Ancient Rome Has A Dark Heart - 5 Star Read By Author Elizabeth Ellen Carter.

For those of you who love reading historical novels, you can't go past Elizabeth Ellen Carter's thrilling romantic saga, Dark Heart. I had the privilege of beta reading this book before publication, and I was hooked.
Set in 3rd century Rome, the story revolves around Roman magistrate, Marcus Drusus, who sets out to solve a series of disappearances and subsequent gruesome murders of young boys whose bodies have been discovered outside the city walls. Aided by Kyna, a British captive and trained healer by one of Rome's finest physicians, they place their own lives in danger when their investigation leads them into the highest circles of Roman society.
Brilliantly written, with page turning suspense and the ability to transport you straight into the heart of ancient Rome, this book will leave you wanting more from this author. 
It deserves more than 5 stars.

Go ONE CLICK this book now! Amazon

A series of ritual murders of young boys recalls memories of Rome's most wicked emperor. Magistrate Marcus Cornelius Drusus has discovered the cult extends to the very heart of Roman society.

Despite his personal wealth and authority, Marcus is a slave to his past - conflicted by his status as an adopted son, bitterly betrayed by his wife and forced to give up his child.

Kyna knows all about betrayal. Sold into slavery by her husband to pay a gambling debt, she found herself in Rome, far from her home in Britannia. Bought by a doctor, she is taught his trade and is about to gain her freedom when her mentor is murdered by the cult.

When the same group makes an attempt on her life, Kyna is forced to give up her freedom and accept Marcus' protection. With no one to trust but each other, mutual attraction ignites into passion.But how far will Marcus go for vengeance when he learns the cult's next victim is his son?

Can the woman who is free in her heart heal the man who is a slave in his?

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Meet My Guest - Author Elizabeth Ellen Carter

It's always a pleasure to have a special guest on my humble little blog, and today it's historical novelist and friend, Elizabeth Ellen Carter. Only this week, Elizabeth released her second book, Warrior's Surrender. It's a thrilling read that takes place in 11th century Britain just after the Norman Conquest - a dangerous time to live, and not only for women.
But I'll let Elizabeth takeover here:

There is a wonderful film from 1939 which I absolutely adore.

It's called The Women and it has an absolutely stellar cast - Rosalind Russell, Joan Crawford, Norma Shearer, Joan Fontaine and Pauline Goddard. The film's tag line is 'it's about men'. And indeed it was, even though The Women had an all female cast 

It occurred to me almost at the end of writing to Warrior's Surrender, that it too is about men - as well as a love story between our hero Sebastian de la Croix and our heroine Lady Alfreya of Tyrswick.

I enjoyed exploring the range of masculine experience from boyhood to old age  - the lovers and fighters, the sons and fathers, the garrulous and the taciturn. And I hope you enjoy meeting the wonderful men who live at Tyrswick.

Sebastian, of course is an alpha male - he is decisive, strong and brave. He is also chivalrous, tender and passionate (Fantasy casting: Ian Somerhalder as Sebastian de la Croix):

Sebastian looked back at her. He had sisters and brothers. And he would fight to his last breath to protect them too. He could not fault a father for protecting his family.

The Saxon Earl’s sword dipped. Because of his injury, exertion had weakened him. A feverish sweat broke out over the man’s face and lingered on his graying beard. He needed a physician, Sebastian realized. There were monks in an abbey a league away who would help.

The young Norman addressed his instructions to the girl. Her cornflower-blue eyes refused to show fear of him; her father and brother would need her bravery and strength if they were to survive this night.

“Go! Get out of here!” he hissed. “I will buy you as much time as I can. Do you understand me?”

The girl’s eyes widened in surprise and she nodded.

Then there is Larcwide, a Saxon man-at-arms in his 50s. He is experienced, pragmatic and fatherly. He is a protector but he is also hampered his position in the Tyrswick household. Larcwide is a man whom Alfreya can trust and whom other men look up to. He is a rock. (Fantasy casting Kevin Sorbo as Larcwide):

They rode in silence for some time, Frey lost in her thoughts, when Larcwide finally spoke.

