“Sexy, unusual, and vastly entertaining. The best historical romance I’ve read this year.”~ Anna Campbell, author of the Dashing Widows series“A ridiculously wonderful story!”~ NetGalley reviewerOn her 25th birthday, Charlotte Appleby receives an unusual gift: the ability to change shape. Penniless and orphaned, she sets off for London to make her fortune as a man. But a position as secretary to … fortune as a man. But a position as secretary to Lord Cosgrove proves unexpectedly challenging. Someone is trying to destroy Cosgrove and his life is increasingly in jeopardy.
As Charlotte plunges into London’s backstreets at Cosgrove’s side, hunting his persecutor, she finds herself fighting for her life—and falling in love…
“The best historical romance I have read all year.”
~ Rachel @ Heroes & Heartbreakers
“This is so fun. I want to grab people on the street and make them read it!”
~ Goodreads reviewer
Length: Full-length novel of 94,000 words
Sensuality level: A hot Regency romance with steamy love scenes
Q & A with the author
How would you describe this series?
It’s Regency England with a dash of magic. I hope to take readers on a journey from the glittering ballrooms of the aristocracy to the dark underbelly of Regency England – with passion, danger, adventure, romance, and a little magic thrown into the mix.
Why did you write this series?
I wanted to get my well-bred heroines out of the drawing rooms and put them in the way of adventure and romance. But I didn’t want to write a series where magic is common; I wanted to write a series where only a few characters have magic, and it’s a deep, dark secret, and no one else knows.
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 this series?
This series will appeal to readers who enjoy the historical backdrop of Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen, the emotion of Mary Balogh and Courtney Milan, and the magic of Patricia Rice and Mary Robinette Kowal. Quite a broad range, really!
What order should I read the series in?
Each book, whether a novel or novella, can be read as a standalone, but many readers prefer to read them in order. And although the series is set in Regency England, a quartet of medieval novellas form the prequel.
The ideal reading order would be:
The Fey Quartet (series prequel)
Maythorn’s Wish
Hazel’s Promise
Ivy’s Choice
Larkspur’s Quest
The Baleful Godmother series
Unmasking Miss Appleby
Resisting Miss Merryweather
Trusting Miss Trentham
Claiming Mister Kemp
Ruining Miss Wrotham
Discovering Miss Dalrymple
Plus more interlinked Baleful Godmother series to come.
Happy reading!more
Sexy, unusual, and vastly entertaining. The best historical romance I’ve read this year.
Exhilarating enlightening enthusiastic story!
A little magic. An unusual romance of a not so nice fairy godmother who gives a wish to a young lady for her twenty-fifth birthday. Her wish will give her independence and security. An Earl will play a major part in her wish and change her life, especially if she can figure out who’s trying to ruin his reputation and kill him.
Really liked this historical regency novel. Wasn’t sure about the shapeshifting premise when I read the description but that attribute is what contributed to making this a unique and enjoyable read. Wasn’t familiar with Emily Larkin books before but plan to read more.
What an original story! Mysterious happenings, spying, deceit, murder threats and, if course, romance.
Although I usually steer clear of stories with “magic” I enjoyed this book.
A Wonderful, Delightful & Fascinating Story.
Charlotte & Marcus’s Story was Absolutely Wonderful, Delightful & Fascinating.
I truly couldn’t put the Book down.
It was comical at parts & very interesting to say the least.
An emotional absorbing story. Intricate tale of love and loss and belief in the rainbow. The story has warmth and sensual sincerity. Uncover secrets that will transform the characters for the better. Well detailed and atmospheric. A very engaging enjoyable read.
very good story I loved it
This book was my way into an interesting world. At the time I gave it a chance, I was just reading gay romance books, so I didn’t get the other books, other than the gay one. But when I’m ready I know I will be properly entertained.
I kinda felt like I cheated by reading the ones I did. They seem to happen further into the collective story of all the books. I hate spoilers.
Another reason for my lack of details here is because I read the book(s) a long time ago, and other than a remaining impression and parts of the story, I don’t have anything to tell you. I read it, and I was happy I did. 🙂
I read one of the other books in the series first and enjoyed it so much that I was glad when the first one popped up on special. Our heroine gets the chance of a life-time by being able to change shape, thereby completely changing who she is, thereby completely altering her future. The dialogue, the premise of the series and character’s were pure joy to read. Recommend this series and am enjoying every book individually.
. . . a great read. . .
I enjoyed reading this book. It had an interesting plot and believable characters. Personally,I thought there were too many sex scenes. Other than that, it was well written.
Intriguing complex characters.
I liked this book a lot. It had some magic and had a good plot. A page turner and a happily ever after. Loved the characters and how the author delved into their feelings which was not a simple task.
Enjoyed this whimsical read. Read the prequel stories right away. Loved the folk lore feel and rhythm in all of them. Thank You, Emily Larkin!
Love the magical twist to the story. Very original. Waiting to read more from this author.
I enjoyed greatly. Have read all in series
This book was actually very surprising! Just a little magic added into your usual Lords and Ladies England makes for a cute read. Love the main character, love the little bit of metamorphosis magic, and I was all about the relatively slow burning romance, definitely not an insta-sex scene book, but it got there in the end. Plus a little bit if mystery with a conclusion I didn’t see coming! I think I would read this book a second time.
Enjoyed it very much. Very different.