My new book, “Duchess Out of Nowhere,” made it into the Amazon Top 1000 and reached #1 in Victorian Historical Romance on Amazon.
I keep refreshing the page because I can hardly believe my eyes, but it still says the same thing. I’ve already sent the screenshot to my husband and my best friend. I won’t even pretend I played it cool and didn’t do a full-on happy dance!
As surreal as this feels, success like this never happens alone. Without you, without your reviews, none of this would have been possible.
Thank you. From the bottom of my ridiculous, romance-obsessed heart!
With love and disbelief, Emmi
P.S. If you haven’t met Henrietta and her Nightmare Duke yet: Duchess Out Of Nowhere. She would be delighted to meet you. He’d pretend not to care, but he absolutely would.
I am so proud, happy, and relieved that everything went smoothly with the release, and you can read the book if you haven’t already.
Usually at this point, I tell you what the book is about.
Today, that’s particularly difficult for me because I just want to talk to you about the Duke of Blackburrow. About why he’s the Duke I unconditionally love, and most of all, I want to discuss the ending with you. I want to know if you liked it, if you swooned as much as I did, and what you think about it overall. I want to tell you how much courage it took me to write the ending the way it is and why it had to be that way.
Unfortunately, as obvious reasons, that’s not possible right now, or it would be a major spoiler.
sigh
So, what’s “Duchess Out Of Nowhere” about?
Henrietta Bellinger receives an invitation to her friend’s wedding. She travels to the deepest moors of Yorkshire, to the estate of the man she despises deeply. Unfortunately, she won’t be able to avoid him entirely because Richard Montgomery, the Duke of Blackburrow, is the older brother of the groom.
But when Henrietta arrives, there’s no sign of the bridal couple. All she finds is the wedding gown, lonely and abandoned on the bed.
Henrietta can’t resist. Before she knows it, she’s slipped into the precious gown… and is caught red-handed.
By the Nightmare Duke himself.
It’s not just embarrassing.
It’s a catastrophe of epic proportions.
But it gets worse. The Duke finds himself in an uncomfortable situation. Blackburrow Hall is full of high-born guests, and if there’s one thing he can’t stand, it’s a stain on the family honour.
Without further ado, the sinister Duke demands that Henrietta walk to the altar with him, in place of the runaway couple…
Guess how long it takes before London’s coldest Duke has a wife.
And how much longer before he regrets underestimating her.
In “Duchess Out Of Nowhere,” you get a Regency romantic comedy with everything you could want: two strong characters engaging in fiery verbal battles, lots of wit, the dark charm of a grumpy Duke, and of course, plenty of romance and a good dose of passion.
And now, please, everyone read the book so you can tell me how you find the ENDING. maniacal giggling
This Tuesday, Miss Henrietta Bellinger takes centre stage. Or rather, she enters her friend’s bedchamber and finds a wedding gown lying lonely and abandoned on the bed.
The bride has fled. The groom has vanished.
It seems a pity to leave such silk and lace unattended.
One cannot be expected to ignore it entirely, of course.
And perhaps to try it on.
For a moment. A very small moment.
So she slips into silk and lace and turns toward the mirror for one indulgent look.
A mistake.
He stands in the doorway, watching.
The Nightmare Duke.
Also known as the Duke of Blackburrow.
The very man Henrietta despises has just found in her the perfect solution to a scandal.
There will be a wedding.
And he will make the wallflower his Duchess.
No one is more surprised than Henrietta herself when she accepts his grumpy, matter-of-fact, and decidedly unromantic proposal (which scarcely qualifies as a proposal at all).
But a ruined lady with neither fortune nor prospects cannot afford to be particular.
And when, half an hour later, she is the Duchess of Blackburrow, she has only one thing left to make clear to her gloomy new husband.
She cannot have children.
Which is rather unfortunate, since the duke seems determined to try every single night.
Is it really only three days until the book is released? I think I need to distract myself so I don’t get too nervous. I’d better continue writing the next story right away. It’s about a certain lady who enlists the help of a grumpy duke to… but I’ll tell you another time. giggle
My new book tells the story of the penniless Miss Henrietta Ballinger. She has travelled deep into the Yorkshire moors to attend the wedding of her dear friend.
Yet upon her arrival, there is no sign of the bride anywhere.
When Henrietta enters the bedchamber of her eloped friend, she discovers something left behind.
A bridal gown, abandoned on the bed.
What would you have done in her place? Would you, too, have given in to temptation and slipped into that beautiful dress?
Unfortunately, she’s discovered by the last man she ever wished to see her in it.
The Duke of Blackburrow, a man she thoroughly detests.
To him, the solution is obvious.
A scandal must be avoided. A wedding must take place. And if the original bride has fled, then Henrietta will do very nicely indeed.
