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PRE-ORDER NOW: The Duchess Charade

My Wallflower Academy series continues! This is book three, but you can start here because each story completely stands alone. Make sure to pick up this gorgeous romance!

A wallflower breaks free… 

Only to fall hard—for the duke! 

Adventurous, free-spirited Sylvia Bryant has no intention of entering the London marriage mart—she plans to return to Antigua and her mother, whom she was forced to leave. But first that means breaking free from her prison of a finishing school! Only when she makes her daring escape, the last thing she expects is to literally land in a duke’s lap! Now Sylvia and Theodore are forced into an engagement, which Sylvia certainly doesn’t want to make permanent. Yet if their union is just for show, why does her attraction to Teddy feel dizzyingly real?

Make sure you pre-order this gorgeous story now!

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Happy birthday week to me!

It’s my birthday week!

Yes, I celebrate my birthday for a whole week. Why not? It’s a winter birthday, and that means no fun parties in the sunshine or picnics in the garden, so it’s definitely worth taking a few days to celebrate with blankets and cheese.

This year, I will be celebrating by:

  • Eating pizza every night this week – because I can
  • Toasting to my wonderful parents who are still such a support to me
  • Taking the day itself off with the husband for a magical mystery tour

If you’d like to celebrate with me, I’d love that! Read, review, or recommend one of my books: it puts a real smile on my face whenever I sell a book or see a glowing review.

And if you really want to celebrate, eat something or drink something you consider luxurious, just because you can ❤️

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NEW RELEASE: Half a Chance

It’s finally here! Frederick’s story was perhaps the most challenging to write of the four, so I really hope that you enjoy it. I’m having so much fun that I’ve decided to start writing the stories of their children so keep an eye out for that!

He has never fit in. She’s the center of the ton.

Frederick Chance, Viscount Pernrith, isn’t really a chance. Not entirely.

The illegitimate son of the late Duke of Cothrom, he’s tolerated by his three brothers and ostracized from the best circles. His title is a pity gesture from the family that never truly accepted him, and his illegitimate status means no one in Society will take him seriously.

Particularly not the latest diamond of Society…

The Right Honorable Miss Edie Stewart, on the other hand, is rather sick of Society’s attention. Diamond of the first water? What rot.

She’s far more interested in the forbidden. The edges of Society. Those she should, apparently, not be speaking to.

An accidental encounter leaves them forced, for now, to pretend an engagement—one that Frederick will of course break as soon as it is appropriate.

Most definitely break. Absolutely will break. Soon.

After all, it’s not like he’s got more than half a chance of actually wooing Miss Edie Stewart…does he?

This novel continues the highly anticipated Chance family drama, with four brothers and just as many problems. Tropes include: rich/poor, found family, fake engagement, and of course, Emily E K Murdoch’s tried and true method of sizzling, joyful romance.

This full length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order.

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Happy New Year!

If you are reading this, I am recovering from a pretty epic New Year 😅 for the first time in six years, I am able to host a New Year’s gathering, so I’m writing this just before everyone arrives because I don’t think I’ll be in much of a state to think tomorrow!

New Year’s are all about new beginnings, and but it’s also about holding on tight to the things that you already have and you already love.

But in the meantime: look after yourselves, keep safe, and have a wonderful New Year!

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What’s so sweet about mince pies?

Now that we’re in the full Christmas season, I am doing what I do best: eating all the mince pies. But after seeing a Facebook post from an Australian author friend of mine, I realised that there are quite a few misconceptions about one of my favourite treats.

So: why are mince pies called mince pies, when they don’t have any meat in them?

‘Mince’ is the action to cut something into loads of tiny pieces, hence minced beef, minced meat.

What we now call mince pies were actually ‘sweetmeat’ pies. Sweetmeat is a medieval term for stewed fruits. So minced sweetmeat pies became minced sweet pies became mince pies.…which is why people can sometimes get confused now.

We associate ‘mince’ with meat, when it’s just the cutting process.

So now when you dive into some mince pies, you can entertain the whole room with your medieval knowledge!

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Treat a loved one with these Christmas romances!

If you’re stressing about finding the perfect gift, then don’t worry: the reader in your life will adore these Christmas historical romances.

Christmas is a common theme in my writing, probably because it’s one of my favourite times of year! In fact, I have officially lost count of how many Christmas books I’ve written. At the last count, it was almost twenty.

