Katrina Kendrick is the romance-writing identity of Elizabeth May, a bestselling author known for her compelling fantasy novels and her remarkable ability to weave history and imagination together. While Elizabeth May’s name is widely recognised in the science fiction and fantasy community, Katrina Kendrick represents a different side of her creativity—an exploration of the Victorian world, filled with daring spies, passionate dukes, and bold heroines who break society’s rigid boundaries.
Elizabeth May was born in California but chose to make Scotland her permanent home, a place where history and myth surround her daily life. She completed her Ph.D. at the University of St Andrews, an experience that not only shaped her academic insight but also deepened her ability to create layered, thoughtful stories. Under her own name, she is celebrated as a fantasy and science fiction writer, but her pseudonym Katrina Kendrick allows her to explore the darker, more sensual corners of historical romance.
Why a Pen Name?
Many writers adopt pen names to separate different genres of their work, and this is precisely the case with Katrina Kendrick. Readers of Elizabeth May’s fantasy books expect magic, battles, and fantastical realms. By writing romance under Katrina Kendrick, she offers fans a completely distinct reading experience, one that dives into the allure of Victorian scandals, aristocratic intrigue, and emotionally charged love stories. This separation not only helps maintain clear expectations for her audience but also enables her to fully inhabit a new narrative voice.
The Private Arrangements Series
One of the central contributions of Katrina Kendrick to the romance genre is her Private Arrangements series. This collection of novels explores themes of passion, rebellion, and secrets among the upper classes of Victorian society.
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A Touch Wicked – A darkly seductive romance that introduces readers to her world of desire and rebellion. The story balances emotional depth with steamy encounters, showcasing her skill at creating strong-willed heroines.
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His Scandalous Lessons – This novel focuses on forbidden attraction and the tension between propriety and temptation, a common theme in Victorian-set romance.
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Tempting the Scoundrel – A tale that highlights the risks of falling for someone outside societal norms, filled with adventure and daring escapades.
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A Bride by Morning – A mix of romance and high-stakes decisions, illustrating how love and duty often clash in the strict confines of the era.
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The Wayward Duke – A more recent addition that showcases her continuing passion for exploring complex characters who struggle against their reputations and responsibilities.
Each book not only entertains but also paints a vivid picture of the Victorian era’s social structures, showing how love could thrive even within the confines of strict class rules and expectations.
Themes in Katrina Kendrick’s Writing
Katrina Kendrick’s romances stand out because they are not just about love—they are about rebellion, survival, and the breaking of barriers. Some of the recurring themes in her work include:
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Forbidden Passion: The clash between societal expectations and personal desire fuels much of the tension in her books.
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Rebellion Against Norms: Many of her heroines push back against restrictive gender roles, choosing independence and love on their own terms.
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Secrets and Intrigue: Spies, scandals, and secret missions often drive the plot, giving her romances a dramatic and adventurous edge.
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Emotional Depth: Beyond steamy encounters, her stories highlight vulnerability, trust, and emotional growth.
Writing Style and Approach
Katrina Kendrick’s writing style is distinguished by its blend of sensuality and sophistication. She crafts dialogue that feels true to the Victorian era but avoids outdated stiffness, ensuring accessibility for modern readers. Her pacing is deliberate, balancing passionate moments with carefully constructed character development. Readers are drawn not only to the intensity of the romance but also to the wit, intelligence, and agency of her heroines.
The Victorian Setting
The choice of Victorian Britain as the backdrop for her novels is deliberate and meaningful. The Victorian period was one of contradictions: strict moral codes coexisted with secret scandals, industrial progress clashed with rigid traditions, and women began questioning their roles in society. This tension provides fertile ground for romance. Katrina Kendrick capitalises on this, placing her characters in environments where love often feels forbidden but all the more powerful.
The Dual Career of Elizabeth May and Katrina Kendrick
Balancing two literary identities is no small feat. Under Elizabeth May, she has gained recognition for her contributions to speculative fiction, particularly works that blend historical research with imaginative storytelling. As Katrina Kendrick, she channels her creativity into romance, proving her versatility as an author. Both names reflect her dedication to storytelling but appeal to distinct audiences with different expectations.
Reception and Popularity
Readers have responded enthusiastically to Katrina Kendrick’s work. Reviews often highlight her ability to deliver stories that are both emotionally moving and irresistibly romantic. Her characters are not shallow archetypes but multidimensional individuals facing real dilemmas. The mixture of historical authenticity with sensual romance ensures her books stand out in a crowded genre.
Upcoming Work
Katrina Kendrick continues to expand her romance catalogue, with new titles planned that promise to delve even deeper into the realms of espionage and desire. An upcoming book, A Lady’s Handbook of Espionage, hints at a continuation of her passion for weaving intrigue with romance, appealing to both fans of historical fiction and devoted romance readers.
Why Readers Love Katrina Kendrick
The enduring appeal of Katrina Kendrick lies in her ability to make readers feel both the constraints and the freedoms of the Victorian world. Her heroines defy expectations, her heroes often wrestle with their own flaws, and together they create stories that resonate emotionally. For readers who crave romance with depth, daring, and a touch of darkness, Katrina Kendrick offers the perfect blend.
Conclusion
Katrina Kendrick represents more than just a pseudonym; she embodies Elizabeth May’s ability to shift effortlessly between genres while maintaining a commitment to high-quality storytelling. Through her Victorian romances, Kendrick captures the imagination of readers who desire both history and heat, structure and scandal, propriety and passion. As she continues to publish and grow her body of work, it is clear that Katrina Kendrick has carved out a special place in the world of historical romance.
