Camille Elliot's Blog
November 5, 2025
She insulted a hat 👒 and ruined her Season
“Cut!” Lissa, one of my characters, shouts and stomps onto the stage.
I stare at her. “I’m not filming a commercial.”
“It doesn’t matter. You’re being boring.”
I shift uncomfortably, because she’s probably right. “Well then, what should I say? I’m writing a blog post for someone who doesn’t know anything about my books.”
“If you start with pleasantries, I will hide your tea,” she threatens. “All of it.”
I gasp in horror. “You wouldn’t!”
“Try me!”
“I was just going to ask readers to subscribe to my newsletter.”
“I shall topple into the shrubbery as I fall dead asleep on my feet.”
“Rude,” I mutter.
“Maybe start with an explosion. Or at least a hideous hat that ruins my reputation forever.”
“Your reputation wasn’t ruined,” I protest. “You were simply unfortunately overheard.”
“As I insulted a hat.”
“Then maybe you shouldn’t insult hats!” I tell her. (However, I admit she is likely right, because it was the same hat Lady Wynwood insulted in The Spinster’s Christmas.)
“I hope you warned them there’s kissing. And crime. And my mother.”
“That last one would scare them away.”
“Well, your books aren’t for faint-hearted misses, are they?”
She has a point.
Anyway—
Let’s try this again.
Hello! I’m Camille Elliot.I invite you to join my reader list so that you can get things like:
✅ exclusive stories
✅ behind-the-scenes secrets
✅ and most importantly…
🎁 A free prequel novella to kick things off!
It’s called Lissa and the Spy, and it’s yours to download right now:
👉 Click here to download Lissa and the Spy
(No spy credentials required. But you might need your email address.)
What’s it about?In her hunt for a husband of convenience, Lissa accidentally runs afoul of a secretive government agent—Lord Jeremy Stoude—who ropes her into his dangerous mission. Cue mistaken identities, societal sabotage, hidden wounds, and ahem, unfortunate bonnet abuse.Here’s a peek inside…⸻
Spring, 1807
London
If only she were allowed to open her mouth.
Lissa reflected that in all fairness, she was not prohibited from opening her mouth. She was allowed to drink champagne and eat the delicacies offered by the host of the ball. She was allowed to discuss the weather, she was sure. And her mother likely wouldn’t be disappointed if she discussed fashion with a young lady or gentleman. She might even be allowed to say something ignorant about Napoleon, as long as she accompanied her words with a smile and a giggle.
But she had been ordered—under threat of being sent back home even in the midst of the Season—to keep her tongue under control while in London. Lissa didn’t think her tongue was particularly out of control. She had perfect control of her words. She had completely meant what she said when she compared Lady Adderly’s hat to a molting chicken.
⸻
Jeremy’s still upset about that. But you don’t have to be.
Meet them both and start the adventure:
Download your free book and keep reading.
October 29, 2025
How to Start the Lady Wynwood’s Spies Series (with Free Prequels & Bonus Extras)
I’m a fan of both Pride and Prejudice and Mission: Impossible, and I loved the idea of noblewomen working as undercover agents, so I wrote this Christian Regency romantic suspense series for readers just like me.
Lady Wynwood’s Spies is a multi-volume adventure filled with faith, suspense, and romance. Unlike many historical romances that stand alone, each volume continues a larger story, pulling you further into the same grand conspiracy.
Along the way, the series draws you deeper into the characters’ struggles and triumphs, giving you a richer, more immersive experience.
If you love stories where you don’t have to say goodbye to the characters after just one book, this series was written for you.
Below is your complete reader guide to the books, prequels, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes extras. Whether you’re just curious or ready to dive in, this roadmap will help you find the perfect place to start.
✨ Lady Wynwood’s Spies Reader Journey RoadmapIt occurred to me that since my series is getting so long, it might be hard to know where to start. So here’s the recommended Reader Journey for my books, and I’ll keep updating the list as I add new bonus material.
At the moment, all my books are exclusive to Amazon in Kindle Unlimited. However, you should be able to read my books through your local library (ebook and paperback)—just use my Library Tip Sheet to request my books from your librarian or your library website.
This prequel novella doesn’t have as much suspense and action as the regular books in the series, but the humor is indicative of what I write. In the case of Lady Wynwood’s Spies, the romance is slow-burn, so each book in the series is not a stand-alone romance, but Lissa and the Spy is a stand-alone romance. If you like this book, there’s a good chance you’ll like the Lady Wynwood’s Spies series.
You can get this ebook free when you join my newsletter, or you can buy the Annotated Edition for only 99 cents on my website.
