“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
This book started out well, but eventually got boring. I didn’t finish it.
Really enjoyed this read although not the usual romance.
Never imagined a regency fantasy like this. However, character traits of the mains ran true to genre form. Liked it enough to finish it. Plot line intriguing.
Fantasy and Regency romance — and fairy godmothers — aren’t things I often think of all in one book, but this one had it, and Emily Larkin did a great job combining the three. Very well-written!
Very good read at one sitting
Just fun. Different twist on romance.
Loved the story line. First time with this author couldn’t wait to purchase more books. Hated to put it down.
It was funny and surprising.
Good read
Strange premise but story works
Characters are great and well deserved HEA
Cute, awkward,and just a little bit strange.
Good read
Different kind of characters in a traditional type of story.
In this Regency tale a Faerie godmother gives her the ability to change shapes so she becomes a man in order to support her mother and sister. She becomes a secretary for an earl and discovers someone is trying to murder him. This is a terrific story. It rattles along and stays interesting all the way through. It is truly enjoyable and I would recommend it for a great read.
Feel good read
What a unique story, fantasy and Romance. My favorites combined, I couldn’t put it down!
Unusual heroine.