Picture a New Zealand storyteller who spun Regency romance with a magical twist—meet Emily Larkin! A USA Today bestselling author, Larkin crafts historical romances and fantasy novels that whisk readers to enchanting worlds of love, adventure, and whimsy. From her globe-trotting days to her award-winning Baleful Godmother series, her stories captivate with their blend of heart, humor, and a touch of magic.
Born into a book-filled home with a librarian mother and novelist father, Larkin’s journey to authorship was as winding as her tales. Her unique experiences—from Antarctic fieldwork to waitressing on the Isle of Skye—infuse her work with vivid settings and spirited characters, making her a beloved voice in romance and fantasy.
The Making of Emily Larkin
Emily Larkin grew up in New Zealand, surrounded by stories. Her father, a well-known novelist, read his children’s fantasies aloud, sparking her imagination. Despite this, Larkin initially shunned writing, favoring science and earning a geology degree. Her twenties were a whirlwind of travel—backpacking across Europe, North America, and the Middle East, and working eclectic jobs like viticulture assistant and Fiordland National Park staffer. A fateful bus ride in Syria sparked a ‘what if’ moment, planting the seed for her writing career.
Initially writing under her real name, Emily Gee, for fantasy novels, Larkin found her niche in historical romance. Her diverse life—studying ancient Greek, practicing yoga, and hiking remote trails—shaped her ability to craft authentic, vibrant worlds. This eclectic background set the stage for her to become a standout storyteller.
Emily Larkin’s Unforgettable Stories
Larkin’s Baleful Godmother series is her crown jewel, blending Regency romance with magical gifts bestowed by a mischievous Faerie godmother. Unmasking Miss Appleby follows Charlotte Appleby, who uses her magical disguise to uncover secrets, finding love amid adventure. The novel, a finalist for the Koru Award, earned praise for its ‘fantastically freeing’ balance of whimsy and romance. Trusting Miss Trentham introduces Letitia Trentham, a lie-detecting heiress, whose quest with a tortured hero unveils dark secrets, showcasing Larkin’s knack for emotional depth.
Ruining Miss Wrotham, a double award-winner at the Romance Writers of New Zealand conference, pairs spirited Eleanor Wrotham with Mordecai Black in a tale of passion and peril. Larkin’s standalone works, like The Spinster’s Secret, feature a spinster penning erotic novels to escape her bleak life, highlighting her playful, subversive style. Her writing weaves humor, sensuality, and strong heroines navigating societal constraints, often with animals adding charm—think kittens scampering through Regency ballrooms.
Under her pseudonym Emily Gee, Larkin explores fantasy with titles like The Cursed Kingdoms Trilogy, where magic and romance intertwine. Her ability to merge genres creates stories that feel both timeless and fresh, earning her a devoted global readership.
Why Emily Larkin Matters
Emily Larkin’s impact lies in her ability to reimagine historical romance with a magical twist, offering readers escapist yet relatable tales. Her heroines—independent, witty, and bound by Regency norms—resonate with modern audiences, while her fantastical elements add adventure and danger. With over 1.6 million published words and 25 books, including her milestone post-cancer release Violet and the Bow Street Runner, Larkin’s resilience and creativity inspire. Awards like the Australian Romantic Book of the Year and finalist nods for the RITA and National Readers Choice affirm her influence.
Her work transcends borders, connecting readers from New Zealand to North America with stories that celebrate love and courage. Larkin’s blend of humor, heart, and unconventional narratives has carved a unique niche, making her a storyteller to watch in romance and fantasy.
- Born: New Zealand, date unavailable
- Key Works: Baleful Godmother series, The Spinster’s Secret, The Cursed Kingdoms Trilogy
- Awards: Australian Romantic Book of the Year, New Zealand Romance of the Year, Koru Award finalist
- Fun Fact: Larkin once worked as a field assistant in Antarctica!
Snag Unmasking Miss Appleby and dive into Emily Larkin’s spellbinding blend of romance and magic!