Each collection has several bonus extras posts about the book.
A NOTE FROM CAMY: The following two books are optional, but some of the events are briefly mentioned in Volume 1: Archer. However, if the storylines don’t appeal to you, you can skip them.
This is a stand-alone romantic suspense with Laura and Sol as minor characters.
The Spinster’s Christmas Collection
This is a prequel novella starring Sol and Laura, who are main characters in the series, and it also introduces Lena, the main heroine for Volume 7: Spinster. It isn’t a romance, just a fun adventure. The ebook is free when you subscribe to my newsletter here.
The Gentleman Thief Collection
Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Volume 1: Archer
As with many of the volumes in the series, this book ends on a little bit of a cliffhanger.
Letter from Phoebe (Secret Correspondence series)
Each collection has several bonus extras posts about the book.
Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Volume 2: Berserker
Volume 2: Berserker Collection
Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Volume 3: Aggressor
Lady Wynwood and the Senhora’s Bargain (Secret Correspondence series)
Michael's Note to His Mother (Secret Correspondence series)
Volume 3: Aggressor Collection
Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Volume 4: Betrayer
Memorandum from Mr. Armstrong (Secret Correspondence series)
Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Volume 5: Prisoner
Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Volume 6: Martyr
This is a limited-availability novelette that is occasionally available to my Patreon once or twice a year. The story is one of Lena’s missions that occurs the year before Volume 1: Archer. Even though it happens earlier, I suggest reading it right before reading Volume 7: Spinster.
Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Volume 7: Spinster
Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Volume 8: Traitor
Zephyra's Diary Entry (Secret Correspondence series)
Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Volume 9: Shelter
Lady Wynwood’s Spies is projected to be a 12-book series (not including the prequels).
If you’ve already started reading the series and want to stay in the loop, I’d love to send you updates about the next book, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes extras just for readers.
Yes! Sign me up for Camy’s newsletter
Waiting for the next book to release? Try this stand-alone Regency romantic suspense novel. It’s book 1 in my Gentlemen Quartet series, which I intend to continue after I finish Lady Wynwood’s Spies. Expect to see some crossover characters!
Still can’t get enough? This is a stand-alone Regency romantic suspense novella. No relation to the Lady Wynwood’s Spies world, but it’s a short, sweetly romantic mystery.
October 2, 2025
If you love Historical Romance with Unexpected Twists
Here are short blurbs about each book in Lady Wynwood’s Spies. For those of you already reading the series, this will be Bonus Content, which I hope you enjoy!
In a whirlwind of conspiracies and secrets, Lady Wynwood's spies navigate the perilous waters of espionage and betrayal, where every ally could be an enemy in disguise, and every heart hides a story untold.
Recovered from her harrowing marriage, Lady Wynwood's peace shatters as a nefarious secret society linked to her past emerges. She seeks the aid of Mr. Sol Drydale, an old friend with ties to a shadowy arm of the government.
They gather a circle of trusted individuals with unique skills:
A botanist with deadly aim with a bow and arrowsAn unconventionally trained female medic and chemist in a field dominated by menA cat burglar who also happens to be a viscount’s sonA spy searching for answers to the mysterious death of his brotherAn ex-soldier haunted by regret and self-loathingA human lie detector desperately protecting lies of her ownThe most covert phantom agent working for the CrownAll led by a nobleman keeping dangerous secrets (who feels like he’s wrangling cats)To protect their loved ones, they must race to stop a treasonous brotherhood, whose dark secrets could turn the tides of the war against Napoleon.
If you haven’t yet, read a sample of Volume 1: Archer in your browser!
Lady Wynwood’s Spies is projected to be a 12-book series (not including the prequels).
If you’ve already started reading the series and want to stay in the loop, I’d love to send you updates about the next book, bonus content, and behind-the-scenes extras just for readers.
Yes! Sign me up for Camy’s newsletterSeptember 11, 2025
Lena’s Diamond Shawl – A Free Knitting Pattern from a Regency Spy Novel
In my book, Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Volume 7: Spinster, my heroine Lena is recovering from sickness and uses her favorite shawl to keep warm.
🧵 Click here to download the FREE PDF of the pattern.
Here’s the short excerpt from the book that mentions the shawl:
📖 Excerpt from Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Volume 7: SpinsterLena still felt a chill as she sat in the sunlight streaming through the window of the Viponds’ drawing room. She was swathed in her favorite lace shawl, a gift from Melinda, who had knit it in Lena’s favorite color, red, along with cream and pink stripes.
