Emma, your upcoming novel, A Vow Made Twice, is out in February. Can you tell us a little about the book? A Vow Made Twice is a poly, LGBT+ historical romance book set in the 1300s. It follows Ash Barden, who’s just inherited an earldom he doesn’t want. In order to secure the title, he has to marry and produce heirs… which is the last thing he wants to do after losing his true love in a battle in France several years previously. While seeking a suitable companion, he meets Agnes: a widow who is also being forced to marry. Agnes is resolute, capable, intelligent… and holding a secret of her own. Agnes is nonbinary, and reluctant to give up the freedom she’s found after the death of her husband. They agree to marry, so Ash can ensure the title and Agnes can live as her true self without being forced into conformity. Their plan falls apart, however, when a roadside attack thrusts a familiar face back into Ash’s life, and he’s forced to consider who his heart really belongs to. What was the inspiration for this novel? Ash is a secondary character in my first and second books, and I knew from the start that I wanted to write about him – so in a way, he’s the main inspiration! I also really wanted to write a “marriage of convenience” book: it’s such a fun trope that really gets to flourish in historical settings, and Ash’s heartbreaking past makes it extra juicy. When I was first planning what I was going to do with Ash, I had one big flash of inspiration which I was determined to include. He needed to fall in a hole. He needed to fall in a hole, and make an absolute embarrassment of himself. I’m very pleased to say that I managed to get it in. Who was your favourite character to write? This is a tough question! Those who know me know that my favorite character (even though I claim to love them all equally) is Ash… but I think my favourite to write in this book was someone else. Warning: here be spoilers. When I first started to explore Ash’s character, I wrote a few vignettes from his past to get a feel for him. I wrote about him and Olly to flesh out their relationship, and from the moment Olly opened his mouth I fell head over heels in love with him. He’s confident, fun, and so enjoyable to write, like channeling a bard from D&D. I had a great time writing his chapters, especially his first chapter – which is probably my favourite one in the whole book. Well… second favourite. What has been the highlight of publishing this novel so far? I was (and am!) so nervous about A Vow Made Twice. I feel like it’s a riskier choice than my previous two, both with a nonbinary lead character and a poly ending, and I’ve been worried that people won’t like it because of that. But the response so far has been incredible, and I’m so pleased that everyone loves my gang of misfits. What do you do when you’re not writing? You’ll often find me going for a walk in the woods or around a common – especially if I can find some cows to look at. At the moment, I’m trying to experiment more with art, too, which often means making a big mess. For Christmas I was given a beginner’s lino cutting set, which I’m really keen to get stuck into. When you’re in an industry like publishing, I think it’s important to have a fun, creative outlet with really low stakes, and trying new things is a great way to get the creative juices flowing without worrying about having to impress anyone! |
A Vow Made Twice by Emma Denny is out on the 12th February.
Pre-order your copy here.
SYNOPSIS
Haunted by love. Bound by duty.
After inheriting his father’s title, Earl Ash Barden has no choice but to find a wife to ensure the family line. But Ash has pledged himself to another, and making new vows – even with his lover long-since dead – feels like the ultimate betrayal to his memory.
Skilled bowman and unconventional widow Agnes Forrett wants two things: to be true to herself, and to avoid marrying the childhood friend her family is determined will take her hand. When Ash arrives in her keep, she realises he’s the perfect choice to grant her the freedom she needs to be the person she is – be that lady, lord, or something else entirely.
Agreeing to enter a marriage of convenience, their plan is set … until a roadside attack thrusts a familiar face back into Ash’s life, and with it a choice about his future. Whilst his feelings for the ghost from his past remain as strong as ever, he can’t deny his growing affection for Agnes too. Now Ash must ask himself: can one heart truly be pledged to two people?