Guest Blog – Zoë Archer
Sep
8
2010

Today’s guest is the most awesome Zoe Archer!

Thanks for having me today!

Yesterday was the release date for WARRIOR, the first book in my new back-to-back series, THE BLADES OF THE ROSE. I’ve been fielding a lot of questions about the Blades books—what romance genre are they? What can a reader expect when they open up a Blades of the Rose novel?

The short answer: think Indiana Jones with plenty of hot sex. Heh.

The long answer: the Blades of the Rose series marks a new departure in the world of romance. We have read many outstanding paranormal romances, and excellent historical romances, and even wonderful romantic suspense. But how often have we readers encountered all three in one book? I had written two historical romances for Dorchester (LADY X’S COWBOY and LOVE IN A BOTTLE), but was ready for a radical reinvention. I thought about the kind of book I had always wanted to read, something that combined the thrill of high adventure with the sensuality of romance, along with exotic settings, magic and action.

So, the Blades of the Rose were born. I started with the book that would eventually become WARRIOR, and never looked back. The adventure of writing them has equaled the adventure they contain—though with a few less ancient curses, demonic creatures and ruthless villains. My incredible editor at Kensington fell in love with the Blades when she read WARRIOR, enough to request a whole four-book series. (Did I mention that I love my editor with a white-hot passion?)

You might be asking yourself, who are these Blades of the Rose?

The series is set in 1874 and 1875. The British Empire is growing larger and stronger, and there are brutal men calling themselves the Heirs of Albion, who will stop at nothing to ensure Britain’s global supremacy. Unbeknownst to most people, actual magic exists in the world, concentrated in physical objects known as Sources. The Heirs seek out and enslave this magic to help the cause of empire building. Enter the Blades of the Rose, a global secret organization comprised of men and women who protect Sources from exploitation. The odds against the Blades are great, but that never stops them from fighting for their noble cause.

I loved writing the Blades books because I was able to set them in some really fascinating locations: the Mongolian steppes and Gobi desert, the glittering Aegean Sea, the rugged Canadian Rockies, and parts of England not frequently seen in historical romance (as well as a secret location that I can’t reveal yet!). I could incorporate elements of my favorite adventure narratives with mythology from all around the world. To help them in their missions, the Blades carry diabolical inventions that are very steampunk. I could also address something that always bothered me about most adventure stories: the inept, constantly imperiled heroine. Not only do my heroes kick ass, but my heroines do, too. Oh, and did I mention the hot sex?

Here is the most awesome part of the Blades of the Rose series: it’s four books long, and a book is being released each month through December. That’s right, WARRIOR was released on September 7, then SCOUNDREL comes out on October 5, REBEL on November 2, and it wraps up in STRANGER, on shelves December 7. Four books, no waiting!

I am beyond excited to share a series that means so much to me. I can’t wait for you to share in the adventure.

To celebrate, I’m offering a signed copy of WARRIOR. Just post below and answer this question: If you could have an adventure anywhere in the world, where would it be? Pick up your copy of WARRIOR today, and be on the lookout for the rest of the BLADES OF THE ROSE series, coming to your bookstore this Fall!

36 comments to “Guest Blog – Zoë Archer”

  1. Genea
    September 8th, 2010 at 3:48 am · Link

    If I could have an adventure it would involve Stonehenge. Love the site and the mystery surrounding it. Who needs the science when you have imagination.



  2. Heather F.
    September 8th, 2010 at 4:46 am · Link

    If I could have an adventure anywhere it would be somewhere in Rome or Ireland. In Rome it would involve some romantic mystery surrounding the Trevi Fountain and a gorgeous italian. And in Ireland it would involve some haunting romantic mystery in a great castle with a fabulous irish man. Yum! Either would be great and I can’t seem to choose between them.