Tabitha finished pouring the tea and handed her a cup. Lena tried to smile as she took it, but her face felt stiff, like hardened clay.
She was an utter failure. Despite all her training as an agent, she’d been undone by a malicious woman and a locked balcony in the rain.
Had she given up too quickly? She’d been deterred by the railing, believing it would have broken under her weight. She had also been shivering too much to be certain of her physical prowess if she had tried to climb over the railing and drop to the ground, or to jump to the other balcony. But she’d chosen to wrestle with the door hinges rather than attempt the more dangerous option, and so the cold had seeped into her through the rain, weakening her muscles.
She only barely remembered Mr. Vipond leaping to her balcony in order to wrap her in his coat. She didn’t know how he had managed when the railing had been so unstable, but he had done it somehow.
It made Lena wonder if she should have tried harder to climb over and drop down. Or maybe her chilled hands would have faltered and she would have fallen and broken an ankle.
She sipped her tea. She couldn’t stop thinking about what she should have done so that she wouldn’t have needed to be rescued like the silly heroines in those Gothic novels.
Despite being years younger than Lena, Tabitha regarded her with an “exasperated mother” look. “Your frustration is seeping out of you like a strong smell from a fish.”
Lena eyed her. “Are you implying I smell rotten?”
“Why do you look so upset with yourself?”
Lena sighed and stared into her teacup. “I inconvenienced everyone and needed to be saved. I feel quite mortified.”
“I do not understand why you are blaming yourself rather than that woman.”
Lena could have sworn that sparks flew out of Tabitha’s irritated gaze.
“I confronted her in my anger, but now I feel like a bully that has been thrashed.”
Tabitha glared at Lena. “You are not the bully. If you continue to spout such nonsense, I shall send you back to your bedroom forthwith.”
🧵 Shawl ConstructionI had already picked out this Knit Picks curated bundle of red colorways because they matched Lena’s bold personality, and so I only needed to pick a stitch pattern for her shawl.
I used the Open Diamond pattern #19 from The Lady’s Assistant volume 1 by Jane Gaugain. The original edition was published in 1840, but you can get a free .pdf scan of the 1847 reprint edition here: https://archive.org/details/ladysassistantfo01gaug). The pattern is the same in both the 1840 and 1847 edition, but it is written for working in the round in the 1840 edition while the later reprints have it written for working back and forth on two needles, so I charted the pattern according to the 1847 edition. I also adjusted several of the decreases to give them directionality.
The shawl starts from one corner and increases, then continues for the straight section by increasing on one side while simultaneously decreasing on the other side of every other row. The shawl ends by decreasing on both sides back to a point.
There are five charts and you can adjust the size of the shawl by changing how many times you repeat the increase section of Chart B.
I used US 5 needles with the fingering weight yarn to make a warmer shawl. However, if you wanted a lighter, lacier shawl, I would suggest either lace weight yarn or using fingering weight yarn with US 6 or US 7 needles.
Yarn: Knit Picks Hawthorne Fingering Weight (80% Superwash Fine Highland Wool, 20% Polyamide, 357 yards/100 grams), 1 skein each of Jupiter Speckle (color 1), Hayden (color 2), Picnic Kettle Dye (color 3), Volcano Kettle Dye (color 4), and Hood River Tonal Hand Painted (color 5). (These were colors in the Hawthorne Value Pack - Red Gradient.) I only used a total of 975 yards of yarn (273 grams).
Needles: US 5 (3.75 mm)
Dimensions: 27” x 70” after blocking
Gauge: 4 stitches per inch (18 stitches in 4.5 inches) after blocking in lace pattern
Abbreviations:
k = knit
p = purl
YO = yarn over
k2tog = knit two together
p2tog = purl two together
kfb = knit into the front and back of the same stitch
ssk = slip, slip, knit
A = slip 1, knit two together, pass slipped stitch over
🧶 Pattern InstructionsUsing color 1 (Jupiter Speckle), Work Chart A, the set-up section, once.
Work Chart B, the increase section, three times. (For reference, my entire increase section using color 1 (Jupiter Speckle) was about 200 yards.) Alternately, repeat Chart B until the shawl is the width you’d like.
Switch to color 2 (Hayden) and repeat Chart C, which is for the straight section, twice.
Switch to color 3 (Picnic Kettle Dye) and repeat Chart C twice.
Switch to color 4 (Volcano Kettle Dye) and repeat Chart C twice.
Switch to color 5 (Hood River Tonal Hand Painted) and repeat Chart D three times, until there are 35 stitches on the needle.
Work Chart E once, until the shawl decreases to a point.