No one is more shocked than Henrietta herself when she accepts his gruff, practical, and decidedly unromantic proposal (if it can even be called that). But as a ruined young woman without fortune, she has little choice. Less than half an hour later, she is the Duchess of Blackburrow and married to a man who is as grim as he is determined.
There’s only one thing she must make very clear to her dark and irritable husband: She cannot give him children, not now, not ever, even if he insists on visiting her bedchamber every night. Yes, every single night…
Is it truly still three months until publication? April 28 feels an age away. I fear I must distract myself, or my impatience may get the better of me. giggle
Here at home everything still smells of vanilla, sugar, and marzipan. But now the moment has come when we can all take a breath. We can hang up the apron, put our feet up, and eat the cookies (if there are any left). I love the time between Christmas and New Year’s Eve almost more than Christmas itself.
The house is quiet, and so are the streets. It’s just the right time to take some time for yourself.
Trude loves my Christmas Grinch slippers and thinks they’re toys.
Santa Claus makes sure I don’t eat too many cookies at once.
Here’s my recipe for “Nussecken,” my family’s beloved German hazelnut triangles. The name simply means nut corners.
300 g flour plus a little extra for rolling 300 g sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla sugar 2 eggs 300 g butter 200 g ground hazelnuts 100 g chopped hazelnuts, or the other way around, depending on how crunchy you want them 1 jar of jam, traditionally apricot or peach, though orange is also incredible 200 g couverture chocolate, dark or milk
Knead the flour with 150 g sugar, the eggs, vanilla sugar, and 200 g butter until the dough is smooth. Shape it into a ball, flatten it slightly, cover it, and chill for 30 minutes.
Melt the remaining butter, 100 g, with the remaining sugar, 150 g, in a pot on the stove. Stir well, then add both the ground and chopped hazelnuts. The mixture should be smooth but firm and should not fall off the spoon. Let it cool a bit.
Preheat the oven to 175 degrees or 160 degrees fan.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface, or directly on the baking paper, into a rectangle about 30 by 30 centimeters.
Warm the jam briefly on the stove until spreadable, then spread it over the dough.
Spread the nut mixture on top.
Bake for about 30 minutes.
Let the baked sheet cool slightly, then cut it into strips, then squares, then into triangles. Let everything cool completely.
Once the cookies are cold, melt the chocolate over a water bath, making sure the water does not boil, and dip the corners or one side of each triangle. Let them cool again.
Stored in a tin, they keep for about four weeks.
I always make a double batch because they are the family favorite and disappear faster than you can blink.
I’m thrilled to share some exciting news: “Seven Days a Duchess” is available in audio, and it’s now live on all major platforms worldwide.
And oh my goodness, what an experience it was to hear it brought to life. Justine Eyre and Alex Wyndham perform it in duet, and listening to the two of them together gave me goosebumps.
Alex is the Duke: stern, dry, a little arrogant in all the best ways. I laughed out loud more than once, and yes, I replayed a few lines five times because they were that good.
And then there’s Justine. Having her back on one of my books after all these years was such a treat. She’s spectacular, as always. Her Aunt Brunhild (with her German accent) completely stole my heart. Grumpy, funny, and perfectly balanced. You’ll love her.
So if you love audiobooks, or if you just want to experience the Duke and Marian in a new way, this is the moment.
Seven Days a Duchess” is here, in audio!
You can find it right now on Audible, Apple, Kobo, Google Play, and just about everywhere else.
Here’s the link to Audible: Click here to listen now. (paid link) If you use Whispersync, you can switch between the ebook and the audiobook without losing your place, which makes the whole experience even smoother. And if you already own the ebook, the audio price is often reduced on Amazon and Audible, which is a nice little bonus.
The curtain opens, and the Duchess takes the stage. My new Regency romance “Seven Days a Duchess” is now live.
The supposedly dead Duke of Comerford requires a wife. And quickly.
By tomorrow noon, to be precise.
Blame it on his father’s ridiculous will. A Duchess is required before the estates can pass into his hands.
Miss Marian has only come to plead with the surly Duke for an extension on her father’s mountainous debts. Perfect for him. If she becomes his Duchess, he’ll happily annul her father’s promissory note.
What he doesn’t know is that she has loathed him since childhood – and that she has no intention of enduring the role of Duchess for more than seven days – precisely the time she needs to put her escape plan into action.
The Duke may be a monster, but he is a man of his word. He is determined to visit her bedchamber, night after night… until she provides him with a son and heir.
And for all audiobook lovers: “Seven Days A Duchess” is already available on many major retailers, including Audible.
With Seven Days a Duchess you’ll get a romantic Regency romantic comedy, along with plenty of crackling chemistry and passion between the Duke and his Duchess. Expect to smile often. And to wipe a little sweat from your brow now and then, because things get seriously hot…
Only seven days to go until “Seven Days A Duchess” is released.
