I am delighted to share an extract today ~ thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources for organizing.
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Genre: Regency romance
Publication Date: September 20, 2026
Publisher: Boldwood Books
Estimated Word Count: 64.5k
Standalone First Book in The Earl’s Unexpected Wards series
Extract:
A Knight’s Read
This is a perfect extract to introduce James Brotherton, The Earl of Avon. A reader knows exactly who he is and what to expect.
Lord James Brotherton, sixth Earl of Avon, might be considered by some that knew him, not well of course, as arrogant, autocratic, irascible, and unpredictable – certainly not a gentleman with an amiable disposition. And quite definitely not a gentleman one would wish to cross. However, to his small circle of friends this description would not fit the man that they were familiar with.
James, to them, was witty, intelligent, loyal, and kind. He was a gentleman who liked to have his own way and if one did nothing to annoy him then he was a pleasure to be with.
That morning James was sitting at his desk in his booklined study perusing his morning mail. As always, he tossed the correspondence that could be dealt with by his efficient secretary to his right and anything he needed to deal with personally he dropped in front of him.
He broke the seal on the last letter. He scanned the contents with growing disbelief and horror. The missive was from his lawyers in London – avaricious sycophantic bunch of black-garbed scarecrows in his opinion – and this information was three weeks old.
‘God damn it to hell! This is an absolute disaster – God knows where the wretched girls are now having been left to their own devices for weeks.’
He snatched up the nearest object, which happened to be a handsome marble ink stand and hurled it at the portrait of his long deceased father on the other side of the room. Having done this many times before his aim was accurate and true. The ink splattered satisfactorily on the face of the man he still detested. The portrait only remained in place for James to throw things at when he was enraged.
‘Smithers, where the devil are you?’
His secretary appeared immediately unbothered by his employer’s rage – he was used to dealing with such things almost on a daily basis.
‘Yes, my lord, how can I be of assistance?’
James waved the paper at him. ‘Over three weeks ago my cousin, Jonathan Brotherton, died leaving his three daughters in my care. I don’t want to be guardian to them, the last thing I need here is a trio of silly young ladies giggling and simpering all day.’
‘Forgive me for pointing this out, my lord, but this house is big enough for a small army of young ladies to live without you being obliged to see them at all.’
Book blurb:
Bath, 1810.
Lord James Brotherton, the charismatic Earl of Avon, is wealthy, intelligent—and marked for death. His own cousin believes him an imposter and has enlisted corrupt lawyers and treacherous servants to remove him permanently.
Enter Sofia Brotherton.
Unconventional, outspoken, and entirely irresistible, Sofia turns James’s ordered world upside down. He falls for her instantly. She follows a week later.
As danger closes in, their growing attraction becomes both a refuge and a risk. With enemies plotting murder and passions running high, James and Sofia must fight for love—and survival.
A witty, action-packed Regency romance filled with intrigue, danger, and deliciously sensuous tension.
Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/Earlsbride1
Author Bio – Fenella J. Miller is a bestselling historical fiction author, known for her emotionally rich World War II family sagas, sweeping Regency romances, and Jane Austen-inspired variations. With over 100 novels published, she continues to captivate readers who love strong heroines, resilient communities, and heartfelt historical storytelling.
Fenella currently writes for Boldwood Books, where she has launched several beloved WWII series, including:
• The Goodwill House series, beginning with The War Girls at Goodwill House
• The Army Girls series, starting with Army Girls – Reporting for Duty
• The Harbour House series, introduced with Wartime Arrivals at Harbour House
She is also the author of the popular six-book Regency romance series, The Duke’s Alliance, which begins with A Suitable Bride. Her novels are praised for their authentic period detail, compelling characters, and uplifting themes of courage and love during turbulent times.
Born on the Isle of Man to a Yorkshire father and a mother of Anglo-Indian descent, Fenella brings depth and diversity to her storytelling. She previously worked as a nanny, chef, hotelier, and teacher—experiences that inspire her vivid, grounded characters.
Now writing full-time, Fenella lives in a peaceful village in Essex with her British Shorthair cat. She enjoys a close relationship with her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson, and continues to share powerful stories of women facing challenges with strength and hope.
Social Media Links – Fenella J Miller facebook fenellajmiller.co.uk website.
