Blurb:

As a member of Eshu, those who can shift into any animal at will, Jacob Adams is used to knowing and getting what he wants. And when he meets Mary Katherine Day as they work together on the Underground Railroad, he not only knows that shes going to be his wife, but he expects her to accept her fate willingly. A businesswoman of independent means, Mary Katherine has no interest in marrying, which to her mind is bondage only slightly less vile than the slavery she works so hard to help others escape. Jacob embarks on a campaign to lure her into his bed by awakening her virginal body to the delights to be found there. Though she struggles against her sensual nature, Mary Katherine eventually succumbs to the irresistible lure. Initially shes convinced that they can maintain their sexual relationship without marriage, but it quickly becomes apparent that their passion is too intense to hide in such a small town and she is risking a horrible scandal that could destroy her life. Shortly after theyre married they are forced to confront ancient enemies and a secret that could ultimately destroy their relationship.

What drew you to exploring the lives lead by African Americans during this period in US history?

We’re a couple of history geeks. We’ve both read a lot of African-American history. Underground resistance movements are fascinating. This was an exciting time in this country’s history. A time when people were willing to put their lives on the line for something they believed in so strongly. With those type emotions whirling around, it seemed a natural setting for a love story.

Does the interracial aspect enhance the story and the history? Does it make historical accuracy more difficult to maintain?

Given is not an interracial story. Mary Katherine and Jacob are both African American. However, the follow-up to Given, Taken is an interracial and you meet those characters in Given.

What sources did you use to create a balanced, yet truthful viewpoint for your novella?

Too many to count, but the best one by far is a book called Beyond the River by Ann Hagedorn. The book focuses on the Underground movement in Ripley, OH. It also gives the history of the Gist settlement which is the setting for our story.

What do you feel is the main purpose/goal of an African-American historical romance?

Same thing as any romance: an entertaining, sexy story with believable characters. Obviously where history is involved you have to ensure historical accuracy, but other than that, the reader should get what they pay for.

How do you reveal the ugly side of history as it pertains to minorities?

Jacob is a conductor, Mary Katherine is a stationmaster, their lives and freedom are in constant jeopardy. Jacob also struggles with the constraints of being a free man, but not really being free even in a northern state like Ohio. They still lived under very restrictive laws. We don’t belabor these points, but they are a part of the story, especially the constant presence of slave catchers. So yes, there are some ugly scenes and the n-word is used.

Did you discover anything unexpected during your research?

The existence of the Gist settlement and several similar land grants. Samuel Gist was British and owned a large plantation in Virginia. When he died he manumitted his slaves and bought property for them in Ohio because free blacks couldn’t live in Virginia.

Do you think it possible for historical romances featuring non-white characters to appeal to the general historical romance audience?

It’s possible, but unlikely. Americans do seem to like reading history, so it might be possible, but it would be surprising.

What do you foresee for your career in the future?

Probably the same as every other writer out there, breakout success and best-seller lists. To be able to make a living as a writer.

Since you’ve been published as a contemporary romance writer, could you see yourself writing historical romances, permanently?

Roslyn Hardy Holcomb: Historicals are my first love, I could definitely see it. Obviously it would depend on how well they sell.

Lisa G. Riley: Ive always loved historicals, and in fact, Ive got a couple more planned. However, besides the follow-up to Given, these planned books are not anywhere near the top of my to-do list!

Finally, what would you like readers to take away from your novella?

A good, well-written story that delivers.

Visit Roslyn Hardy Holcomb at RoslynHardyHolcomb.com and Lisa G. Riley at LisaGRiley.com. Given can be purchased from Loose-Id on February 9th.

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