Happy Monday readers!
Today we are sharing the FIRST author post of 2025! 👏🏼
And not only that…it is the FIRST cover reveal of 2025!! 🙌🏼
And not only that…it is for a brand new author and her debut release with Quills and Quartos! 🎉 🎉 🎉
Please extend a warm welcome to Emilia Stratford who is sharing her cover for Some Particular Evil! 😈
~ From the Author ~
Thanks so much, Meredith, for hosting the cover reveal for Some Particular Evil! I had so much fun creating, outlining, and crafting this murder-mystery-with-a-happily-ever-after that I found it hard to let it go. Thankfully, Quills & Quartos convinced me that it was worth putting out into the world, and they have been amazing to work with.
This story started with a vision of Elizabeth being kidnapped by a bumbling Mr Collins, to be given over to a foreign mercenary. Instead, she is thrown into the arms our own dear Mr Darcy, whose rough-and-tumble appearance and lowborn accent leave him completely unrecognisable. From there, I had to answer the questions: Why is Darcy on the run? Why would Collins kidnap Elizabeth? Who is behind it all?
Unfortunately, as those questions found answers and the story took shape, my beloved, misunderstood fist-for-hire did not make it into the narrative. Nor did Elizabeth’s kidnapping or Mr Collins’s being quite so horrible. Darcy’s fugitive status and rowdy disguise, however, stayed the course.
What eventually materialised was a double mystery that surprised even me as the layers peeled back to reveal long-buried family secrets, the reasons behind Darcy’s deeply entrenched mistrust, injustices to be reconciled, and a bond of love so strong, no dagger could sever it. As we watch Darcy and Elizabeth grow to know, love, and protect one another, our exploration into the minds and hearts of those around them serves to prove Darcy’s claim:
“There is, I believe, in every disposition a tendency to some particular evil…”
~ Book Description ~
There is, I believe, in every disposition a tendency to some particular evil.
FITZWILLIAM DARCY WOULD HAVE NEVER IMAGINED the depravity dwelling in the hearts of those he thought he knew best. On the run from hired killers, he is forced into hiding in the mean streets of London with the only person he can trust being Elizabeth Bennet.
LEFT BEHIND IN KENT, Elizabeth Bennet is still reeling from Darcy’s presumptuous marriage proposal when she discovers the plot to kill him. Leaping to the gentleman’s aid, she helps him go into hiding and then sets about trying to learn what she can of the plot against him—all of which reveals, gradually, new insights into Darcy’s true character.
FALLING INTO A CLANDESTINE CORRESPONDENCE, she and Darcy share pieces of their hearts and together discover family secrets that could shake the very foundations of Darcy’s being—and put Elizabeth in mortal danger. Afforded a second chance at the sweetness of love amid the foulness of evil, will their romance prevail?
SOME PARTICULAR EVIL is a closed-door, second chance, enemies-to-lovers regency romance with a mysterious twist.
~ Excerpt from Some Particular Evil ~
Standing in the corridor, haloed by candles too bright for Darcy’s sleepy eyes, Fitzwilliam shifted on his feet and hesitantly looked up to meet his gaze. Something was terribly wrong. Fitzwilliam was always the picture of composure, much as Darcy strove to be, but now appeared anxious, unwilling to voice the words he had presumably come to speak. Darcy waited.
“There is a man here, a constable.”
“What has happened?” Darcy asked, now fully awake and immediately cataloguing what kind of disaster or villainy could have occurred while he was secreted in the study.
“He wishes to see you, Darcy,” the colonel croaked. “He says he has a warrant for your arrest.”
Still disoriented from his sudden awakening, Darcy wondered if he had heard his cousin correctly. “I beg your pardon?”
“There is a constable here. He says he has come from London with a warrant for your arrest,” Fitzwilliam repeated with marginally more ease than the first time.
“If this is a joke, it is not amusing,” Darcy said. He was hesitant to believe his cousin, whose sense of humour was so far removed from Darcy’s own that it sometimes bordered on the morbid, but the colonel’s countenance was grave. He did not need to answer; this was no joke.