Tie off and weave in ends.
Pattern copyright 2025 by Camy Tang
Photography by Tyler Tang
📄 Want a printable version? Click here to download the FREE PDF of Lena’s Shawl.
📚 Where Knitting Meets Regency SuspenseMy stories often include little nods to my love of knitting—like this shawl from Volume 7. If you’d like to start from the beginning and meet the characters (and their cozy accessories), grab Lissa and the Spy, a free prequel novella that’s full of Regency intrigue and heartfelt moments.
About the BookA Christian Regency Romantic Suspense novella in the Lady Wynwood’s Spies series
In the opulent ballrooms of Regency-era London, Miss Lissa Gardinier struggles through her second Season with a singular goal: marriage to escape her mother's constant criticism. So she represses her cheeky remarks behind a quiet, innocent facade, but combined with her plain face, it only serves to make her uninteresting to potential suitors.
It is her very unpopularity that enables her to notice the enigmatic Lord Jeremy Stoude and set in motion a chance encounter. An overheard conversation and faux dialogue later, she finds herself entangled in Jeremy’s covert undertakings. Lissa resists the temptation to pry, finding delight in their mysterious friendship.
Yet the world Jeremy inhabits is one of secrets and subterfuge, and he cannot afford to be distracted by Lissa’s charming smile and unflappable demeanor. Lissa’s family dynamics grow increasingly complicated with a sister harboring her own desires for the eligible Lord Stoude, and a formidable rival—Lady Charline Halberstam—making her intentions clear.
As danger stalks them and true feelings come to light, can Lissa and Jeremy navigate the labyrinth of society’s expectations and their own insecurities to find love?
Lissa and the Spy offers readers an intoxicating blend of romance, suspense, and wit, set against the glittering backdrop of Regency London. Perfect for those who love their historical fiction laced with a dash of intrigue and a sprinkle of humor.
Prequel to the Lady Wynwood’s Spies series
Click here to get Lissa and the Spy FREE!
My Lady Wynwood’s Spies series starts with Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Volume 1: Archer. Read a free extended excerpt here.
July 25, 2025
A Wallflower’s Slip of the Tongue – Free Regency eBook
If you enjoy Regency romance with wit, awkward ballroom encounters, and a heroine who can’t quite keep her thoughts to herself, you’ll love Lissa and the Spy. This free Christian Regency romantic suspense novella is the perfect entry point into my Lady Wynwood’s Spies series. Get it free when you join my newsletter (details below).
Miss Lissa Gardinier survived her last London Season by pretending to be as inoffensive as possible. But at this ball, she lets her true thoughts slip yet again. And this time, they involve an unfortunately named spaniel.
ExcerptLast year during that first dance with Mr. Collingworth, upon seeing him excitedly discuss his dog breeding, she had been encouraged to also speak without restraint. So she had voiced her exact thoughts rather than hiding behind a vapid facade. “Why in the world would you name a dog Lickspittle Furrybottom?”
At Mr. Collingworth’s startled look, Lissa realized that she’d said that out loud now, in this dance with him.
“… Not that it’s not a lovely name,” she added lamely.
Mr. Collingworth didn’t believe her, and his conversation faltered. She regretted that, for she hadn’t intended to be rude to him.
“Er … did I speak of Lickspittle Furrybottom?” he asked.
Lissa did a mental shriek at her mistake. “We spoke briefly about her last year. You were worried about her compatibility with Snout Droolalot.”
About the BookA Christian Regency Romantic Suspense novella in the Lady Wynwood’s Spies seriesIn the opulent ballrooms of Regency-era London, Miss Lissa Gardinier struggles through her second Season with a singular goal: marriage to escape her mother's constant criticism. So she represses her cheeky remarks behind a quiet, innocent facade, but combined with her plain face, it only serves to make her uninteresting to potential suitors.
It is her very unpopularity that enables her to notice the enigmatic Lord Jeremy Stoude and set in motion a chance encounter. An overheard conversation and faux dialogue later, she finds herself entangled in Jeremy’s covert undertakings. Lissa resists the temptation to pry, finding delight in their mysterious friendship.
Yet the world Jeremy inhabits is one of secrets and subterfuge, and he cannot afford to be distracted by Lissa’s charming smile and unflappable demeanor. Lissa’s family dynamics grow increasingly complicated with a sister harboring her own desires for the eligible Lord Stoude, and a formidable rival—Lady Charline Halberstam—making her intentions clear.
As danger stalks them and true feelings come to light, can Lissa and Jeremy navigate the labyrinth of society’s expectations and their own insecurities to find love?