  3. Crystal D
    September 8th, 2010 at 6:34 am · Link

    The Scottish Highlands definitely



  4. Christine
    September 8th, 2010 at 6:40 am · Link

    Considering your books are set in the late 1800’s I would probably want my adventure to be in England, France, Scotland and anywhere in Europe. Love the whole Indiana Jones concept



  5. Melanie S.
    September 8th, 2010 at 7:20 am · Link

    an adventure in the Scottish Highlands would be so interesting, but I’m open for everything 🙂



  6. Rachel Riddles
    September 8th, 2010 at 7:25 am · Link

    Oooh! If I had to pick a place to have an adventure I’d pick Ireland. I’ve always wanted to go and would love it if the adventure took me through the villages in the middle of nowhere.



  7. Laurie London
    September 8th, 2010 at 7:38 am · Link

    Since you mentioned Indiana Jones, I’d have to say Egypt. I’ve always been fascinated by the history in that part of the world.

    Your new series sounds great. I love that mix of high adventure and hot romance with a historical setting. As a kid, I fell in love w/ romance when I read one about a rakish pirate. Your series takes me back to my roots.



  8. Marlene Breakfield
    September 8th, 2010 at 7:49 am · Link

    I’ve always wanted to see Scotland, so my adventure would be in Scotland.



  9. Rebecca Zanetti
    September 8th, 2010 at 8:13 am · Link

    This isn’t nearly as exotic as some of the other answers, but I’d like to brave the wilds of Alaska. Lots of adventure to be found there, I think. 🙂



  10. Kat Holmes
    September 8th, 2010 at 8:15 am · Link

    Hmm that would be two places for me. Greece and Scotland. I love Greece and ancient mythology. And I’m dying to find the Lochness Monster. 😆



  11. Scoot
    September 8th, 2010 at 8:44 am · Link

    I think I would want to have an adventure on a tropical island… I love the beach/Rainforest. Thanks for a chance to win!

    Scoot
    seescootread[at]gmail[dot]com



  12. OmNe
    September 8th, 2010 at 8:48 am · Link

    I’ve been really searching for adventure novels set all over Africa, so if I could have a real life adventure there, that would be beyond amazing.

    And as a huge Indiana Jones/adventure fan, I’m really excited for this book, Zoe!



  13. Denise A. Agnew
    September 8th, 2010 at 9:10 am · Link

    Zoe, I just got a sample of Warrior on my Kindle and I can’t wait to read it. Methinks you write my kind of book. 🙂 As for an adventure. I loved living in England. We were there three years. But we loved Scotland the most. I’d love to go there with my husband again and enjoy another Highland adventure. 🙂



  14. CrystalGB
    September 8th, 2010 at 9:20 am · Link

    I would choose the Australia. I have always wanted to there. Your series sounds good.



  15. michellekCanada
    September 8th, 2010 at 9:59 am · Link

    I can see my “to read” list grow yet again. I’m gonna add you to my Goodreads pile so I don’t forget. The series looks great. As for adventure, put me in Scotland somewhere and set me free. 😀



  16. Robin K
    September 8th, 2010 at 10:00 am · Link

    I would choose Belize! White sand beaches, palms and reading.



  17. Barbara Elness
    September 8th, 2010 at 10:47 am · Link

    There are a lot of places I’d like to visit, but I think if I were going to have an adventure, I’d like it to be in Great Britain, traveling all over England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. Since I’d be adventuring, I’d want to be able to understand the people I’d be running into – at least to some degree, LOL.
    I’m so looking forward to reading The Blades of the Rose series, I can’t wait.



  18. Brandy W
    September 8th, 2010 at 11:26 am · Link

    This is definitely on my wishlist. I love the idea of a historical paranormal adventure suspense romance.

    As for an adventure for me something like from the Mummy would be fun. Ancient Egypt and discovering things.



  19. Emily L.
    September 8th, 2010 at 11:44 am · Link

    Oh wow what a question. Therre are so many places I want to visit, but if I was to go on an awesome adventure anywhere it would have to be through India. I can just see myslef having to dress up in a sari or something for a mission!