“Where is he?” Darcy asked, tugging on the hem of his coat and readying himself to meet whatever ridiculous accusations this man would lay at his feet. He had never done anything that even bordered upon illegal. He paid his taxes to the last farthing. He treated all around him with respect, never exploiting or defrauding others. He had never even gone into the seedy establishments where men’s vices, legal and otherwise, were catered to. Fitzwilliam Darcy was an upstanding citizen, loyal to King and Country. This was clearly a misunderstanding.
“He is in the drawing room, and he has got a rather brawny fellow with him.”
Darcy motioned for Fitzwilliam to lead the way, darting a glance towards a still-hidden Elizabeth before exiting the room. He walked with determined steps, intrigued but not deeply concerned about the matter which would be brought forth. Then Fitzwilliam halted, turned about, and gazed at Darcy’s face with eyes that bore into him, causing Darcy the first twinges of worry.
“This is serious, Darcy. He is talking about treason,” he confided in almost inaudible tones.
“Treason!” Darcy hissed back at him. “I would never!” The walls began closing in around him, and the only thing keeping him upright was his indignation at such an accusation.
“He says he has witnesses. Rock solid evidence,” Fitzwilliam said, speaking fast and darting his eyes towards the hall they were about to enter. “Do you think, perhaps, you should run?”
“Run? I have done nothing wrong!” Darcy said, unable to believe what he was hearing. “Besides, running would only make me look guilty. I shall do no such thing.” With that, he motioned once again for Fitzwilliam to precede him, and he entered the drawing room hard on his cousin’s hesitant heels.
Before he had greeted his aunt and cousin, or even fully entered the room, the stocky, balding gentleman before him began reading aloud, “Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy of Berkeley Square London, you are under arrest on the charge of treason. On the eve of November 16, in the year of our Lord 1811, you, Fitzwilliam Darcy, were heard by members of His Majesty’s militia in the county of Hertfordshire making threats against, and offering to compensate persons for the assassination of the Prince Regent. You are to be remanded to Newgate Prison this night, until such time that you might answer for these charges in a court of law.”
“Threats against the Prince Regent? This is ludicrous!” Darcy began in his defence. “I have no reason to wish the Regent ill!”
“I am sure you do not, sir,” the constable said drily, before adding, “You shall have a chance to make your denials before the judge, Mr Darcy.”
“And I am to be taken to Newgate? Tonight?” Darcy asked, breathlessly.
“Do you know who this man is, sir?” Lady Catherine interjected. “This is the nephew of the Earl of Matlock. You cannot simply enter my home and drag him away in chains!”
“No chains, my lady. And I’d rather not drag him away. I’d rather he come willingly,” the man told her, unmoved by Lady Catherine’s outburst.
“May I have a moment to gather my things?” Darcy asked.
“Aye, but I must accompany you,” the constable told him.
“I shall accompany him,” Fitzwilliam cut in. “Lady Catherine will not wish to have a stranger wandering through the family wing. I am a colonel in His Majesty’s army; I have proved my loyalty to the Crown. You may trust me to return him to you forthwith.”
The man bowed, then smoothed his greasy hair across his head and over the bare patch in the middle. “We depart in a quarter of an hour.”
And without further ado….here is the big reveal!!!
(expected release date: February 3rd)
Intriguing yet somber. Very matching in tone to what we know about this story so far. 😯
I love the close-up and fine detail of this gentleman’s attire – the cravat knot, the pin, the fob. 🎩
A murder plot? Treason accusations? Dark family secrets? Such evilness indeed! 😈
Looks like Darcy is needing some rescue and assistance! I can’t wait to see Elizabeth’s reactions to all this intrigue! 🫢
What do you think, friends? 🤔
~~~
GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
The lovely people at Quills and Quartos are offering 3️⃣ ebook copies of Some Particular Evil to 3️⃣ lucky readers who comment on today’s post!
To enter this giveaway leave a question, comment, or some love for Emilia below.
