Sourcebooks Casablanca Romance Authors

A 6th century Swedish bronze plaque with Odin and a berserker wearing a wolfskin. (Werner Forman/Universal Images Group/Getty Images) I've been fascinated with Norse mythology ever since my grandparents gave me a children's picture book based on the Icelandic Sagas. Growing up in Sweden, I learned even more about my Viking forefathers (and mothers ;-) ) as I studied history and archaeology in school. In seventh through ninth grade (what we in Sweden call högstadiet or highschool), my history teacher noticed my interest and gave me books to read outside of class. This is when I first learned about the berserkers, Odin's fierce warriors who could whip themselves into a battle frenzy that made them feel no pain and allowed them to become such superior fighters that they always defeated their enemy. Viking Warriors Book 1 A double 2016 RITA finalist In my contemporary paranormal Viking Warriors series, immortal king Leif and his band of warriors have been sent back...

I'm pleased to share To Find a Viking Treasure , the second installment in my Viking romance Norse series.  Viking romance was my first published sub-genre. Book one in this series, Norse Jewel , is also the first romance I ever wrote. Originally a single title length, I was asked to cut the story down to what's called category length. To my regret, I did. Aren't mistakes the best teachers? Over time, I reworked the chopped parts from Norse Jewel and revamped the series. The result turned into an expanded world, including six books and one short story. Here's a taste of  To Find a Viking Treasure.   I call this excerpt  “I’m good at taking what doesn’t belong to me”   “I’m not a highborn woman to sit aside and do nothing,” she said, planting a hand on her hip. “I can help. You know I can.” Sestra tried for her usual brazenness, but sleepy-eyed and draped in his bulky fur she was no more ferocious than a kitten. She stood her ground,...

Happy Summer! Don't you love the sunshine and flowers? Warm, carefree days put me in a good mood. It's time for picnics and days at the beach or wiling away your time on a river or lake. If winter is the season to hunker down and work hard, summer is time to relax and for me time to experiment. This summer's grand experiment has been cooking and eating like a Viking. For those of you who don't know me, I'm Gina Conkle, writer of Viking and Georgian romance. I believe to know the soul of a people, look at their creative efforts in art and music. If you want to know the substance of their story, look at their food. Food tells us what people valued, how they connected with the land, it reveals social structures, rhythms of daily life, and yes, even romance. We mix food and romance together: the classic "dinner and a movie" date,  pairing aphrodisiacs champagne and strawberries, and the romantic picnic basket. If I remove the obvious chocolate, wha...

How to Eat Like a Viking: 3 Things You MUST Know After a trip to Sweden in 1999, Vikings have fascinated me. The first romance novel I wrote was Norse Jewel , a Viking romance. But, the Norse hammers in my head needed balance. So, I wrote Georgian romance set squarely in mid-1700s. Lately, the scales tipped back to hot Viking tales again. That's what brought me to one of my favorite research finds,  An Early Meal . Yeahhhh, the Sagas are full of food and feasting, but this takes you on a gastronomical archaeological journey to seven Scandic sites. The result? Tasty, modern recipes with historical mileage. Hold on! There's more to this adventure than a book report on "What did Vikings eat?" An Early Meal is the result of two Nordic experts' finds, a mix of food and history. Be still my heart! I decided to not only write more Viking romances but to eat like Vikings too. Yes. I'm planning a series of "Eat Like a Viking" blog posts this...

This one's for the history buffs who picture themselves in other times and places. Imagine yourself on Iceland. History is being made and you play a role in it. Who would you be? Read the four profiles and pick which woman you most identify with. The answers to these real Viking women can be found below. A)      You’re a quiet, deep thinker. There’s a quality of stillness about you that draws people in. Because of these characteristics, you fall into a leadership role whether it’s something you want or not. You’re generous and fair…as long as people abide by your rules. If they don’t, watch out! B)       You’re a tad headstrong but smart. When the odds are against you, you regroup and try a different approach. Some might say you’re wily as a fox. Using feminine wiles and your brain is fair game in your opinion. And menial labor? Not top on your list of things to do. C)       You’re gen...

Do you remember what you did on this day, March 10th, last year? Or 5 years ago? Maybe 10 years ago? I love looking back in time. Days have a way of slipping one into the other. It's good to hit the pause button and think about the past. Several times a week I send "This day in #history (insert year)..." tweets. They keep things interesting, adding new facets to my perspective.  So here's a countdown on 6 March 10th takes in history (going from recent history to the old, moldy stuff I like). Be warned: I get snarky. #6 March 10, 1998 Eric Clapton releases   Pilgrim , his  first album of regular studio material since 1989. My Father's Eyes (I LOVE this song!) is on the album.  You're welcome. #5 March 10, 1971 the 26th Amendment lowered the voting age from 21 to 18. The debate began in WWII but the discussion heated up around the Vietnam War. Congress passed the amendment in March and President Nixon signed...

Don’t you love how those magazine articles titles on supermarket shelves?  There's Shrink Your Thighs NOW!   This cracks me up because my thighs take their sweet time. Or Sex Tips for the Modern Woman   Was it really so different for the ancient woman? How many positions are there? (quick, let me check my Kama Sutra ). And a personal favorite Touches That Lock Down His Love Ask the single ladies about this...I've been married too long. You might be surprised how long ago Viking's had a fascination with sex and romance --- the men and the women. But, they didn't have colorful magazines dispensing advice.  Skalds (storytellers) shared Viking lore in smoky longhouses until one famous 12th century Icelandic chieftain, Snori Sturlson, put those tales on paper. Snori was most interested in history and mythology, but the steamier stuff showed up in his writing.  If Snori Sturlson wrote for Cosmo, he might call this: ...

This week my favorite TV show, History Channel's Vikings , will introduce season 3. I'm a fervent fan, but my Viking fascination began back in the early 1990s. Over time, I cultivated an off-beat home library --- including a cookbook on Viking Age meals written by two Swedish history professors. Vikings Lagertha played by Kathryn Winnick. Photo credit History Channel The first romance I ever wrote was based on a little known event in Sweden (AD 1022) ---the end of the Viking Age. The more I dug into Viking history and culture, the more amazed I became. But, would you think of Vikings and a sense of humor? Let me share this true Viking tale and see what you find. I call it: Putting Your Best Forward Early in the tenth century, famed Viking Rollo and his warriors, camped out on the Seine. Like foxes they came to raid the chicken coop once again. The plan was to take their fill of silver and gold and leave...not unusual for this group of Northmen. After endu...