    Thanks for doing this! Your books sound really interesting and original and I can’t wait to read them!



  20. SeaGrace
    September 8th, 2010 at 11:52 am · Link

    Adventure can be had just down the road from wherever I am. In fact I’m going on an adventure tomorrow in Eureka Springs, AR. LOL. But I’d love to travel to Italy, New Zealand, Australia, Turkey, Thailand, Monaco, Austria, China, Caribbean Islands and Egypt. I think I should work on making a bucket list, hmm.

    I’m really looking forward to reading Warrior.



  21. Lillie H (AliseOnLife)
    September 8th, 2010 at 12:43 pm · Link

    Fantastic question!

    My favorite dream is a The Saint or National Treasure-type race through Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and Poland. And, maybe even Hungary and Romania.

    I’m really looking forward to The Blades of the Rose series, and Thanks Zoe, for offering a signed copy!



  22. Rory G
    September 8th, 2010 at 2:19 pm · Link

    If I am going to have an adventure I would like to go to Africa and do a safari with lions and tigers and elephants. OH MY! I want to be awed and slightly scared at the same time. I love Indian Jones and I had looked at Warrior online and was hesitant but now that I know there is hot sex – I am all over it. See me head to Amazon now!



  23. Chelsea B.
    September 8th, 2010 at 2:29 pm · Link

    I would choose Scotland or Ireland!
    I am so looking forward to reading your series, Zoe!



  24. Estella
    September 8th, 2010 at 3:09 pm · Link

    I am looking forward to reading this series!

    I would love to have an adventure in Ireland.



  25. Tracey D
    September 8th, 2010 at 3:10 pm · Link

    I look forward in reading this series; the covers are awesome.

    My adventure would be in Egypt, among the pyramids!



  26. Diane Sadler
    September 8th, 2010 at 4:56 pm · Link

    Nothing much happens here in my home country of Canada, so why not here?



  27. Scorpio M.
    September 8th, 2010 at 6:14 pm · Link

    I’d go for Australia or somewhere South American.



  28. Linda Henderson
    September 8th, 2010 at 6:33 pm · Link

    If I could have an adventure anywhere it would probably be Australia, I’ve always wanted to go there.



  29. Zoe Archer
    September 8th, 2010 at 7:28 pm · Link

    Everyone’s comments are so awesome! And you’re giving me ideas for the next Blades of the Rose books! 😉



  30. Dana
    September 8th, 2010 at 8:17 pm · Link

    Greece. My 3rd grade teacher was from Greece and instilled a love of mythology.



  31. Tracy
    September 8th, 2010 at 8:37 pm · Link

    I would have to go with Romania-my family emigrated from Romania-I even speak the language-yet I have never been there! Crazy, right? But what a great place to have an adventure! I do love me some vampires-LOL.



  32. Jane
    September 8th, 2010 at 10:29 pm · Link

    I would choose to have an adventure in Egypt exploring the archaeological sites and sailing down the Nile.



  33. blodeuedd
    September 9th, 2010 at 3:29 am · Link

    Where would I go, Macchu Piccu in Peru, a little adventure in the Andes



  34. Babs
    September 9th, 2010 at 8:45 am · Link

    Hmmmm, would have to say Egypt or perhaps Petra (Jordan.) Definitely has to be a part of the world I have never visited before!



  35. Daniela C.
    September 9th, 2010 at 11:38 am · Link

    If I could have an adventure it would be in Ireland. There are many places I’d love to go to but my heart is set in Ireland. Maybe its because my birthday is on St. Patrick’s Day. Maybe it’s all the books I’ve read that are set in Ireland (historical or contemporary or paranormal) and they describe the lush hills, the friendly and witty people and the bit-o’-magic in the air. I want to see it, smell the air, hear the lilt in their speach (God, I LOVE that!!!) and feel the magic for myself!



  36. Teresa W.
    September 9th, 2010 at 10:04 pm · Link

    I love beaches and waterfalls so I would have to go with Hawaii!