Captured by Desire by Kira Morgan (Guest Post, Review and 5 copy giveaway)

"What is it about Historical Romance that seems to capture the appeal not only of women but some men today?"

Thank you so much for inviting me to guest post today! It’s great to be able to “meet” my readers, and I hope you’ll keep in touch.

I’m delighted to discover that so many readers--women AND men--share my love of historical romance. But what is it that makes those sweeping, swashbuckling stories so appealing?

Romance in general is emotionally satisfying--for both sexes. The one-woman-one-man-happy-ending journey resonates within most of us. Even as children, we learn that for every princess, someday her prince will come. We’re told bedtime stories that end with the hero and heroine happily ever after. Movies, TV shows, even commercials capitalize on the comfort and security of the man-woman relationship.

When a reader picks up a romance novel, it’s with the assurance that no matter how much trouble the hero and heroine get into, no matter how many misunderstandings occur between them, no matter how fate intervenes to keep them apart, they will ultimately be united in a definitive and fulfilling way. When that happens, we all breathe a sigh of contentment. Boy gets girl, and all’s right with the world.

This is important, because in our real lives, that may not always be the case. Romance novels provide an idealized vision of what love should be and, for many readers, offer an escape to a more optimistic, exciting, and gratifying world.

The beauty of adding history to romance is that it gives that escape a certain depth and drama not possible in contemporary novels. The past is cloaked in mystery, bound by strange codes of conduct, and full of larger-than-life characters. When we delve into a historical romance, we’re suddenly immersed in a reality where forced marriages, kidnapping, and hand-to-hand combat are the norm.

Here we can live vicariously in the armor of a noble knight or cross the prairie as a mail-order bride. We can fight in the Civil War or dance at a Regency ball, sail a pirate ship on the high seas or pan for gold in California, save the princess in the tower or rescue the prince from the dungeon.

Though romance novels have traditionally been the domain of women, enlightened men are beginning to appreciate a new kind of historical--one that’s action-packed and full of adventure, with empowered heroines who can stand on their own two feet and self-assured heroes who can sweep them off of them!

I love writing stories that entertain both sexes, and I’m hoping CAPTURED BY DESIRE is the kind of book that will appeal to men and women alike.

Contest

We have 5 books to give away, many thanks to Anna at Forever Romance (Hachette Books) for this fantastic giveaway!!
So This Is What You Have To Do To Get An Entry!
1. Leave a Comment +12. Follow Me +1 already a follower +2
3. Post this contest on your blog (can be on your sidebar or a post) +34. Follow my daughters blog: http://frugalaxy.blogspot.com/ +4
PLEASE put your email in your comments or no entry (no exceptions).
This is for the USA and Canada only please and no Po Boxes (publishers rule)!
Winners will be announced on September 1st 2010!


(Terra's Thoughts) This book caught me off guard with it's romantic intensity. Ever so sensual and emotional this is sure to catch you in the huntsman's bulls eye having cupids arrow slice deliciously into your soul. A grappling story of life's injustices, curses and down right evil greed that add the perfect touches to a story of true love at first sight.

Florie Gilder is truly beautiful, delicate, petite, stubborn as the day is long and a much admired goldsmith in her own right. Even making pieces that have Princess Mary of Scotland commissioning Florie for her own use.

What Florie really needs though is to find her real father for she is a bastard child raised by her mother and a Goldsmith of high standing in his guild. With her mother now gone and her step father in his cups more than out, Florie decides that it's time for her to see for herself if she can make it as a goldsmith and find the man who sired her. Being naive and far too trusting sets off a chain of events that will show Florie just what the real world is really like outside of Stirlin.

Rane McAlister is a Viking God in every physical way possible. Tall, light haired with golden skin from being outside working, a mannerism that speaks of a kind gentle giant. He has a skill as a huntsman of the highest standing but one skip of the arrow from a moments distractions puts him in a place that causes him emotional pain so searing that it will surely take this kind and generous hunk of man and change him forever.

The story is solid and very romantic. Light but with a dark reality strewn from greed and just plain evil. It shows a compassion and forgiveness that all of us should take a lesson from. The author has most certainly captured the true essence of the times and dear God am I glad to live in this day and age. A nice piece of fluff to let you escape your own harsh reality even for just a little bit.

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Forever (July 27, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446548189
ISBN-13: 978-0446548182