“You need to understand the difference between men and women, Alfreya.”

The use of her first name startled her from her reverie, and she considered him cautiously, unsure whether she wanted to hear what he had to say. 

“I’ve been married for nearly six months, my friend, do I need further instruction?”

Larcwide ignored her attempt to deflect him with a jest.

“Men are designed to do one thing at a time and do it well. Women seem to do fifteen different things at once,” he began awkwardly. “He needs you to let him go and do the things he needs to. He’s not rejecting you; he’s not dismissing your skill. Do you understand what I’m talking about, lass?” 

But not all men are so cut and dried, not every one is so open with his feelings or have the ability to articulate how he feels. Yet nonetheless he is a good man -  loyal, protective of those he cares about, but he feels frustrated when he can't solve a problem which isn't tangible. Meet Orlege, another of Lady Alfreya's men-at-arms. (Fantasy casting Aaron Eckhart as Orlege): 

Orlege exhaled deeply, making clear that he did not want to continue the conversation. He scuffed the ground with his booted feet and in doing so, dislodged a stone, which he then kicked into the garden.

“I’m no good with words. I don’t know if I can make you understand,” he said. “I’m a soldier. I pledge my life for my lord. He goes into battle and I go with him. I use a sword, a battleaxe, a pike staff, a bow to attack and defend. Understand?"

Frey shook her head. 

“I would willingly take a life to preserve yours, my lady, but I don’t know how to fight rumors or battle gossip and evil words.”

Young boys grow into men, sometimes all to soon, sometimes their initiation into manhood is one marred by tragedy (mild spoiler). (Fantasy cast member David Wayman as Robert) 

The past few months had altered both young men; they seemed to have grown taller and their physiques had broadened. No longer carefree youths, both were now serious young men for whom, she later learned, Larcwide’s death bore hard. Frey wasn’t sure if the change was to be celebrated or mourned along with her old friend.

They escorted her from the suite of chambers and into the Great Hall to break fast.

As she sat, another six men she recognized from Tyrswick left their places and surrounded her table.

Now, this was too much.

“Robert…”

The young man who just three months ago would have quailed at the censure in her voice, crossed his arms and planted his feet.

“My orders are explicit, Lady Alfreya. Your life above all others.”

Do you recognise any of the men in your life in these archetypes? I'd love for you to share in comments below.

Buy Warrior’s Surrender here
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Go get your copy. I've already got mine and can't wait to read it.

Meet Elizabeth Ellen Carter - My Guest Post

I don't often do these guest posts, but sometimes it's nice to showcase the work of an excellent author, and fellow Aussie. Today I'm thrilled to present historical romance novelist, Elizabeth Ellen Carter. Her  book, Moonstone Obsession, is set in one of my favourite periods of history—the late 18th century. It was the era of discovery; of Mozart; of the ideas of the Enlightenment and French Revolution; a time of danger and romance, and Elizabeth captures it all perfectly in her exciting novel.
So, without further ado, here's Elizabeth Ellen Carter—

1. Where were you born and where do you call home?

I was born in Liverpool, Sydney but my family moved to the Gold Coast when I was three months old. My father and grandfather came to Queensland to in the late 1960s work on the high rise buildings that Surfers Paradise is famous for.

2. What inspired you to start writing, and when?

I was quite lonely as a child, so I found my escape in reading books and when I was about 9 years old I decided to write my own adventure stories. It was a great way of spending a school holiday.

3. How many books have you written?  If more than one, are any a series…or trilogy?

I'm writing my third and have started research on my fourth! My first book, Moonstone Obsession was originally written as a stand alone, but my husband loved one of the supporting characters and asked that Lady Abigail Houghall get her own story. So I'm nearly finished Moonstone Conspiracy.

4. What is the name of your most recent book and please sum it up in 50 words or less.

My second book, Warrior's Surrender is going to be released on November 7. It is medieval romance.

Lady Alfreya of Tyrswick has returned to her family home after seven years in exile — not victorious as her dead father promised – but defeated by Baron Sebastian de la Croix, the Norman who rules her lands.

To save her gravely ill brother’s life, Alfreya offers herself hostage to her enemy.

Sebastian is a man with a secret – one that could destroy him.

Seven years earlier, he made the impetuous decision to spare the life of a Saxon Earl and his family – the act brands him a traitor, even now.

For Alfreya’s protection and his, Sebastian makes another impetuous proposal just as a new threat emerges.

5. If you gave one of your characters in any of your books an opportunity to speak for themselves outside the realm of the story, what would they say?

I am really loving Lady Abigail Houghall - she is such a vixen but she has a heart of gold. She's fabulous and flawed.

She would annoy people by telling them to suck it up and get on with life.

6. What books or authors have influenced your writing the most?

I read history and science quite extensively as well as romance, so two authors who have been the most influential are Agatha Christie and Rebecca Brandewyne who wrote the first historical romance I read, Rose of Rapture back in the late 1980s.

8. Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?

Yes! Oh... that question was supposed to be multiple choice?

10. Is there a particular movie that you preferred over the book version?

I preferred the film version of The Thin Man (1934) with Myrna Loy and William Powell over the original book by Dashiell Hammet.

11. What book are you currently reading and in what format (ebook/paperback/hardcover)?

Engaging The Enemy by my wonderful author friend Susanne Bellamy!

17. What are your pet peeves?

Rudeness. That's about it really. Everything else I tend to go with the flow.

18. What are your favorite food and beverage?

Red wine and Chocolate (and not necessarily in that order!)

19. Do you write outside of your favorite genre? Why?

I haven't but I'd like to. I would love to work on a crime fiction series with my husband when I get the chance. I have an idea for a techno thriller and a couple of traditional ghost stories. My romance stories tend to be epics, so I think my other stories might be short stories I write between edits of the longer stories.

20. In your case, how many hours do you devote to research and writing per day?

I work full time, but I try to devote about four hours each day to researching and writing. I have a pretty good broad knowledge of history, so I have a strong starting point but I have to fill in strong historical details along the way.

22. Your thoughts on receiving book reviews – the good and the bad.

I've been fortunate not to have had a bad review (knock wood), but as a former newspaper journalist, I've received my share of knockers. My favourite was a fervid three page letter from a Prince fan who was upset because I gave a review of Under The Cherry Moon 1-star.

23. Where is one place in the world that you would really love to visit someday?

Only one place? If it could only be one place, it would have to be England because I've set most of my stories there.

24. One of your favorite quotes -

"If you want to be a good writer, then read good writing." CS Lewis.

25. List 3 books you just recently read and would recommend?

The Go-Between by LP Hartley

Claiming The Rebel's Heart by Alison Stuart

Engaging The Enemy by Susanne Bellamy

26. List 3 of your favorite movies?

The Thin Man - I can watch this film and its sequels every year

Die Hard - one of my favourite Christmas movies

The Women - The dialogue is amazing. It's worth viewing twice in succession. And I mean the 1939 film version not that awful Diane Keaton one from 2008, that was a shocker.

29. What advice would you give to anyone wanting to pursue a writing career?

Write, and write some more. Don't be discouraged. Read and read some more. Deconstruct the book, work out what elements make you love it so much. Why does it emotionally resonate? How is it structured? How is the story told?

And lastly, where can your readers stalk you?

My blog: http://www.eecarter.com

My facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethEllenCarter

My Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7351013.Elizabeth_Ellen_Carter

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EECarterAuthor

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Moonstone-Obsession-Elizabeth-Ellen-Carter-ebook/dp/B00FYV5TSS

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