Lissa and the Spy offers readers an intoxicating blend of romance, suspense, and wit, set against the glittering backdrop of Regency London. Perfect for those who love their historical fiction laced with a dash of intrigue and a sprinkle of humor.
Prequel to the Lady Wynwood’s Spies series
This is a stand-alone story that occurs before The Spinster’s Christmas.
Ready to enjoy the full adventure?Download Lissa and the Spy for free when you join my newsletter!
July 9, 2025
What Is a Brutus Cut? A Regency Hair Trend Inspired by Ancient Rome
In this excerpt from Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Volume 8: Traitor, Phoebe prepares for a dangerous mission—one that requires her to disguise herself as a young man. The hairstyle she receives, called a Brutus cut, was actually quite fashionable during the Regency. Read on to find out more about this curious trend and why it suited her new identity so well.
Excerpt from Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Volume 8: Traitor:
By far, the absolute worst part of Uncle Sol’s plan was that Phoebe had to cut her hair.
Of the four agents, Phoebe and Mr. Coulton-Jones would be the least likely to be recognized when they entered the Ramparts building—Mr. Coulton-Jones, because of his skill in altering his facial features and his posture, and Phoebe, because she could play a convincing young man, which no one would expect.
A disreputable hat would hide her long hair to an extent, but it would not fool anyone who looked closely. Also, because she would look like a junior agent, she would be expected to remove her hat if addressed by a senior officer in a corridor. It would be far too easy for a wig to slip in such circumstances.
She gazed mournfully at the locks carpeting the floor underneath her chair as Aya removed them and gave her a fair approximation of a Brutus cut. Phoebe’s skin hadn’t the roughened texture of a common working man, and so it had been decided that she would pose as a young man from a more wealthy background. Aunt Laura had managed to collect several sets of male clothing for her, including an outfit appropriate for the son of a wealthy merchant.
Phoebe used cloth to pad her waist and groin areas, and she looked like a slightly portly young man with spindly arms and legs.
She pictured gentlemen of her age, especially those younger than herself, and recalled the way they stood, the way they walked and carried themselves. She made an effort to alter her gait and posture.
And suddenly, looking back at her from the full-length mirror in Aunt Laura’s bedroom stood an arrogant young stripling just down from university.
But what exactly is a Brutus cut?The Brutus cut was all the rage in the early 1800s, especially in the years following the French Revolution and into the Regency era.
From Roman hero to fashionable haircutThe Brutus cut (sometimes called the Titus cut in French fashion plates) was inspired by ancient Roman statuary, particularly busts of figures like Lucius Junius Brutus, the legendary founder of the Roman Republic. In an era newly obsessed with classical antiquity, it was the ideal hairstyle to show off your noble ideals—short, tousled curls, brushed forward, and decidedly free of powder or wigs.
This was a radical change from earlier Georgian fashion, where men often wore powdered wigs, queues (a braid or ponytail down the back), and elaborately styled hair. The Brutus cut rejected all of that in favor of a more “natural,” even slightly rebellious look.
Think: “I’m a modern Roman senator who just rolled out of bed and crushed a Republic before breakfast.”
What did it look like?Fashion plates from the time show men with short, curly hair that’s been cropped close around the ears and neck, often with the front brushed slightly forward or left tousled. Some plates even show sideburns or a bit of fringe over the forehead.
Here are some examples from fashion plates of the time. This first plate is of Lord Cochrane, published in Ackermann’s Repository in 1809:
Here is a fashion plate of a young man from Ackermann’s Repository published in 1810:
Here are two fashion plates published in 1804 from Journal des Dames et des Modes:
Lastly, here are three fashion plates published in 1810 from Journal des Dames et des Modes:
This haircut was practical, expressive, and—importantly for Phoebe—easy to mimic when disguising oneself as a young man. For a woman cutting off long hair, the Brutus cut offered a believable shape that didn’t require extensive barbering.
Why does my heroine wear it?In Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Volume 8: Traitor, a quick haircut helps Phoebe pass as a male junior agent in a world that doesn’t expect a woman to walk confidently into the heart of a clandestine spy operation.
Because the Brutus cut was popular with young, fashionable men—particularly university students or sons of wealthy merchants—it was the perfect choice for Phoebe’s persona. It allowed her to look like a well-bred (if slightly foppish) young man.
Want to see more Regency-era disguises and espionage?If you enjoyed this peek into Regency fashion and covert hairstyling, you’ll love the full story in Lady Wynwood’s Spies. Start the series in Volume 1, where a misfired arrow reunites Phoebe with a young gentleman who happens to be a spy, and a memory from her past propels her into a mission that could change the fate of England.
