2009 Rainbow Awards: Best Historical Novel
And the Rainbow Award goes to:
1) Whistling in the Dark by Tamara Allen, Lethe Press
"Man, I loved these guys and was rooting for them the whole way through the book. The author did a great job of giving them both flaws and good qualities and their personalities shone through the entire book. I loved the attention to detail in the time period-- automats and jazz and railroads and the war. The author did an excellent job." Kirsten
New York City, 1919. His career as a concert pianist ended by a war injury, Sutton Albright returns to college, only to be expelled after a scandalous affair with a teacher. Unable to face his family, Sutton heads to Manhattan with no plans and little money in his pocket but with a desire to call his life his own. Jack Bailey lost his parents to influenza and now hopes to save the family novelty shop by advertising on the radio, a medium barely more than a novelty, itself. His nights are spent in a careless and debauched romp through the gayer sections of Manhattan. When these two men cross paths, despite a world of differences separating them, their attraction cannot be denied. Sutton finds himself drawn to the piano, playing for Jack. But can his music heal them both, or will sudden prosperity jeopardize their chance at love?
2) False Colors by Alex Beecroft, Running Press
"It´s a pretty damn good book, the research is clearly top-notch, and stands head and shoulders above pretty much all all historicals I´ve read. The characters are well-developed and believable, especially since they are historical men rather than 21st century males in kinky costumes." Aleksandr Voinov
"This was a historical that was set in the 1700s, on various ships and on land in Gibralter and Jamaica The author's descriptions take the reader into the locales so you can almost see and feel them, especially the scenes on the ships. She developed the two main characters quite well after the first couple of whiny chapters. John Cavendish and Alfie Donwell are the two main characters, Farrant is the third character who was very well written. I'm no history buff but it sounded very authentic." Perpetua
"This story was extremely well researched. I have read many historical romances set in this time period and I can say that Alex did her research well. I felt transported through Algiers, out to sea, to Gibralter, to England, Jamaica and to Baffin Island and back with Alfie and John. I could smell the sea, the stench of unwashed bodies and the hear the marketplace as I read through their story. Well done Alex! John and Alfie were well rounded characters who I identified with, cared for and understood. It didn't feel like we spent almost three years together but we did. The secondary characters were distinct and not charactures in the least. I love how Alex unfolded John's realization that he wasn't necessarily pious and chaste just repressed and not attracted to females. Mrs. Deane was a favorite character too eventhough she appeared only briefly. Lush wording, beautiful flow and just plain well written all around. It was extremely well paced with the action sequences and the story unfolding with perfect timing. The stories of their lives and their romance woven seemlessly together. I don't think I could quibble much about anything. What adventerous lives these two men shared. I can so see them as older men retired to their small house in Jamaica living out their HEA." Pamela
1762, The Georgian Age of Sail: For his first command, John Cavendish is given a ship-the HMS Meteor-and a crew, both in need of repair and discipline. He’s determined to make a success of their first mission, and hopes the well-liked lieutenant Alfred Donwell will stand by his side as he leads his new crew into battle: stopping the slave trade off the coast of Algiers. Alfie knows their mission is futile, and that their superiors back in England will use the demise of this crew as impetus for war with the Ottoman Empire. But the darker secret he keeps is his growing attraction for his commanding officer-a secret punishable by death. With the arrival of his former captain-and lover-on the scene of the disastrous mission, Alfie is torn between the security of his past and the uncertain promise of a future with the straight-laced John. Against a backdrop of war, intrigue, and personal betrayal, the high seas will carry these men through dangerous waters from England to Africa to the West Indies in search of a safe harbor.
3) Bee Among The Clover by Fae Sutherland & Marguerite Labbe, Dreamspinner Press
A slave and an indentured thrall learn what it means to love and trust in a fantasy 5th century Britain. Roman, captured slave to Wulfgar, is less than pleased with the thane's acquiring of a new pet, the prideful Aron. Bound to Wulfgar in payment for his father's debt, Aron has never been with a man and has no wish to be now...though his choice in the matter is lost the moment he is bound to Wulfgar. Captured from Roman-held Londinium four years prior, Roman has learned in his time as Wulfgar's bedslave that life can still be sweet, even as a slave. He is intrigued, threatened and ultimately terrified of Aron and the things the beautiful young man makes him feel. The two form a bond greater than any hold another could claim on them and determine, whatever the cost, they will find a way to be happy...together.
Honorable Mention:
4) The Phoenix by Ruth Sims, Lethe Press
5) The Desire for Dearborne by V.B. Kildaire, Dreamspinner Press
6) Awakening by Terry O'Reilly, Aspen Mountain Press
7) Two Spirits by Walter L. Williams & Toby Johnson, Lethe Press
8) Pirates by G.A. Hauser, Phaze Books
9) Bound by Deception by Ava March, Loose Id
10) Lessons in Love by Charlie Cochrane, Samhain Publishing