I know that sounds like a lot, but twelve of them are all in one series, TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS, which is exactly what you’d expect! Follow each of the Fitzroy women as they cause nothing but scandal and intrigue across the ton and try to keep their exploits quiet...

Here’s book 1 to give you a little taste!

It’s 1813, and twelve drummers drumming are about to bring love into Jemima’s life…

Jemima Fitzroy is tired of being ignored by her loud, rambunctious family – especially as she attempts to campaign for veterans in a world that doesn’t appreciate them.

Captain Hugh Rotherham knows he will never be the same again. Not just because of war, but because of a startlingly beautiful woman who stirs something so passionate in it, the drumming of his heart matches that of his regiment.

Jemima knows she shouldn’t be meeting this soldier without her family’s knowledge. Hugh knows he cannot cross the line from respectability to scandal.

Twelve drummers drumming will change their lives – and the rhythm that can tease out exquisite pleasure…

If a long series isn’t your thing, then why not try this boxset? It’s the collection of the three Christmas specials from my Ravishing Regencies series, and are interconnected standalones.

Each of these books has spice at its heart and a heart ready to lose, heroes in pain and heroines acting out of the ordinary. There are no ballrooms here… This collected stories promises hours and hours of steamy hot reading…

Kidnapped with a Knight
A man disowned by his family and a woman with absolutely no interest in him – and their kidnappers have left them all alone…

Christmas with a Czar
A man who claims to be a prince and a woman forced to play along – but the real secret must be revealed before Christmas Day…

Advent with an Archduke
A man who disappeared a year ago – and the woman forced to welcome a stranger at Christmas…

And just in case that wasn’t enough to tempt your appetite, my wonderful publishers at Dragonblade have re-released two short novellas which were parts of Christmas boxsets from years ago. Make sure to grab them!

Always under mistletoe but never the bride – but not this Christmas…

Lady Prudence Lennox is of age, and tired of being treated like a child. Her brothers are married and settled but they still think of her as their baby sister, which is growing increasingly irritating.

Especially when the Reverend Michaels is visiting for Christmas.

He’s only four years older than her but has never seen her as a woman before – and she’s determined that this Christmas as they meet under the mistletoe, all that is going to change…read for 0.99 now!

Always the reverend but never the groom – but not this Christmas…

Joseph never thought that becoming a vicar would separate him completely from his flock – and all marital prospects.
But this Christmas, he’s back with his sister and thinking wistfully of the lady in his congregation that he cannot take his eyes off.

Who has suddenly appeared in Bristol.

Will he be able to escape the trappings of his position, and speak openly to the woman he loves?…read for 0.99 now!

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Do you know the secret language of flowers?

What is your favourite flower?

I have loads of favourites. My grandparents were horticulturalists with their own nursery, with my Mum working for them, and so I was surrounded by flowers and plants growing up. I love them. I love nature!

(I wish I was better at keeping them alive, but…)

But my love of flowers isn’t limited to my childhood. My boyfriend (now husband!) immediately understood my obsession with flowers, and has treated me with flowers throughout our dating life, engagement, and marriage.

In fact, one of my favourite flowers is the purple/blue orchid, the first flowers he ever treated me with.

Flowers have been used in courting for years, and the Victorian era solidified our ideas of the language of flowers, which existed as early as the Regency period.

This secret code was designed to make sure that other people couldn’t immediately tell what you wanted to say to your beloved.

So did you know what a gentleman caller would be saying to you if they sent you…

…a mimosa? This delicate plant meant ‘chastity’, because of the way its petals close up when touched.

…a dark pink rose? This gorgeous blossom means ‘thankfullness’.

…a sprig of heath lavender? I love this scent, and when given as a gift, it means ‘admiration’.

…an orange lily? Run a mile if you receive this one – it secretly means ‘hatred’!

…a sweet pea posy? My absolute favourite flower, this heavily scented flower means ‘blissful pleasure’ or ‘goodbye’!

Did any of these surprise you? What is your favourite flower – let me know in the comments, and I will tell you what it means!

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These are my favourite books from 2024!

I have read so many books this year, but some of them just stay with you, don’t they? I wanted to share some of my favourite books from 2024, all for very different reasons.

Newly widowed Countess Rosseline has a plan.
To keep hold of all she holds dear, she must marry the man who has inherited her dead husband’s estate.
Nothing must interfere with her scheme.


