Introducing LACE AND BLADE – an original new anthology series of elegant romantic fantasy, edited by Deborah J. Ross, premiering on Valentine’s Day 2008. In the spirit of classic period swashbucklers, Zorro, the Scarlet Pimpernel, and D’Artagnan, brimming with romantic courtly intrigue and dangerous liaisons, with cloak and dagger and perfumed handkerchiefs, the language of the fan and stolen glances, with the manners of Jane Austen and the sparkling rapier wit of Oscar Wilde, here are nine fantastic stories of adventure, derring-do, love, and glamorous yet subtle magic, by such stellar authors as Tanith Lee, Catherine Asaro, Diana L. Paxson, Madeleine E. Robins, Robin Wayne Bailey, Dave Smeds, Mary Rosenblum, Chaz Brenchley, and Sherwood Smith. Don’t hesitate another moment… step into a sophisticated other world where passion is a courtly mistress, mystery is moonlight on steel, and magic is the god of love. En garde, mon amour! LACE AND BLADE offers a banquet of adventure, intrigue and romance. There’s something here to delight the palate of every reader’s inner swashbuckler! – Jacqueline Carey A fun ride from beginning to end, with engaging characters and an interesting setting. – S. M. Stirling