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The Howertys #3
Winter's Kiss: A Steamy Regency Romance with a Fake Engagement, Hidden Identity, and Slow-Burn Heat
A fake engagement.
A hidden identity.
And a woman who refuses to play by the rules.
Lady Nicola Howerty never expected her first London Season to include threats of blackmail—or a hastily invented fiancé. Cornered by a former childhood friend determined to force her into marriage, Nick names the first man who comes to mind.
Unfortunately, that man is Gabriel Winter.
Known to society for his easy smile and empty-headed charm, Gabriel is hiding far more than he lets on. A former intelligence officer turned discreet investigator, he’s built his life on secrets—and keeping his true self well out of reach. Pretending to be engaged should be simple enough. Until a dangerous truth from his past resurfaces—and the woman posing as his fiancée becomes a liability he cannot afford to risk.
But Nick isn’t interested in pretending. She wants answers. She wants honesty. And she wants Gabriel’s help dismantling the threat hanging over her future. The longer they play at being engaged, the harder it becomes for Gabriel to remember why he shouldn’t give her everything she asks for.
Because this time, the danger isn’t just scandal.
It’s the truth.
A Regency romance of fake engagement, hidden identity, and one kiss with consequences.
A hidden identity.
And a woman who refuses to play by the rules.
Lady Nicola Howerty never expected her first London Season to include threats of blackmail—or a hastily invented fiancé. Cornered by a former childhood friend determined to force her into marriage, Nick names the first man who comes to mind.
Unfortunately, that man is Gabriel Winter.
Known to society for his easy smile and empty-headed charm, Gabriel is hiding far more than he lets on. A former intelligence officer turned discreet investigator, he’s built his life on secrets—and keeping his true self well out of reach. Pretending to be engaged should be simple enough. Until a dangerous truth from his past resurfaces—and the woman posing as his fiancée becomes a liability he cannot afford to risk.
But Nick isn’t interested in pretending. She wants answers. She wants honesty. And she wants Gabriel’s help dismantling the threat hanging over her future. The longer they play at being engaged, the harder it becomes for Gabriel to remember why he shouldn’t give her everything she asks for.
Because this time, the danger isn’t just scandal.
It’s the truth.
A Regency romance of fake engagement, hidden identity, and one kiss with consequences.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 21, 2026
About the author
Emily Morgans
7 books34 followersEmily writes steamy romances. When not smashing her head against the keyboard, she's busy wrangling a tiny tyrant, and pretending the dust bunnies under her bed are pets. One is named Steve.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another masterpiece by Emily Morgans.
Her writing style is unique. She transports you to that era with such skill that you feel like you’re part of the scene she’s describing. She evokes such intense emotions that it’s hard not to laugh out loud or have your heart race wildly along with the protagonists’ adventures.
This book had me laughing until I cried at the unexpected situations the main characters find themselves in, especially when they first meet!
Nick is a strong-willed heroine with insecurities, perhaps because she is the youngest child in a family of four who lost both her parents at a young age. However, as the story unfolds, we come to understand better why she is so insecure and the ways in which she tries to cope with and mask those insecurities. Sometimes through bold actions, unbecoming of a young woman from a good family, and other times through stubbornness, which puts the protagonist in a very difficult position as he tries in vain to remain steadfast and not give in to the attraction he feels.
Gabriel, the protagonist, the son of a wealthy family, is confronted with a reality he has never experienced before. For someone to see him / understand him (almost from their first interaction) for who he truly is—smart, charismatic, generous—and not for the persona he presents to everyone, so that he doesn’t feel the lack of attention and perhaps the contempt from his loved ones, since he is the second son (the substitute).
Unwittingly, they find themselves engaged in a mystery story that skillfully unravels the characters, their weaknesses, and their strengths, forcing them to confront their feelings as they try to solve the riddle of Nick’s blackmail!
Her writing style is unique. She transports you to that era with such skill that you feel like you’re part of the scene she’s describing. She evokes such intense emotions that it’s hard not to laugh out loud or have your heart race wildly along with the protagonists’ adventures.
This book had me laughing until I cried at the unexpected situations the main characters find themselves in, especially when they first meet!
Nick is a strong-willed heroine with insecurities, perhaps because she is the youngest child in a family of four who lost both her parents at a young age. However, as the story unfolds, we come to understand better why she is so insecure and the ways in which she tries to cope with and mask those insecurities. Sometimes through bold actions, unbecoming of a young woman from a good family, and other times through stubbornness, which puts the protagonist in a very difficult position as he tries in vain to remain steadfast and not give in to the attraction he feels.
