Claudia came to me in a dream. She is… not like any other heroine I’ve ever written. Even though I’ve sworn up-and-down that I’d never write contemporary romance (imagine, romance without vampires? What even is that?) she wouldn’t shut up until I told her story.
I wrote her for you. Because the world is scary out there – it feels like we’re on the cusp of empires rising and falling. I know when I’m scared I so often find myself in the pages of a book. Sometimes I even borrow a little strength and a little audacity from the characters I love. I think we all need as much of those as we can get right now.
I’m in awe of the incredible health workers and other essential staff who’ve kept the world running and done their best in an impossible situation. If you’re one of them, there are no words I can say to thank you enough for your contribution.
I’m just a teller of stories. I can’t save lives or keep food on tables or make sure businesses stay afloat. But if I can give you a new world and a new life and a strange mystery to lose yourself in for a few hours, then that’s some small way I can help you survive this wild and crazy world.
Writing My Secret Heart has been a joy and a pleasure, but as always, it takes a village to bring a book to life. I’d like to thank my cantankerous drummer husband, for reading this manuscript and giving me so many ideas to make it better. And for being my lighthouse. And for making me so many bacon butties and keeping the house stocked with chocolate during lockdown.
To Kit, Bri, Elaina, Katya, and the Noodles, for all the writerly encouragement and advice. To Meg and Eveis for the epically helpful editing job, and to CJ for the stunning covers. To Sam and Iris, for the daily Facebook shenanigans that help keep me sane while I spend my days stuck at home covered in cats.
To you, the reader, for going on this journey with me, even though it’s led to some dark places. Warning: if you thought book 2 was tough, book 3 is a doozy. Get it here.
If you’re enjoying Stonehurst Prep and want to read more from me, check out my dark reverse harem bully romance series, Kings of Miskatonic Prep. HP Lovecraft meets Cruel Intentions in this dark paranormal reverse harem bully romance that’s definitely not for the faint of heart. Hazel is the most badass FMC I’ve ever written after Claudia, and I think you’ll love meeting her. Read Shunned now.
You should also check out my other reverse harem academy series, Manderley Academy. Book 1 is Ghosted and it’s a classic gothic tale of ghosts and betrayal, creepy old houses and three beautifully haunted guys with dark secrets. Plus, a kickass curvy heroine. You will LOVE it.
I’ve also got two other reverse harem series. The Nevermore Bookshop Mysteries is what you’d get if you crossed Agatha Christie with Black Books and added a harem of famous literary men. It’s my most popular series to date, and it’s a lot more light-hearted and fun (despite all the murder). Start book 1, A Dead and Stormy Night.
If you want to hang out and talk about all things books, my readers are sharing their theories and discussing spoilers over in my Facebook group, Books That Bite. Come join the fun. And for updates and a free book of cut scenes and bonus stories, you can Join my newsletter here.
I’m so happy you enjoyed this story! I’d love it if you wanted to leave a review on Amazon or Goodreads. It will help other readers to find their next book boyfriend (not Gabriel, though – he’s mine).
Thank you, thank you! I love you heaps! Until next time.
Steff
Find out what happens next in My Broken Crown
I was baptized in bloodshed.
To the bloodshed, I return.
I've ascended my throne. I wear my crown of thorns.
Fancy that? I'm Queen of the August crime family.
I'll rebuild my father's kingdom in blood and ashes.
With my three broken princes at my side.
Eli, Noah, Gabriel.
My golden boy, my dark horse, my rock god.
My family.
They are mine, and I am theirs.
There aren't enough bullets on earth for the retribution I’ll rain down on those who hurt them.