Why Choose?

A reader writes and a writer responds.

It’s hard to keep track of my correspondence as there are so many ways to get in touch. Insta DM? Facebook PM? The contact page on my website?*

A reader wrote to say how much they enjoyed The Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde series and that Tabitha and Alwyn, from A Duke at the Door, were their faves.

This was Gratifying In The Extreme as that book was the hardest to write.

It was during the guts of the second lockdown here in Ireland, my mental health was not as bullet proof as I always have taken it to be, and I was (luckily, for my bank account) up to my eyes in my day job.

I had to ask for a deadline extension! I never do things like that, like, ask for help or anything.

I’m very sure Tabitha would have agreed that putting myself in that position was hard, as she’s not the best at asking for help either. Hmm, hang on, how’d she get that way? LOL

All of the above is to say that ADATD was rough going, and that it doesn’t show is delightful.

And as if an author would confess to liking one book more than another!

Well, I do, but some more equally than others. I adore Felicity and Alfred from A Wolf in Duke’s Clothing because they launched my foray into paranormal Regency Era romance.

And I love Alwyn and Tabitha too, Alwyn for being exactly what an Alpha is, a strong person willing to stand up for those less strong, and Tabitha for revealing the soft core of empathy and compassion she’d been hiding from me.

But if I was to say I adore Beatrice and Arthur, from A Most Unusual Duke, beyond measure, you won’t tell on me, right?

I think… I think it’s because they have both been so hurt and damaged by life but neither of them are willing to give up hope.

They are stubborn AF because they refuse to let evil, nasty people control the ultimate outcomes of their lives.

They see the potential in a decrepit old house and roll up their sleeves and make a beautiful, welcoming home.

They refuse to allow a bully to wreck havoc on all they hold dear; they stand up to him and drive him away.

Most of all, they allow themselves to love, both for the first times in their lives, and that love creates a family and a community that is united and able for anything they might face.

Yeah, so, you got me: Beatrice and Arthur are especially dear to me, for many reasons, perhaps now more than ever.

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This all came to mind because even though it has been around a while, AMUD got a call out on Bookstagram via @faith_emmert, who did an extraordinary job matching up contemporarily-set novels with historical romantic ones. Here’s mine!

I highly recommend finding the entire post, there are so many, and such great work deserves views. Extra flattered to be paired with Ali Hazelwood, who I haven’t met but by all accounts is a really sound human.

The power of the backlist! And speaking of playing favourites, I’m currently querying for a new agent, and the first volume of my new series was so so so much fun to write – even with my characters’ particular emotional challenges – that I may have to admit I kinda like it best of all? For now, anyway…

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As always, here’s a handy link to secure your copies of The Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde series ❤️

*(Please do get in touch in any of the ways that are most convenient for you!)