Gabriel, the protagonist, the son of a wealthy family, is confronted with a reality he has never experienced before. For someone to see him / understand him (almost from their first interaction) for who he truly is—smart, charismatic, generous—and not for the persona he presents to everyone, so that he doesn’t feel the lack of attention and perhaps the contempt from his loved ones, since he is the second son (the substitute).
Unwittingly, they find themselves engaged in a mystery story that skillfully unravels the characters, their weaknesses, and their strengths, forcing them to confront their feelings as they try to solve the riddle of Nick’s blackmail!
July 6, 2026
Emily Morgans, I just love this world you have created around the Howerty Family and was so happy to join them again in this 3rd book.
Our girl Nick is definitely a Howerty at heart and it can be seen in her loving nature, her loyalty to her friends and family (even those who have begun to do some questionable things) and she is VERY strong willed. But even a Strong woman like herself needs some help sometimes and in her case, it comes in the form of blackmail, which leads her to the Rose Agency.
Our hero, Gabriel Winter, has been the "spare" his whole life and has never needed to portray himself as the future lord, so he adopted a "dim" character around the members of the ton that has stuck, even if his rank has now been upgraded to sole heir. But when Nick sees through the façade, and drags him into her dilemma by means of a fake engagement, he will have to partake in a delicate balancing act between the different aspects of his life. He will have to play the part he has created for himself with the added element of being "engaged" to a Howerty, try to assist her with this strange case of blackmail and manage a threat from his past, all whilst resisting the attraction he feels for his fake fiancé.
This book had regency era flare, mystery, romance and a lot of laughter and was very enjoyable!
Our girl Nick is definitely a Howerty at heart and it can be seen in her loving nature, her loyalty to her friends and family (even those who have begun to do some questionable things) and she is VERY strong willed. But even a Strong woman like herself needs some help sometimes and in her case, it comes in the form of blackmail, which leads her to the Rose Agency.
Our hero, Gabriel Winter, has been the "spare" his whole life and has never needed to portray himself as the future lord, so he adopted a "dim" character around the members of the ton that has stuck, even if his rank has now been upgraded to sole heir. But when Nick sees through the façade, and drags him into her dilemma by means of a fake engagement, he will have to partake in a delicate balancing act between the different aspects of his life. He will have to play the part he has created for himself with the added element of being "engaged" to a Howerty, try to assist her with this strange case of blackmail and manage a threat from his past, all whilst resisting the attraction he feels for his fake fiancé.
This book had regency era flare, mystery, romance and a lot of laughter and was very enjoyable!
June 23, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As always, Emily Morgans doesn't disappoint.
Nick and Gabriel's story is definitely my favourite so far. I loved Gabriel as a character, especially as he is a bit of a breath of fresh air from other regency male leads (not being a rake and all). Nick was absolutely the best part of this story. She managed to get on Gabriel's nerves so well. The man was falling heads over heels for her and she was flirting when he didn't want her to be flirting, which made it even funnier.
I love Emily's writing and how easily it makes me feel as if I'm right there watching this story unfold. Honestly, I'll admit I'm kind of new when it comes to Regency novels, and Emily might be setting the bar because I've loved every single one of her books.
So, if you're ready to delve into a Regency Romance with brilliant characters, intriguing plots, and passionate love stories, what are you waiting for? "Winter's Kiss" by Emily Morgans is all you're looking for.
As always, Emily Morgans doesn't disappoint.
Nick and Gabriel's story is definitely my favourite so far. I loved Gabriel as a character, especially as he is a bit of a breath of fresh air from other regency male leads (not being a rake and all). Nick was absolutely the best part of this story. She managed to get on Gabriel's nerves so well. The man was falling heads over heels for her and she was flirting when he didn't want her to be flirting, which made it even funnier.
I love Emily's writing and how easily it makes me feel as if I'm right there watching this story unfold. Honestly, I'll admit I'm kind of new when it comes to Regency novels, and Emily might be setting the bar because I've loved every single one of her books.
So, if you're ready to delve into a Regency Romance with brilliant characters, intriguing plots, and passionate love stories, what are you waiting for? "Winter's Kiss" by Emily Morgans is all you're looking for.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was anticipating book 3 in The Howerty's series. Emily Morgans has a way of transporting you to Regency England with a flick of her pen.
Nicola “Nick” had caught my attention early on, because she was the youngest rebel and somewhat different from her siblings. She needed a partner who could keep up with her shenanigans and sate all the curiosities that pop up randomly in her head.
Enter Gabriel, someone definitely leading a double life, and an exciting one! Leading an investigation bureau, Nick stumbles into his path seeking help with a blackmail case, where a misunderstanding turns into an “oopsie” with a kiss. Mood: set.
Gabriel being the honorable man he is, is very infuriating at times. Especially with how forward Nick is in her pursuit. My reaction? Equally kicking my feet and scowling at Gabriel when reading my Kindle.
