Jenni
Fletcher

Jenni Fletcher was born on the north coast of Scotland and now lives in Yorkshire, where she writes Medieval, Roman and Victorian romance novels.

She studied English at Cambridge University before doing an MA on Women and Literature in English and a PhD on Victorian & Edwardian literature at Hull. After realising that she was better at writing than teaching, she worked in a number of administrative jobs whilst trying to finish her first book, which was rejected. Thinking there must have been some mistake, she then wrote another, which was fortunately accepted by Harlequin Mills & Boon.

Her favourite Jane Austen novel is Persuasion and her favourite Brontë is Anne. If she had to choose a romantic hero it would be John Thornton, but maybe that’s just because she’s Northern.

How I found Jenni's books

Like quite a few authors, I discovered Jenni when she came on tour with Rachel’s Random Resources. I was lucky enough to get a signed paperback sent to me all the way from England!

Why you should read Jenni's books

Jenni writes captivating romance stories that will hook you in and and keep you reading until the next thing you know, it’s 3am and you’ve finished the whole book.

And yes.

This has happened to me more than once with her books!

What Jenni writes about

Jenni writes about historical romances throughout the ages. I haven’t read all her works, but I’ve some set back in Roman times and some in the Regency era.

While many authors specialise in a certain time period, Jenni writes about all sorts of time periods.

My top picks

Top pick

I’m going with The Warrior’s Bride Prize for a few reasons. One being, it was the first book of hers I read. The second being, I’ve always wanted to read a romance set in Roman times and I got exactly that in this book!

Second pick

I’m going with Miss Amelia’s Mistletoe Marquess for this one. It’s set in Christmas, has lots of snow and traditions. And a slow burn romance that’ll have you begging for mercy!

My chat with Jenni

1. What first drew you to writing novels?

Honestly, like a lot of writers, I can’t remember a time when it wasn’t my ambition. Writing is just something I have to do (but I blame Jane Austen for drawing me to novels specifically).

3. What drew you to writing historical romances?

I’ve always loved historical novels, and I especially liked it when they contained a romance element, so eventually I put two and two together and realised that Historical Romance was my natural genre. I started off with Medievals and then branched out.

5. How do you decide what stays in your books when editing?

I think readers want to be sure you know what you’re talking about, but not to feel as though they’re reading a non-fiction book so I try not to go overboard with details. Fortunately, I prefer writing dialogue anyway. In terms of real-life events, I avoid anything too distressing or gory. So, for example, my next book is set around the overthrow of Edward II by his wife Isabella. Some truly horrific things happened that I didn’t think belonged in a romance novel, partly because it’s not what readers are expecting in this genre and I didn’t want to upset anyone, but also because with the focus on the hero and heroine, I would have felt that I was belittling the significance of those events. I’ve tried to explain in a historical note at the end.

2. What is your aim with your writing?

To make people smile and feel better, this past year especially. I like to think my books are happy and hopeful and provide positive role models. I’m also really interested in psychology so I love to get inside my characters’ heads.

4. How much thought, time and research goes into picking the time period for each book?

Almost none at all! I’m very impulsive that way. Something just triggers an idea and then I’m committed. With my Belles of Bath series, it literally came from looking at a packet of biscuits. The research often happens as I go along. The only time I’ve got myself into trouble was with The Warrior’s Bride Prize. I completely underestimated the amount of research required to understand the Roman army.

6. What is your greatest writing achievement?

Winning the Libertà Award for Best Short Romantic Fiction with Miss Amelia’s Mistletoe Marquess in 2020. It was my fourth nomination so I was really keeping my fingers crossed. Then when I went up onto the stage Jenny Eclair attempted to elbow-bump me, but I had no idea what she was doing (this was mid March 2020 before Covid restrictions) so I ended up dancing around the stage with her. It was probably quite embarrassing, but I was too happy to care. Then I went back to the table and stood on the Mills & Boon Head of Historicals’ toes.