📚 Volume 1: Archer is available now, with more volumes in the series unfolding secrets, slow-burn romance, and dangerous plots—all in Regency London.
July 1, 2025
Cover Reveal + New Logo for Year of the Dog, a Mahina Security Novel
What do a dog trainer, a security expert, and a nearly-naked book cover have in common? Let me explain. 😅
Year of the Dog is the first book in my Christian romantic suspense series, Mahina Security, set in beautiful (and sometimes dangerous) Hawaii. It features quirky humor, family tensions, sweet romance, and a mystery involving a missing person—and it’s now available to read in the Christian suspense anthology, Danger in the Shadows, on Kindle Unlimited!
But before that happened, I had a bit of a cover mishap…
While creating the ebook cover, I realized that the original stock photo made my heroine look, well, completely nekkid. 😳 She’s actually wearing a tube top in the image, but when I cropped it for the ebook, the top disappeared—leaving her looking very PG-13.
To fix it, I did some Canva magic on a strappy top from another image and stuck it onto the model (so she’s decent now).
But when I resized the image for the paperback, a bit of that strappy top peeked out behind her shoulder like a rogue piece of laundry flapping in the wind. So I had to adjust the front paperback cover, which altered the original ebook cover a little, too.
Most people probably won't notice, but the model looks a little bigger on the paperback cover than on the original ebook cover.
I also gave the back cover copy a makeover. The original was a bit too long for the layout, so I streamlined it. Here’s a peek at both versions:
🐾 Old Version (Longer)
Mari Mutou, a professional dog trainer, is having a bad year.
While renovating her new dog kenneling and training facility, she needs to move in with her disapproving family, who have always made her feel inadequate—according to them, a job requiring her to be covered in dog hair and slobber is an embarrassment to the family. She convinces her ex-boyfriend to take her dog for a few months … but discovers that his brother is the irate security expert whose car she accidentally rear-ended a few weeks earlier.
Ashwin Keitou has enough problems. His aunt has just shown up on his doorstep, expecting to move in with him, and he can’t say no because he owes her everything—after his mother walked out on them, Aunt Nell took in Ashwin and his brother and raised them in a loving Christian home. What’s more, his brother Dusty also needs a place to stay after being kicked out of his apartment—with a dog in tow. And guess who the dog’s owner is?
But then Ashwin gets a request from an old friend, Edytha Guerrero, a private investigator who also runs a day spa on O’ahu’s north shore. A strange bit of “vandalism” at Mari's facility had led her to find a purse belonging to Edytha’s sister—who had disappeared three years ago. Worried that Mari might be in danger, and finding out that security expert Ashwin already knows her, Edytha asks him to covertly keep an eye on the busy young woman.
Ashwin is reluctantly attracted to the lively, easy-going dog trainer. She reminds him too much of his happy-go-lucky mother, whose betrayal had caused him to keep people at a distance. Mari sees past Ashwin’s cold exterior to a man who is loyal to his family, unlike her own mother and sister, who only criticize her career choice.
In the midst of Mari’s disjointed family and Ashwin’s disruptive home, danger begins to circle around them from people who want the past to remain there. Can they shed light on the secrets moving in the shadows?
🐾 New Version (Shorter, Punchier)
They both have baggage. Only one has a leash.
Mari Mutou, a professional dog trainer, is having a bad year.
While renovating her new kenneling and training facility, she’s forced to move back in with her critical family, who treat her career like an embarrassment. To avoid more conflict, she convinces her ex-boyfriend to watch her dog for a few months … only to discover that the dog’s temporary caretaker is his older brother, Ashwin Keitou—the grumpy security expert whose car she accidentally rear-ended weeks ago.
Ashwin’s life is already overloaded. His beloved but demanding aunt has unexpectedly moved in, his freeloading brother brought along a dog, and now Mari—quirky, kind-hearted, and far too cheerful—keeps showing up in his life. When a private investigator friend asks Ashwin to keep an eye on her after a suspicious break-in at her facility links to a cold missing person case, he reluctantly agrees.
But as they navigate complicated pasts, strained family expectations, and an unexpected attraction, they challenge each other in ways neither anticipated. Mari finds herself deeply touched by Ashwin’s loyalty and faith, seeing a man whose trust in God has carried him through betrayal and loss. And Ashwin sees how Mari’s joyful spirit masks the wounds on her heart and might help him finally face his own scars.