- This giveaway is open worldwide. Thank you, Quills and Quartos!
- This giveaway ends January 31st.
You can preorder Some Particular Evil now!
My sincere gratitude to Emilia and the wonderful people at Quills and Quartos for putting this special post together!
Congratulations! I look forward to reading your new book!!! This cover is intriguing and quite handsome.
Wow! That is quite a plot. I had no idea this book was coming. I look forward to reading it!
This looks incredibly intriguing. So looking forward to its release.
Love the excerpts…. A must try
Looks very interesting. Can’t wait to read it when released.
This looks like it’s going to be an awesome story!
I am so eager to get this. Please don’t enter me since I pre-ordered. Congratulations on your release. This sounds so exciting!
Excellent! I love an off-canon plot and am so looking forward to reading your book! Congratulations!
I have read what Elizabeth overheard and am so very excited to be in the running for a free copy!!! I hope I am selected
Did the colonel just get himself in trouble by stating he would return Darcy to them? The whole story sounds intriguing. Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
Ooohhh the first of 2025! Exciting
Congratulations! Sounds like an exciting story to boot!! Very snazzy cover.
Thank you so much Meredith. It was such a privilege to be featured on your amazing blog. I hope you love reading this book as much as I loved writing it!
This snippet was brilliant, and now I can’t wait to read the published book. February 3rd can’t come soon enough.
This sounds great! Can’t wait to read it!
Wow, certainly a different plot for a JAFF! I read a lot of cozy mysteries, too, so I love a good “whodunit”.
It sounds like a nail biter, can’t wait! 😉
OMG! I’ve just read the excerpt on Q&Q and OMG! I hope Elizabeth can help him here. This sounds very angsty, I’m not a fan of angst but I really must read this one.
Look forward to reading!
I’m really looking forward to this story! I will keep my fingers crossed for the giveaway. Great cover!
Congratulations on publishing your first novel! It sounds awesome, and the cover is beautiful. I’m looking forward to reading it.
The excerpt certainly has me intrigued. Who would accuse Darcy of treason? Who are those he cannot trust and what do they want: Wickham? Lady Catherine? Others? I look forward to reading this mystery. Congratulations on publishing your first story!
This was very intriguing! I would love to read it all!
What a great intro here and at Q & Q – a must read for me.
This definitely sounds like one I will enjoy. Checking it out.
This sounds riveting and I can’t wait to read it! The thing that stands the most out to me about the cover is how “evil” is presented. The font and color is so elegant and lovely, which is very deceptive – much like whoever is behind this plot against Darcy. Love it!
I love the except! Now I’m frustrated because I have to wait for February 3. Nice premise for your story and looking forward to finding out Darcy’s enemy and resolution.
Congratulations on your new novel and WOW this definitely sounds like something I want to read ASAP!!! I love the notes of intrigue and adventure!
Congratulations on your first published novel! I love the premise and would definitely love to read it. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
Congratulations! I bet the plot is romantic and suspenseful! Can’t wait to read it!
So excited! It sounds like an interesting ride.
This seems like such an exciting story, and quite an accomplishment for a first time author! The cover is beautiful, such wonderful detail. I hope I am one of the winners, because I would just love to cuddle up with a blanket and this story this winter
You had me at “double mystery” and “layers peeled back”. Very descriptive and phrased perfectly. Then when I read the book description and excerpt – wow. I like mysteries as well as austenesque (lower angst usually) and so your first novel sounds perfect. I’d love to win it but if that doesn’t happen I’ll have to order it.
CONGRATULATIONS on your book!! I just red the additional excerpt on the Q&Q newsletter and this is one I can’t wait to read!!!!
My goodness. Most intriguing. I am agog to read it.
Such an intriguing excerpt! However, after looking at the cover all of my other questions are pushed aside by the observation of the ring on his middle finger. Why is it on that finger? I am used to depictions of signet rings on pinky fingers. This ring does not look like a signet, and is on the wrong finger! Why? I look forward to reading the book!
What a wonderful cover, I’m so looking forward ot reading this book!
