Lord and Lady Fellowes join Lusitania author Greg Taylor to celebrate publication of paperback and eBook versions of shortlisted historical fiction novel

--LUSITANIA R.E.X named as a finalist for 2015 Award for Historical Fiction--

Ahead of the centenary of the sinking of the Lusitania (May 7^th2015), LUSITANIA R.E.X weaves fact and fiction to create a dynamic, engaging tale of suspense that has already attracted thousands of readers, thanks to an early limited edition release (November 2014).

London, United Kingdom: On Tuesday 14^thApril 2015, following the first day of the London Book Fair, friends, colleagues and publishing executives were welcomed into Greg's Chelsea apartment to celebrate the paperback launch of his debut book. Earlier that day, Lord and Lady Fellowes joined Greg for breakfast to find out more about the book, and view the epic storyboard that showcases the many levels of detailed research invested in the creation of the book.

Author Greg Taylor said: "It was thrilling for me to host Julian Fellowes and his wife Emma for breakfast at my flat, where we could review the giant storyboard for LUSITANIA R.E.X, since Downton Abbey defined the Edwardian era for many people. I was also pleased to learn that Emma worked for a time at John Brown & Co., builders of the Lusitania, and is the great-great nice of ‘Kitchener of Khartoum' of World War One fame".

LUSITANIA R.E.X is enjoying a steady stream of success since the release of the limited edition collectors' copy in November 2014 (launched in style at the Royal Institute of British Architects).

The book has this week been named a finalist for the 2015 Award for Historical Fiction. The award is named after the late M.M. Bennetts, author of May 1812 and Of Honest Fame, and the focus is on literary quality and historical accuracy. The winner of the award will be announced at the luncheon of the Historical Novel Society Conference in Denver, Colorado on June 27 2015.

LUSITANIA R.E.X is now on sale at a wide variety of places including Blenheim Palace, Alfred Vanderbilt's Great Camp Sagamore, on board the three Cunard cruise ships (from May 3) and at the Merseyside Maritime Museum (Greg Taylor attended the opening of the Lusitania exhibition there on March 26^th2015).

"I enjoyed celebrating the launch of the paperback and electronic versions of the book with friends and others attending the London Book Fair. One enthusiastic reader arrived in an officer's uniform with RMS Lusitania on the cap", says LUSITANIA R.E.X author Greg Taylor.

On May 3, Greg Taylor will set sail on Cunard Line's Queen Victoria and will be over the site of the Lusitania wreck on the 100^thanniversary on May 7, 2015. Greg will be available for live interview from the ship and editorial commissions while on board.

Notes to editors

Greg Taylor is available for interview, editorial commissions and consultancy regarding the Lusitania before, during and after the centenary. Please contact Helen Lewis or Samuel Batt atinfo@literallypr.comfor images, interviews, review copies etc.

You can learn about the facts discovered by the author during his extensive research and enjoy looking through the fictionalized photo album of Alfred Vanderbilt that follows the storyline by visitingwww.lusitaniarex.com.

Register on the site to receive a free downloadable gift atwww.lusitaniarex.com/register.

To access photos from the paperback launch and Greg's meeting with Lord and Lady Fellowes please contact us directly (info@literallypr.com).

Author Greg Taylor with Lord Fellowes at Greg's London apartment