Mari and Ashwin must quickly learn to trust each other when danger begins creeping too close. Some secrets don’t want to be found—and someone will do anything to keep the past buried.
(I totally love the new hook line at the beginning!)
📚 If you’re in the mood for suspense, family drama, and romance wrapped in Hawaiian sunshine and danger, check out Year of the Dog—available in the Danger in the Shadows Christian suspense anthology, on Kindle Unlimited.
June 25, 2025
Regency Romance Freebie: Lissa and the Spy (Lady Wynwood’s Spies Standalone Prequel)
Free Christian Regency Romance Novella – Start Here!A quiet wallflower. A wary spy. A dance of secrets.
Miss Lissa Gardinier may appear unremarkable in the ballrooms of Regency London, but her sharp wit and keen observations make her far more dangerous than society suspects. She’s trying to endure her second Season without offending anyone—again—and escape her mother’s relentless disapproval with a sensible marriage.
But when she crosses paths with the mysterious and guarded Lord Jeremy Stoude, her uneventful Season takes an unexpected turn into whispered secrets, hidden motives, and subtle sparks.
This novella, Lissa and the Spy, is a stand-alone story in the world of my Lady Wynwood’s Spies series and blends romance, suspense, and a dash of dry humor. If you’re new to my stories, this is the perfect place to start.
Here’s a snippet from the opening scene (including my annotations):
***
Spring, 1807
London
If only she were allowed to open her mouth.
Lissa reflected that in all fairness, she was not prohibited from opening her mouth. She was allowed to drink champagne and eat the delicacies offered by the host of the ball. She was allowed to discuss the weather, she was sure. And her mother likely wouldn’t be disappointed if she discussed fashion with a young lady or gentleman. She might even be allowed to say something ignorant about Napoleon, as long as she accompanied her words with a smile and a giggle.
But she had been ordered—under threat of being sent back home even in the midst of the Season—to keep her tongue under control while in London. Lissa didn’t think her tongue was particularly out of control. She had perfect control of her words. She had completely meant what she said when she compared Lady Adderly’s hat to a molting chicken (1).
And to be perfectly honest, she had been extremely polite when she asked Mr. Peterson to take more lessons from his dancing instructor. There was nothing rude about a gentle suggestion such as that, surely? (2)
Because she could have instead told him that he stomped on her foot like a bad-tempered donkey trying to maim its owner. She had exercised an iron grip on her tongue in that instance, and yet her mother had scolded her.
***
(1) This is an Easter egg. Laura, Lady Wynwood, might have also unfavorably described Lady Adderly’s hat in The Spinster’s Christmas
(2) In The Spinster’s Christmas, Aunt Lavinia gossiped about the rector’s wife, Mrs. Peterson, whose husband’s older brother became heir presumptive to an earldom. This poor gentleman with two left feet is Mrs. Peterson’s brother-in-law, but before the events that will lead to his expectations.
***
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June 16, 2025
Early Access to Volume 8: Traitor
I’m so excited to share the cover for Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Volume 8: Traitor ! My amazing graphic designer just finished it, and I’ve been staring at it with hearts in my eyes ever since. 😍
Meet Mr. Benjamin…I got to choose the model for this cover—he’s meant to represent Mr. Benjamin, one of the key characters in this volume. The model’s name is Mathias (isn’t he handsome?!), and here’s the original stock photo I picked:
My designer tilted the image slightly and added a dagger and pistol behind him, both of which I also picked out! She removed the background, edited the weapons, and chose the deep violet background to complement the series’ aesthetic.Here’s a look at all the covers side by side. You can really see how Traitor stands out!
Want Early Access?I’m currently working hard to finish Volume 8: Traitor by July, but it will not release on Amazon until October or November 2025. If you’d like to read chapters early and get a free copy of the ebook months before it releases on Amazon, consider subscribing to my Patreon!Patreon subscribers get:
• 2 chapters of Volume 8: Traitor a week
• Behind-the-scenes updates
• A free ebook of Volume 8: Traitor when it releases
• Access to bonuses like deleted scenes, annotated editions, and book boxes
📌 Click here to check out my Patreon.
Thank you so much for your support and enthusiasm—it keeps me writing (and revising…and rewriting…😅). I can’t wait for you to dive into Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Volume 8: Traitor !