As always, I’m nervous and fidgety, but thanks to your reactions and your wonderful feedback, I’m a little calmer than usual before a release.
The first reviews of this very long book have already come in, and they are absolutely heart-warming. I had tears in my eyes more than once (or twice… or three, four times), and just as often my feet itched to break into a happy dance.
Today, however, it’s not about what happens in the story, but about my seven favourite characters that I’d like to introduce to you.
Morgan Beauchamp, Duke of Comerford The Duke. Need I say more? He’s taciturn. Gruff. Grumpy. A man of action. Breathtakingly handsome. Strong as seven men and… no, forgive me. I got carried away, as I always do when it comes to him. Something you’ll soon get to experience for yourself delighted giggle. First line in the book: “What are you doing on my land, girl?”
Miss Marian Holloway She’s a true optimist and sees the good in everyone (except, of course, in the dreadful Monster Duke). She’s talkative… I mean, eloquent, quick-witted – very much so, otherwise she’d never have come up with the brilliant idea of how to escape the Duke’s clutches after seven days. First line in the book: “For you, still Miss Holloway!”
Countess Brunhild Sachsen-Coburg-Saalfeld (Aunt Brunhild) The Duke’s German aunt always looks as though she’s been caught in seven days of rain, unless the subject is her beloved Ludwig, the fat pug. Some (namely the Duke) would call her spiteful. Others (namely herself) think she’s simply a misunderstood woman who speaks nothing but the truth. First line in the book: “I… I… Morgan, my boy, you’re alive!”
Mr. Edward St Aubyn (Eddie) Marian’s best friend is an incurable romantic who firmly believes in the power of love. He’d happily pack up his things and move to Paris. First line in the book: “Are you sure the Duke is even at home?”
Sir Osmond For Marian’s father, everyday life is a book with seven seals. He owns the house called “Safe Harbour.” He has no idea that his beloved daughter will settle his debts by marrying the odious Duke of Comerford. First line in the book: “Make sure you bring my child home before nightfall, do you hear?”
The Commodore (a cheeky parrot) He is utterly convinced he has sailed the seven seas and speaks exactly as he pleases. First line in the book: “Handsome fellow! Real heartthrob!”
Mrs. North The captain’s widow lives with Sir Osmond and Miss Marian in “Safe Harbour.” She dreams of soaring higher than cloud nine one day. First line in the book: “Good morning, dear.”
The official launch of my Twelve O’Clock in London series is just around the corner. “Seven Days Duchess” is set to be released on November 18th and takes place in House Number 7 at the distinguished St James’s Square, a location you may already know from my other books.
Let me give you a quick glimpse of the story.
Morgan Beauchamp, the Duke of Comerford, returns to London after two years away to take up his rightful place in society following his father’s death. But instead of order and stability, he is faced with the utterly absurd terms of the late Duke’s will. Morgan must be married within twenty-four hours and produce an heir within a year, or else every penny and all personal possessions will pass to – ta-da-da-daaaah – his cantankerous German aunt, Brunhild.
A duchess is needed. Quickly.
And that’s when the real fun starts.
When Miss Marian Holloway appears on his doorstep begging for more time to settle her family’s debts, the Duke doesn’t hesitate. He is more than willing to show mercy, provided Miss Holloway marries him tomorrow.
But Marian is not the sort of woman to meekly accept the role of an arrogant Duke’s obedient bride. She is talkative, clever, quick-witted – enough so to come up with a glorious plan to escape the Duke’s clutches after seven days.
Yet in seven days (and seven nights, oh, those nights!) a great deal can happen.
Release date: November 18th 2025.
“Seven Days a Duchess” (Amazon paid link) is a slow-burn Regency romantic comedy with explicit scenes. It is a complete standalone with a guaranteed happy ending.
TROPES:
Marriage of Convenience Grumpy/Sunshine Dynamic Smart Heroine “Deal with the Devil” Tall Dark and Intimidating Beauty and the Beast Vibes Forced Proximity (for at least seven scorching nights) Consummation Clause Heir Pressure Steamy Historical Romance
The wait is finally over: the audiobook for “Marchioness Overnight” is now live on Audible.
I had the huge honor, and even bigger joy, of working with Tim Campbell and Carolyn Morris to bring this Regency romance to life in DUET, and they’re every bit as brilliant as you’d hope. Tim, as the Marquess of Winchester, growls, rumbles, whispers, and seduces like no one else. Carolyn Morris gives Honor exactly the right spark: a little defiant, a little besotted, and completely irresistible.
Together, they made the banter so sharp and sizzling I nearly dropped my own book. I laughed out loud (yes, at my own jokes), fanned myself, and had to grab for smelling salts more than once. My advice: have a cold drink, a fan, and perhaps a handkerchief at hand before pressing play.
“Marchioness Overnight” is now available everywhere audiobooks are sold. You can find it on Audible here (paid link).
