shorter stories work for me. I like anthologies that might have the same theme and even have characters crossing into the other stories. It’s fun to see different authors’ takes on characters and plots.
I would like to travel back to either Revolutionary America or Regency England. I love American history and the Revolution was a time of new beginnings. Regency England had some elegant fashions and who wouldn’t want to dance with a scoundrel or a rake, even if it might harm my reputation?!
I would never use sex for what I want. Love and heart flutters only.
March 20th, 2010 on 8:22 am
In answer to Terri’s question:
For me with my busy schedule, there is a time and a place for everything. Novels are my favorite when I really want to go indepth to a magical place, but short stories are dreamy to, when I don’t have much time and have to have a grab a meal, grab time kind of day. So then a short story is satisfying in the extremem!
March 20th, 2010 on 8:13 am
I love the sexy historicals. Nice to see the stories out in print. Louise Allen and Diane Gaston are two authors on my favorites list.
March 20th, 2010 on 7:52 am
Ladies, ladies, ladies! You wicked women! How delightful of you to band together to help us embrace our inner harlots with your wanton words. May I say, I have spent more than a fair amount of time mentally unlacing Gerard Butler, and vice versa : )
You know, I have really come to savor short stories. Sometimes, they are perfect little bites of reading pleasure. Intense, flavorful, satifying appetizers.
I do enjoy familiar themes. “Beauty and the Beast” is an all-time favorite! However, it is pleasing and refreshing to be surprised by the author. When they write with great relish, almost any subject is worth perusing.
Strand me with Captain Graham Veall. Please. Don’t make me beg!
On different levels, consciously and subconsciously, we all use sex to get what we want. Even not using sex is a way of using it! Regardless of the reasons behind them, we all must live with the consequences of our own actions.
“Pleasurably Undone” would be a pleasure to read, indeed! Thank you ladies : )
March 20th, 2010 on 7:45 am
I love both long and short stories! Shorts are nice when you only have a little time to sneak in a quick read, while you’re waiting for someone or waiting for an appointment. They are good introductions to an author’s work or a future series.
All of the heroes sound wonderful,but,I was most intrigued by the highwayman, Jonathan. I’d love to see how he gets out of his predicament.
Time period to go back to: to the magical world of Medieval make believe: Camelot…King Arthur, Merlin, the festivals, the Knights of the Round Table, honor and integrity!
Themes: Cinderella, amnesia, on the run
I’m not a big fan of using sex to get what you want. I prefer making love to have feelings involved.
March 20th, 2010 on 7:44 am
I prefer longer stories. The reason: If I truly love the characters and story, I want to spend as much time with them as possible and when a story is too short, I feel disappointed that I didn’t get more time with them.
Margay
March 20th, 2010 on 6:36 am
Hi everyone, and thanks for stopping by!
Jane C–Beauty and the Beast is one of my all-time favorite storylines. And Diane’s Undone has the Phantom of the Opera theme, which is fun. I think my favorite version of Phantom has to be the Gerard Butler movie. Sigh…
Biki–sometimes short stories can be a fun way to try out new authors. That’s one of the things I like about anthologies. I’d say these stories are intensely emotional, and very centered on the hero/heroine. I enjoyed writing my Viking and it ties into a full-length book, Her Warrior Slave.
Katrina–you might try a Harlequin Historical some time. They are written as single title historicals but packaged as series. I’ve found some authors that I really love within the series.
Pam–I’m sorry about your parents. They were truly too young. But they’ll always live on in your heart.
March 20th, 2010 on 6:15 am
Thanks for the entertaining blog. I have yet to read Harlequinn Historicals but this anthology sure is enticing me to read.
My Time Machine would take me back to the late 70’s early 80’s so that I could enjoy and perhaps make my parent’s life enjoyable before they passed. They both died at early ages Mom @ 45 & Dad @ 52.
Love & Hugs,
Pam
March 20th, 2010 on 4:46 am
Hi everyone! I haven’t read an anthology in about 15 years, and I’ve never read a Harlequin Historical. I stopped reading anthologies because I didn’t think the characters were well developed, and they all seemed the same. Reading the summaries of your stories, though, I’m really intrigued. The plots sound really fun and the characters brash and bold. I’d definitely be tempted to pick it up!
March 20th, 2010 on 1:51 am
Hi Ladies,
First, congrats on the release, it looks like an amazing combination. While I can enjoy the short story, I usually have a preference for longer novels/novellas as I can’t wait for the story to end. And lately, I really have boon hooked on select series and haven’t found another book that makes me want to drop my book. But I love books that have that familiar storybook theme. Every author who writes it in her own way has a definite interesting outlook. Hmm, if I had a time machine I would want to change a few things I did back in college, lol. As for the heroes… do I really have to pick?! A woman using sex to get what she wants isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it depends on the situation and with whom its with.
Thanks again Ladies!
March 20th, 2010 on 1:38 am
Hi ladies,
Congrats on the release of the first Harlequin Historical Undone anthology. I do enjoy short stories because of the faster pace and it’s nice that I can read them in one sitting. There’s nothing wrong with familiar tropes, I’m a fan of amnesia and Beauty and the Beast themes. I can’t choose between the five heroes. Maybe I can be stranded with all of them.