June 6, 2025
Lady Wynwood’s Spies: Volume 8 Progress + Exclusive Excerpt: A Scene in a Regency Gentlemen’s Club
This past week, I made great progress—nearly 10,000 words written! My goal is to finish this historical spy romance by July, although if the story grows (as they often do), I’ll soon be shifting to my next project: Bento and Betrayal, a Christian contemporary romantic suspense novella set in Hawaii for the
Don’t Blink
anthology.In the meantime, dictating while walking has helped me stay productive and inspired. If you love sneak peeks and work-in-progress excerpts, here’s a snippet from what I wrote:
***
Mr. Norton had been at his leisure during those three weeks, spending more time at his club. He was not a gamester, and The Runny Knees was not known for deep play. However, the members were all avid sportsmen and enjoyed hearty physical activity—as well as the inevitable betting that accompanied it. The betting book was larger than White’s but did not bear the unusual wagers that other establishments boasted. Instead, the stakes were placed upon races—horses and boats, mostly, but some footraces as well—games of cricket, and competitions such as shooting, fencing, or boxing.
Norton greeted some gentlemen sitting in chairs around the large front room, who were either reading the papers or arguing over some carriage race or another. They all returned his greeting with friendliness, and several motioned for him to join them, but he politely refused.
If these men knew Norton’s humble origins, none of them would speak to him. While toiling away as a shipping clerk, he would never have guessed that he would one day be a member of an establishment such as this, catering to the wealthy and to the nobility. These men had no need to know that Norton only possessed one of those.
He admitted to himself that it gave him something of a thrill to walk into this club, to chat with these men who had never known hardship in their lives. But it was his job to make himself agreeable and to listen to whatever idle talk they desired to bestow upon him, because it was in those unguarded words that he could understand a man’s true opinions and feelings. It was often surprising, the truths that lurked deep in a man’s soul, which he always strove to keep hidden. But Norton was a master at digging through the dirt and rock to uncover men’s secret thoughts and plans.
He had made his way around the front room of the club, speaking to all his acquaintances—and he had acquired many, by this point—and he was about to settle down to a delicious dinner and a bottle or two of wine when a man seemed to appear out of thin air.
“Norton,” the harsh voice said. The tall, spare man addressed him familiarly, but there was no warmth or cordiality in his grating tones.
Norton liked to play the reckless fool, for it caused men to underestimate him. In actuality, while his actions were usually very daring, most of the time he had already looked at the situation and conjured up a dozen different ways that everything could go wrong, and considered what he might do in response if any of those occurred. So he had accustomed himself to a certain level of preparedness no matter where he found himself, and he did not like being surprised.
But this man, being here and approaching Norton, was not only a surprise, but a nasty one.
“Mr. Antingham,” Norton said carefully. “I was unaware that you were a member of The Runny Knees.”
Mr. Antingham couldn’t quite suppress the curl of his upper lip as Norton mentioned the name of the club. But he attempted to paste a polite smile upon his face as he said, “Yes, I have been a member for many years, although I rarely spend time here.”
Norton gave terse nods to the two men behind Mr. Antingham. “Mr. Maghew, Mr. Golding.” They were both Antingham’s agents at the Ramparts, and Norton had worked with them a few times. However, Mr. Maghew was the same rank as Norton, and they had butted heads more often than not. Norton found the two men to be inflexible, perfectly willing to obey orders blindly instead of considering other consequences. He himself preferred to think more critically in different situations rather than reacting like a mindless slave.
But Mr. Maghew and Mr. Golding were not members of The Runny Knees, as far as he knew, which meant that all three of them were here for Norton.
“What can I do for you, sir?” he reluctantly asked Mr. Antingham.
“I’d like to have a word with you in private, Mr. Norton. Perhaps you would be so good as to come with me?” Mr. Antingham gave a close-lipped smile.
The senior officer had a wide jaw and a wide mouth, so even his stiffest smile often fooled people into thinking that he was more congenial than he actually was. But Norton knew to look at his cold blue eyes instead to gauge his true emotional state. And he didn’t like what he saw there.
Mr. Antingham looked triumphant, the victor collecting his spoils and trampling his enemies. Norton didn’t have to guess whom he considered his enemy.
He didn’t directly report to Mr. Antingham—in fact, he didn’t directly report to any senior officer at the moment, now that he had been removed from under Mr. Uppleby. Since he was currently working under Drydale in his team, Norton could be considered a direct subordinate of Sir Derrick.
But he didn’t fool himself into thinking that Mr. Antingham’s request was anything less than a direct order. And the fact that Mr. Antingham wanted to remove Norton from the very public venue of this club meant that he wasn’t going to like what followed.
But Norton couldn’t refuse, and Mr. Antingham knew that.
***
Haha, I enjoyed naming Norton’s gentlemen’s club, The Runny Knees. 😝
Start the series with Lady Wynwood’s Spies, Volume 1: Archer .
