Midnight Quill Series by Emily Larkin

Three linked historical romances... The Countess's Groom (A novella) Rose, the Countess Malmstoke, is trapped in a violent marriage. Escape seems impossible—until her horse groom, Will Fenmore, offers to help her. As they plan her escape to the American colonies, Rose learns to trust Will with her life and her heart... moreThree linked historical romances... The Countess's Groom (A novella) Rose, the Countess Malmstoke, is trapped in a violent marriage. Escape seems impossible—until her horse groom, Will Fenmore, offers to help her. As they plan her escape to the American colonies, Rose learns to trust Will with her life and her heart. Is the future she dreams of possible? The Spinster's Secret (A novel) Matilda Chapple is penniless, orphaned, and dependent on her uncle’s grim charity—but she’s finally found a way to escape: she’ll write her way to financial freedom.  When Mattie pens a series of titillating short stories, she starts earning money … and notoriety. Her secret is safe—until battle-scarred Waterloo veteran, Edward Kane, agrees to uncover the anonymous author's identity. Can Mattie conceal the secret of her scandalous writings, or will Edward discover that the virginal spinster and the risqué authoress are one and the same person? The Baronet’s Bride (A novella) Sir Gareth Locke lost an arm at Waterloo. He’s in love with his new bride—but he’s dreading their wedding night. He knows it will be an ordeal: clumsy, awkward, and mortifying. Cecily Locke knows what to expect in the marriage bed—after all, she’s been married once before. It will be uncomfortable and a little messy, but over quickly enough. But Cecily and Gareth are about to have a wedding night that neither of them expects... Q & A with the author In what way are the books in this trio linked? The first novella, The Countess's Groom, is set in Georgian England and explains the origin of the diary in The Spinster's Secret. The second novella, The Baronet's Bride, follows directly on the heels of The Spinster's Secret and features some of the same characters. Do the books have to be read in order? While The Countess's Groom is the prequel to The Spinster's Secret, but it's not necessary to read it first. In fact, quite a few people choose to read it last! However, I do very strongly recommend reading The Spinster's Secret before The Baronet's Bride, as these two stories follow directly after one another. How would you describe your writing? Several reviewers have likened my writing to Georgette Heyer, which is the hugest compliment ever. I adore Georgette Heyer! She’s why I write historical romance, and I reread her books over and over. (If you’ve not read The Grand Sophy, please do so!) I’ve also had readers compare my writing to Courtney Milan and Mary Balogh, which are also massive compliments. Who would like these books? This trio would appeal to readers who like the historical backdrop and understated humor of Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen, the dark and sensual ‘noir’ feel of Anna Campbell, and the emotion of Mary Balogh or Courtney Milan. Have you written any other historical romances? Quite a few! In fact I’ve just started a new Regency romance series, the Baleful Godmother series. The first novel is available for free to anyone who joins my readers’ group. Go to emilylarkin.com and sign up for my newsletter to claim your free copy. Happy reading! less

A tale of forbidden love between a young countess and her servant. Rose, the Countess Malmstoke, is trapped in a violent marriage. Escape seems impossible—until her horse groom Will Fenmore offers to help her. As they plan her escape to the American colonies, Rose learns to trust Will with her life and her heart. Is the future she dreams of possible? The Countess's Groom is a novella of approximately 18,000 words. It is the prequel to The Spinster's Secret... moreA tale of forbidden love between a young countess and her servant. Rose, the Countess Malmstoke, is trapped in a violent marriage. Escape seems impossible—until her horse groom Will Fenmore offers to help her. As they plan her escape to the American colonies, Rose learns to trust Will with her life and her heart. Is the future she dreams of possible? The Countess's Groom is a novella of approximately 18,000 words. It is the prequel to The Spinster's Secret. **This is the second edition of The Countess's Groom and contains 3,000 more words than the first edition.** less

A lesson in love… Sir Gareth Locke lost an arm at Waterloo. He’s in love with his new bride—but he’s dreading their wedding night. He knows it will be an ordeal: clumsy, awkward, and mortifying. Cecily Locke knows what to expect in the marriage bed—after all, she’s been married once before. It will be uncomfortable and a little messy, but over quickly enough... moreA lesson in love… Sir Gareth Locke lost an arm at Waterloo. He’s in love with his new bride—but he’s dreading their wedding night. He knows it will be an ordeal: clumsy, awkward, and mortifying. Cecily Locke knows what to expect in the marriage bed—after all, she’s been married once before. It will be uncomfortable and a little messy, but over quickly enough. But Cecily and Gareth are about to have a wedding night that neither of them expects… ** The Baronet's Bride is a novella of approximately 15,000 words. It is the sequel to The Spinster’s Secret. ** less

This spinster is more than she seems… Penniless Matilda Chapple is dependent on the charity of unloving relatives. Determined to earn her financial independence, she writes a series of titillating short stories, purporting to be the confessions of a courtesan. Her secret is safe—until a battle-scarred Waterloo veteran, Edward Kane, agrees to uncover the anonymous author’s identity... moreThis spinster is more than she seems… Penniless Matilda Chapple is dependent on the charity of unloving relatives. Determined to earn her financial independence, she writes a series of titillating short stories, purporting to be the confessions of a courtesan. Her secret is safe—until a battle-scarred Waterloo veteran, Edward Kane, agrees to uncover the anonymous author’s identity. Can Mattie conceal the secret of her scandalous writings, or will Edward discover that the virginal spinster and the risqué authoress are one and the same person? less