I loved all the crumbs laid out for book 4, can’t wait to read Rain’s story.
Nicola “Nick” had caught my attention early on, because she was the youngest rebel and somewhat different from her siblings. She needed a partner who could keep up with her shenanigans and sate all the curiosities that pop up randomly in her head.
Enter Gabriel, someone definitely leading a double life, and an exciting one! Leading an investigation bureau, Nick stumbles into his path seeking help with a blackmail case, where a misunderstanding turns into an “oopsie” with a kiss. Mood: set.
Gabriel being the honorable man he is, is very infuriating at times. Especially with how forward Nick is in her pursuit. My reaction? Equally kicking my feet and scowling at Gabriel when reading my Kindle.
I loved all the crumbs laid out for book 4, can’t wait to read Rain’s story.
July 13, 2026
Nick is delightful! I relate to her impulsiveness and lack of focus, though she still managed to surprise me (like that moment where, when she had no other options for entertainment, she created a tower of books she had been provided for reading and practiced knocking them down). Gabriel is her perfect counterpart, a man who hides too much and (by his own mother's admission) needs someone more forward to draw him out of his shell. The chemistry between them was ridiculously fun, and I also enjoyed the subplot of Gabriel's former spy-life which somehow manages to ensnare them both. Plus, lots of fun references to Nick's older brother Nathaniel (Nick is so frustrated by his short fuse and protectiveness), her older sister Jessica (ok it's mostly Jacob being his belligerent but charming self), and her older sister Rain (I can't wait to read next about whatever is happening with her marriage!)
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC of Winter's Kiss and it completely blew me away. This is easily Emily Morgans’ best book yet. I loved her writing style, the spunky and smart heroine Nick who speaks her mind, and the honorable hero Gabriel who struggles to resist her. Their refreshing honesty cuts through typical Regency miscommunication and angst while keeping the story vibrant and true to the era.
The fake engagement that turns into a forced marriage (with both wanting it to be real) is executed beautifully, with great emotional depth and chemistry. This one left me very excited for the next book. I’m dying to see what happens with Nick’s sister Rain’s marriage!
If you love clever heroines, steadfast heroes, and tropes that evolve from convenience to deep heartfelt romance, this is a must read. Standalone friendly but even better if you’ve met the Howerty family. Highly recommend!
The fake engagement that turns into a forced marriage (with both wanting it to be real) is executed beautifully, with great emotional depth and chemistry. This one left me very excited for the next book. I’m dying to see what happens with Nick’s sister Rain’s marriage!
If you love clever heroines, steadfast heroes, and tropes that evolve from convenience to deep heartfelt romance, this is a must read. Standalone friendly but even better if you’ve met the Howerty family. Highly recommend!
June 17, 2026
i absolutely love emily’s writing style!
her books always keep me hooked from the start, and i feel like i‘m right alongside the characters experiencing every moment. nick and gabriel are definitely one of my favourites - if not *the* favourites - so far.
as always, the setting was perfect and i especially loved nicks teasing throughout the book & the incredible tension between nick & gabriel - and of course the fake engagement trope (i’ve always had a thing for it). it was basically impossible to put the book down, i enjoyed every second :)
(and i can’t wait for rains story!!!)
[i‘ve received an e-arc, this is my honest opinion]
her books always keep me hooked from the start, and i feel like i‘m right alongside the characters experiencing every moment. nick and gabriel are definitely one of my favourites - if not *the* favourites - so far.
as always, the setting was perfect and i especially loved nicks teasing throughout the book & the incredible tension between nick & gabriel - and of course the fake engagement trope (i’ve always had a thing for it). it was basically impossible to put the book down, i enjoyed every second :)
(and i can’t wait for rains story!!!)
[i‘ve received an e-arc, this is my honest opinion]
Review of advance copy received from Author
This story is another fake engagement turns into marriage story. The author does a good job of making you feel you are right there with the characters. The FMC seems to always be getting into scapes due to her curiosity. Now she is being blackmailed. She seeks the MMC out to help her. He plays a charming playboy to cover up his investigations. As they are thrown together their true characters are unearthed. It was a good read.
June 29, 2026
Thank you infinitely to Emily Morgans and her Team for receiving an E-ARC of this novel before publishing day! EM continues to not disappoint me and outdo herself. Nic is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE Howerty and my fave girl ever. I adore everything about her and love how she drives Gabriel insane hello!! As she should. Anyways- no in depth review, just know this is my favorite book of the series and its not even done yet. A must read.
July 15, 2026
I love this book!!!! Gabriel and Nick are such well written characters. Emily Morgans transports you inside the book and it makes you read this book till 3 am !
October 8, 2026
Absolutely fabulous from start to finish! Loved this!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews