Welcome to Unwritten's February blog event! Of course, this is the month of love, so I wanted to celebrate that theme as I've done in year's past. But this year, I've decided to add a scientific spin to it. All month long, talented authors from several genres will write about some aspect of love from their books as it relates to science. It could be social, psychological, biological, or anything in between. Our blog event is sponsored by "HMC by Kate", a fabulous independent jewelry crafter. Kate's giving away one of her very beautiful necklaces that I think fits our theme perfectly. She's also offering everyone who stops in a 10% discount on any item from her Etsy store. Be sure to enter the giveaway at the end of this post and check out her lovely offerings! Without further ado, please welcome our guest author:
The Political Science of Love
By
Aubrey Wynne
In my latest historical romance, Rolf must find break a
centuries-old curse by finding genuine love without the use of magic. Easier
said than done … he’s the royal wizard for the court of King Henry II and Eleanor
of Aquitaine. Sorcery is second nature to him. It is a challenge that will
leave Merlin’s life and the happiness of future generations hanging in the
balance.
But in 12th century England, how did love fare?
It seems the peasants had their choice of matches. While parents often tried to
hook up their children with the most financially rewarding mate, the pickings
were often slim. Men especially had great freedom in choosing a wife. In those
times, security and a healthy spouse often ranked above love.
Females of nobility had no input as to the man who would
share their marriage bed. Money and politics ruled the day. Fathers saw
daughters as something to barter. Men had complete control and owned women.
So it is extremely
brave of my heroine Melissa to consider rejecting her intended. Her betrothal
had been signed and sealed before she turned ten years old.
Of course, there were exceptions to this rule. In my story,
the heroine has the backing of the Queen of England. Eleanor of Aquitaine was
known for her obsession with Camelot, romantic love and troubadours. Yet she
also remains one of the most interesting and independent women in history. If
she can lead a revolt against her own king, using her sons, a mere betrothal
would certainly not pose a problem. Her own marriages were not based on
affection but political gain. Her first husband became the King of France and
the second the ruler of England.
How do you think love and marriage are perceived today? Have
views so much since the 12th century? Do people marry more for
advantageous reasons or for true affection?
Love
Least Expected Valentine’s Day anthology
When love
drops in unexpected, the strangest things can happen. Nine short stories from
sweet to sultry, full of romance, magic and love from award winning and USA
Today recommended authors.
~~Love
Least Expected~~
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Book Trailer
Under the Mango Tree
Meredith
Bond
Lakshmi is a good 18th c. Indian girl who
should not be hiding among the branches of the mango tree avoiding her chores.
She truly should not be seen by a man who is not a member of her
family”"an Englishman, no less. And she absolutely should not even contemplate
speaking with this man. But Lakshmi has never been one to follow the rules.
~~~~~
Rolf’s Quest
Aubrey
Wynne
Time is running out for the royal wizard
of Henry II. Rolf’s quest: find genuine love and lift the enchantment that has
imprisoned his ancestor, Merlin, for centuries. Now he must win Melissa’s heart
without the use of magic. She desires him, but will she defy her family and
refuse her betrothed? Or will Rolf be doomed to a life of bitterness like his
ancestors before him.
~~~~~
Fall Into Darkness
Valerie
Twombly
Eli, bounty hunter for the Tribunal, is
sentenced to earth to find his humanity. But when temptation is thrown in the
angel’s path in the form of the soft curvy Ashley, he is unable to resist. Fate
may bring them together, but desire could bond them for eternity.
~~~~~
Roses are Wrong, Violets
Taboo
Kris
Calvert
When Alexander Chase Tabeau and Rose
Westwood meet by chance, neither planned on stumbling into the best night of
their life. But timing is everything and fate has a cruel sense of humor. With
love on the line and nothing to lose, will one night together change their
destiny forever?
~~~~~
Alphabetical Disorder
Katie
Stephens
When a trick horseback rider gets caught
up in a dangerous prophecy that jeopardizes the circus, she believes she can
solve the problem by dating alphabetically. Now all she has to do is figure out
how to manipulate her flawed interpretation so she can be with the man she
loves.
Twitter
@standardishue
~~~~~
Love’s Not Viral
Nessie
Strange
When a crazed Hollywood star puts Aster
Sanderson in the media crosshairs, her home becomes a prison. With her life out
of control, the last person she expects to rescue her is her captor’s brother,
James. Is their attraction a result of circumstance...or could it be something
more?
~~~~~
Taking the Plunge
Kishan
Paul
When Pete, Eve's high school crush, shows
up in her life, she pepper sprays him. Despite her efforts to push him away,
Pete finds himself drawn to the red haired beauty. When logic and emotion don’t
agree, which path should she follow?
~~~~~
The Trouble With Never
Isabella
Harper
When Summer and Caleb run into each other
after a long absence, sparks fly. Her painful past makes it hard for her to
open up, but he’s more than willing to help. He's loved her m
~~~~~
Keep Calm and Eat Chocolate
Michaela
Miles
When institution residents Elle and Chris
meet, their personalities clash. During a quiet moment in the garden together,
secrets are shared and a bond is formed. Will their connection be their
downfall or lead to the fresh start they deserve?
ENTER TO WIN!
This beautiful handmade necklace from HMC by KATE
Thanks so much for hosting me, Mysti. This is a fun series!
ReplyDeleteThank you for hosting us! I love Aubrey's work and Rolf is just swoon.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun little history lesson Aubrey! ;) Thanks for having us!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure! Your anthology sounds awesome!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a good book, I'll have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for having us on your blog! :-) xx
ReplyDelete