An interesting intrigue, I would love to get my hands on this story!
I was recently mentioning to others how much I enjoyed mysteries set in Jane Austen’s novels. Yay! Read the blurb, excerpt, and author note and now can’t way.
But, oh… such a handsome cover!
My first response to the cover was…”love the cravat, the stickpin, ring and fob!” Then I scrolled down and saw Meredith’s response. Very similar. I think I could read this just for the cover, but will also read it for the story and mystery. Looking forward to it!
Congratulations on publishing this book! So looking forward to reading it! Huzzah!
I agree with Meredith’s thoughts on the cover. You can even see the details in the shirt material. I love mysteries, and I am so looking forward to reading this book. I can’t begin to imagine Darcy living on the streets of London. Who could be after him?
This book sounds amazing.
I read the above excerpt with the excerpt on the Q&Q newsletter, and wow, I cannot wait to read this! Thank you for the excerpts and giveaway. Congrats and best wishes on the new release!
This sounds like a fun read! Your cover is perfect – enticing with just a hint of mystery.
Gorgeous cover, and a very intriguing storyline. I can’t wait to read it!
What an intriguing cover picture, love those lips, so kissable!!! Can’t wait to read the book.
Sounds intriguing! Story sounds good! Love the cover! I do not have Facebook so you will have to email me if I win!
A classic thriller set in Regency times, perhaps, with ODC at the center of things? Mark this as a **MUST READ**!!
How intriguing! I am sure that Darcy has not been making threats against the Prince Regent! I wonder how this came about, and how Darcy will get out of it. I’m looking forward to reading this one!
What a gorgeous cover, and what an intriguing and tantalizing idea for a story. I can’t wait to read it.
I look forward to this book. The plot is very intriguing.
Wonderful! Looking forward to reading this one. Count me in and best wishes!
A mystery, ODC working together, nefarious characters. I can’t wait to read it.
Such a great premise. Love that Darcy is in hiding with Elizabeth aiding him. Sounds like a great book!
Welcome! I’m hooked.
The teasers set the hook; you have reeled me in.
I will surely read it, though I must laugh how your Darcy, as often happens, has been written as oblivious to any but his own feelings, particularly re: Elizabeth. It is such a handicap for the young man to start with.
Wow! I don’t think I’ve read a P & P variation along these lines! It sounds exiting, and I am ready to start reading. Congratulations on your new release!
I love what I’ve seen so far in the description & excerpts.
Hi Emilia,
Glad to know you and congrats on your debut 😉
I like the idea of Elizabeth and Darcy sharing secret correspondence in order to find the plot to kill him and I wonder too, about, Mr Collins´role in this betrayal… maybe Lady Catherine moves the puppets because Collins always does whatever she wants but… we´ll see.
Thanks for the chance to win a copy 😉
Looking good. Can’t wait to read it.
I am intrigued! Looking forward to another great JAFF story!
Ooooo, can’t wait to read it!
I can’t wait to read this!!!! As a childhood friend of the author, I am so very excited to see her imagination in this story! Savithis for my next vacation read!
Congratulations my friend. I love the cover. I can’t wait to read it.
Can’t WAIT to read this! Good luck!!
I can’t wait to read this!
Wow this sounds so great. I love suspense, mystery and intrigue. I recently read Heather Mol’s Rising Courage, and I loved the suspense. Congratulations on this release and thanks for the excerpt. The cover art is so good. –Leslie
Whew! That’s some story, to paraphrase Charlotte’s praise of Wilbur. There’s a reason there are so many people expressing a positive interest.
Iook forward to reading it.
Treason?? Can’t wait to read it!
What a great beginning! I am intrigued and eager to read it all. I really enjoy stories that stray from the more usual retelling of the cannon with modified dtorylines. I also love the cover — a glimpse of a man of mystery!
Congratulations on the upcoming of your debut release, Emilia. The cover is stunning and I presume it depicts Darcy. Could it be that the treason charge is a lie orchestrated by Wickham? If it is, that man is pure evil.