However, an obstacle stands in her path.
Viscount Wulverton is intent on uncovering her secrets.
Meanwhile, Wulverton Hall, on wild and windswept Dartmoor, has secrets of its own…

‘The Lady’s Guide to Marrying a Viscount’ is an ‘enemies to lovers’ gothic romance, featuring passionate scenes and an eerie mystery.

Each full moon, at midnight, the veil between our world and the orcs’ weakens, and raiders can pass through the standing stones…to take what they want. Me.

Bred by the Orc: I have always known my purpose in life was to marry a powerful laird and bear his sons to cement alliances…I just expected him to be, you know, human.

Running from the Orc: I am not easy prey. He doesn’t realize I am a determined sort of female, and I know what I want. If running from him will obtain it, then I will run. And he will hunt.

Wagered to the Orc: I am no stranger to being owned by a male, but my new master is something I never imagined… I know what I must do: I must make him value me so he will not share me with the others.

Ceramic artist Robbie Hawthorne is dedicated not only to his art, but to keeping the arts center and school housed at his family’s ancestral estate vibrant and flourishing. But when the family runs into financial trouble and a heartless corporation offers to buy the estate to turn it into an amusement park, Robbie has to get creative to try to stop them. Toby Tillman has fought to overcome his working-class roots and to make a name for himself in the financial world. Now he finds himself pitted against his old mentor in the quest to save the Hawthorne House Arts Center, which is run by exactly the kind of entitled nobs he’s always hated. Worse still, he finds himself constantly hot for Robbie, a man he should utterly despise. And then comes the road trip and a stay at a hotel with only one bed…

He might be the youngest of the billionaire Royal brothers, but Matthew Royal is still determined to make his own mark in the competitive hotel and resorts business. His grand plans include building a brand new mega resort in Aspen, Colorado. In the aftermath of a dark family betrayal, Rachel Little has moved to Aspen to rebuild her life. Taking a job as a consultant for the owners of the Green Tree lodge, she sets about finding a suitable buyer while endeavoring to save the near derelict historical building from falling into the hands of greedy developers. When a handsome stranger crosses her path twice in a week, Rachel finds herself unable to resist his charms. And what more could a girl want than a passion filled romance to help restore her faith in the world?

Catherine, the widowed Lady Rosemont, is considered a most unsuitable countess by polite society. Whispers about her checkered history follow her wherever she goes. Was she once a courtesan? Is her young son really the late Earl of Rosemont’s child or a by-blow? And worst of all, is she a murderess? Despite the scandalous rumors, Catherine navigates high society’s treacherous waters with her head held high. For the sake of her beloved son, Louis, she must never sink. But when she receives threatening letters and young Louis’s life is endangered, she desperately turns to a past paramour for help…the man who once left her heartbroken. The far-too-honorable Earl of Dalton.

Haunted by a dark secret, Dorian, the Duke of Rath, is consumed by wrath and guilt. The powerful lord will endure any torture to atone for his sins, even marry a perfect stranger—his victim’s little sister—to save her family from ruin. He vows not to touch her and to protect the innocent girl from his depraved sensual pleasures. But she must stay for one year and follow his strict rules. When botanist Miss Patience Rose walks down the aisle in her simple dress, with garden soil permanently embedded under her short nails, she lets a little sunlight into Rath’s blackened heart. Young, innocent Patience drives her older husband mad with her cheery chatter and her irresistible curves. She’s breaking every one of his rules. He punishes her…and she likes it. Love is healing Rath’s soul and transforming his bleak, imposing mansion into a warm home. There’s just one thing keeping them apart—the ghastly secret that could send him to the gallows. And Patience is putting her brilliant mind to work to uncover it.

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PRE-ORDER NOW: A Chance in a Million

So many of you wanted me to keep writing the Chance family series that I just couldn’t say no! So if you’re looking for more time spent with the Chance family (and I certainly did) then look no further than this fantastic book that is available for just 0.99 on pre-order.

Thomas Chance, newly minted Duke of Cothrom, isn’t exactly brilliant at spotting chances in a million. For example, he’s gambled away the family fortune.

It’s hardly endeared him to his rule-following father, William, and now Thomas has to gain back the family wealth, earn back his father’s trust, and absolutely not fall in love with the woman whose fortune he’s trying to marry.

Easier said than done.

Fortunately perhaps, Miss Victorian Ainsworth has her wits about her and sees straight through the nobleman with rakish good looks and a devilish reputation. Victoria swiftly sees through Thomas’ ridiculous charade of affection—the man just wants her dowry!

Well. Let him have it. And her.

