What is your book An Unsuitable Alliance about?
This is the first book in a five-book series, The Earl’s Disputed Inheritance, but also stand-alone titles, but linked by the inheritance. The old earl has died, his daughters and his dowager countess live in the Dower House awaiting the arrival of the presumptive heirs. Edward Revere is business partner and friend to the main contender, is a commoner, and Lady Eleanor is way above his touch.
Edward and Eleanor have undeniable chemistry, yet their love seems impossible. What inspired their dynamic?
The attraction is not just physical, they are in tune with each other from the start. Edward understands he will not be allowed to marry the daughter of an earl, she must wed someone from the same aristocratic background as her. It is he that is unsuitable – not her.
Regency romances often address societal expectations. What challenges do your characters face in following their hearts?
First, they must convince each other that despite everything they can make a life together. Eleanor initially believed herself to be superior to anyone who isn’t an aristocrat. The next challenge will be to convince the Dowager Countess and Adam Somiton that their love is strong enough to overcome the obstacles.
Your story weaves romance with mystery. How do you balance these elements to keep readers engaged?
I write what I consider are Regency romantic adventures – I aim to have romance and adventure in equal measure. My books always have the expected happy ever after ending.
The novel features a grand summer house party filled with intrigue. What makes this setting so perfect for romance and drama?
I’ve found that readers love descriptions of English stately homes, the grounds, the interiors and those that inhabit these surroundings. Throw in a good mix of romance, danger and excitement and you have a story readers can’t put down.
Edward is close friends with the Somiton twins. How do their relationships influence his decisions regarding Eleanor?
Edward is more than a friend, he’s their business partner as well as an employee so naturally this colours how they react to each other. He’s his own man, moderately wealthy, but is prepared to give up everything he has if it means he can marry the woman he loves.
If you could attend a Regency-era house party, what would be the highlight for you?
Empire style gowns are very flattering and even someone of my age and shape could float about the ballroom looking elegant in one of those.
What was the most enjoyable part of writing this novel?
There’s no part of writing a Regency that I don’t find enjoyable. I love immersing myself in a romantic Jane Austen styled world even though we all know it never really existed. Think how many books feature a duke and yet there were never more than a dozen alive at one time and they were all related to royalty.
What can readers expect from your future books?
If you are asking about the rest of this series, then each of the main characters will have their own story and their own HEA – but to achieve this they too will have to have their share of adventure and misadventure.
If you’re asking about my new series – The Earl’s Unexpected Wards – then that will be slightly different. There are four wards and each of the young ladies will have her story and all of them will also have their share of adventure. Because it’s the 250 anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, all four of these books will be set in and around Bath to celebrate that event.