Tracey Devlyn-Guest Post and Giveaway
The Popularity of Historical Romance
First off, big thanks to The Reading Café for having me today. I look forward to chatting with everyone.
As a reader, I have always gravitated toward historical romance. I love many of the other subgenres of romance, but historical will always be my fav. Why? I think it has something to do with how careful men were with the women. How they protected them, honored them, praised them, though sometimes to a fault.
I love my independence and would never truly want to be transported back to Regency England. Much of what we read in historical romances is romanticized fiction. Women in the early 1800s had little say and few means of expressing themselves. Widows would be the one exception.
But in historical romances, authors take great enjoyment in breaking the social mores of whatever time period in which they’re writing. Or, at least, I know I do. Makes for terrific conflict between the characters, especially the hero and heroine.
Thanks to Hollywood, historical romances are becoming more popular than ever. Yes, you heard that right.
Historical drama = historical romance
Behind every great movie/TV series set in pre-World War II times is a heart-tugging romance. Consider these movies/TV series:
- Last of the Mohicans
- Robin Hood
- Braveheart
- Game of Thrones
- Pride and Prejudice—all the Jane Austen adaptations!
- The Mummy
- Troy
- 300
- Princess Bride
- Bram Stoker’s Dracula
- Van Helsing
- Shakespeare in Love
- Young Victoria
- Patriot
- Dances with Wolves
- Titanic
- Downton Abbey
- Jane Eyre
- Ever After
- Upstairs Downstairs
- North and South
- The Tudors
- Rome
Every single one of the above dramas keeps the viewer in a state of anticipation. Will they? Or won’t they?
Like historical romance novels, movies and TV series open up a whole new world for the viewer—costumes, scenery, speech, customs, weaponry, manufacturing, politics, etc. As I see it, the main difference between historical romance novels and Hollywood historical drama is how they end. Romance novels guarantee the reader a feel good ending. Hollywood not so much, though many movies do have a satisfying conclusion, but it might not be the one we expected.
I also think many of today’s historical romance novels are moving firmly into “you can’t go there” territory. Authors are taking greater risks, making their stories darker, more suspenseful, more emotional, faster paced.
The most technologically advanced automobile of today will have to undergo a facelift in 3-5 years. Same goes for romance novels. In order to keep readers’ attention, authors must adapt to the changing needs of their audience. It’s exciting—and terrifying—and I love the challenge of upping the scale each time I write a story.
What am I missing? Share with me your thoughts on why historical romances are on the rise. What makes you gravitate toward historicals?
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CHECKMATE, MY LORD:
A desperate mother falls in love with the spymaster she’s forced to betray.
THE STAKES ARE HIGH, THE PLAYERS IN POSITION…
Catherine Ashcroft leads a quiet life caring for her precocious seven-year-old daughter, until a visitor delivers a startling ultimatum. She will match wits with the enigmatic Earl of Somerton, and it’s not just her heart that’s in danger.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN…
Spymaster Sebastian Danvers, Earl of Somerton, is famous for his cunning. Few can outwit him and even few dare challenge him–until now. After returning to his country estate, his no-nonsense neighbor turns her seductive wiles on him–but why would a respectable widow like Catherine risk scandal for a few passionate nights in his bed?
BUY LINKS:
Available February 5, 2013
Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN-13: 978-1402258251
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eBook
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REVIEWS:
“Devlyn’s seamless writing will entice readers and keep them eager for the next installment.” ~Publishers Weekly, STARRED review
“Devlyn delivers an emotional, powerful read.” ~ RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
“Devlyn’s edgy and sexy series is gaining momentum, and historical-romantic suspense fans, particularly those who enjoy Brenda Joyce, will delight in this.” ~ Booklist
“Love the characters, lots of mystery, murderers, spies and lots of romance! CHECKMATE MY LORD is an edge of your seat exciting read!” ~ Fresh Fiction
“Tracey Devlyn’s writing style is compelling and powerful. She taps into the emotions and senses of the reader as she reveals the dark side of human nature as well as the giving, honest, and loving side that overrides the darkness.” ~ Long and Short Reviews
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tracey Devlyn writes historical romantic thrillers (translation: a slightly more grievous journey Toward the heroine’s happy ending). She’s a co-founder of Romance University, a group blog dedicated to readers and writers of romance, and Lady Jane’s Salon-Naperville, Chicagoland’s exciting new reading salon devoted to romantic fiction.
An Illinois native, Tracey spends her evenings harassing her once-in-a-lifetime husband and her weekends torturing her characters. For more information on Tracey, including her Internet haunts, contest updates, and details on her upcoming novels, please visit her website at: www.TraceyDevlyn.com.
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Sourcebooks and Tracey Devlyn are offering a paper copy of CHECKMATE, MY LORD to one lucky member at The Reading Cafe.
1. Please register using the log-in at the top of the page or by using one of the social log-ins.
2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address along with your comment as Twitter etc does not account for contact information.
3. The giveaway runs from February 27 to March 2, 2013
4. The giveaway is open to USA and CANADA only.