A marriage of convenience is supposed to be convenient, but there’s nothing more inconvenient for Thomas than the burgeoning emotions he can’t control, or the gossip starting to flicker through Society.

Worse still, Victoria’s con may be fooling more than just Thomas. Is it possible that instead of fooling him…she’s fooling herself?

This novel continues the highly anticipated Chance family drama, with sixteen cousins and triple the problems. Tropes include: rake, I can fix him, marriage of convenience, fake marriage, and of course, Emily E K Murdoch’s tried and true method of sizzling, joyful romance.

This full length novel is a steamy Regency romance with a happily ever after, no cliffhangers, and is part of a series that can be read in any order.

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What’s in a name?

Alright, I’m just going to come out and say it: naming characters is the worst.

Most of my (non-author) friends think that I’m crazy for saying this. After all, most of us only get to name a few people in our lives, and if you don’t have any children then you never get the pleasure of deciding what someone is going to be called for the rest of their lives.

I haven’t had that sort of responsibility yet, but I have named several characters in my books. In fact, with my seventeenth book coming out in November (pre-order here!) and my twenty third book just returned from my editor, I’ve probably named over a hundred characters.

I’ve had Avis and Cathryn, Hestia and Audrey, even a Margaret. The boys haven’t been left out either: Alexander and Leonard and Thomas have all graced my pages.

But there’s no hiding from the truth any more. I’m running out of good names.

What? I hear you cry. There are thousands of great names – wonderful names, emotive names, beautiful names.

And there are. But when you’re going for a specific part of history, you immediately become limited. You can’t call a character Jack in the 1060s of England, or a Zacharius in the 1400s. Although Alice was popular in the Victorian era and the 1300s, you wouldn’t have found many in the Tudor era, and don’t even get me started on Judas and Delilah.

You’re unlikely to have a Regency noblewoman called Abigail (a servant’s name), nor any Victorias at all. Meredith is a boy’s name until the 1950s, and no matter how much I try to use Emily, I just can’t stomach naming a character after myself!

When you are seeking historical accuracy, it’s a challenge. There are natural limitations, and limitations that I want to stick to…within reason.

So apologies if you’re a Charles, Mary, Elizabeth, or Margaret. You could appear in almost any part of England’s history from 1050 onwards, and I’ll probably end up using you more than twice.

What name do you love? What names do you think are ignored in historical romance? Let me know in the comments below!

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Have you checked out my Patreon?

If you have never heard of Patreon, you are not alone. Not everyone has! I hope this short blog will give you an idea of how you can support me in a new and exciting way.

So first off, what is Patreon?

Patreon is a website where anyone can sign up to support a creative person for just a few dollars a month, in exchange for rewards. It is a modern re-imagining of the medieval and renaissance idea of a ‘patron’, a wealthy person who pays the salary of an artist, creative, or engineer, so that they can get the prestige of being their supporter.

But thanks to Patreon, you don’t need to be rich to be a Patreon supporter, and you’ll still get a whole ton of rewards!

On my Patreon page, which you can find here, there are three different levels of support. Each level costs a different amount a month, and as you would expect, the higher the financial support, the more rewards.

I’d really encourage you, if you want exclusive insights, behind the scenes, early access to chapters, and free books, my Patreon is the place to be.

Please check out my Patreon and consider whether you’d like to take your support of me to the next level!

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Remember, Remember…

…it’s Fifth of November!

Well, almost. I missed it, sorry!

Here in England, the Fifth of November is a huge deal: a celebration in a way, but in other ways we have kind of forgotten why we do what we do.

Part of that is because it is so close to Halloween, it all gets merged into one fun autumnal festival. Many English towns will have Bonfire Night, delicious food, and fireworks around this weekend, but if you asked many people, they will probably believe one of three myths…

  1. Guy Fawkes was the guy (😅) behind the plot. Sorry, he was one of the least important guys in the Plot. His role was checking on the gunpowder, but he had no political power really.
  2. Guy Fawkes was burned to death, which is why we have bonfires. Nope! He was convicted and sentenced to be hung, drawn, and quartered, BUT he ‘accidentally’ fell from the scaffold and broke his neck.
  3. Americans don’t celebrate it because they are anti-monarchy. Wrong again! When British people emigrated to America, they took the celebration with them and called it ‘Pope Day’, but it fell out of favour after the Revolution.

Whether you celebrate the Fifth of November or not, I hope you have an awesome weekend! And if you decide to stay home, make sure to curl up with a book…