NEW RELEASE: A Winter's Kiss

 

I’m so excited to announce that my spicy, festive short, A WINTER'S KISS, is out now. Available exclusively on Amazon & Kindle Unlimited. 

BUY IT NOW

---

💞 About A Winter’s Kiss

Felicity usually loves Christmas, but this year, her perpetual singleness casts a shadow over the holiday cheer.

To shake off her gloom, she agrees to babysit her niece and nephew, Mia and William, while her sister Emily gets some much-needed Christmas shopping done.

Building a snowman with the kids brings a smile to Felicity's face, but it’s a temporary distraction from the loneliness she feels. When she confides in her sister, Emily teases, “If only Frosty the Snowman could come to life like in the children’s song.”

Later that night, Felicity is startled awake by a strange noise outside. Expecting to find a stray animal rummaging through the rubbish, she's stunned when she sees the snowman she and the kids built earlier moving.

With Emily's teasing words echoing in her mind, Felicity rushes outside, unable to resist the impossible notion that Frosty might have come to life.

Under the winter moonlight, Felicity watches in awe as the snowman sheds his frosty exterior, revealing a breathtakingly handsome snow-elf named Talvi, summoned from the faerie realm by a surge of festive magic.

Felicity’s first thought is to find Talvi some clothes before the neighbours catch sight of his chiselled, naked form. Her second thought is just how irresistibly sexy this snow-elf is.

Inviting him inside, the two warm up over mugs of hot chocolate. Felicity muses that maybe Emily's joke was more than just that—perhaps Talvi has been sent to melt away her loneliness.

Rather than being put off by her theory, Talvi smiles and reveals that in the faerie realm during Yule, there's a tradition for keeping warm—a tradition he'd love to share with her.

Despite his icy origins, things quickly heat up as Felicity leads Talvi to her bedroom, where she soon discovers that his ability to control his body temperature makes for some very tantalising experiences under the covers.

 

November has felt like a whirlwind, but in the best way possible. Most of my focus this month was on Novel-November, where I worked almost exclusively on my vampire romantasy, KISS ME AFTER THE KILL — and I’m thrilled to say I wrote almost 54,000 words! It’s the first time in years that I’ve taken part in a NaNo-style challenge and actually won, which feels incredibly motivating.

I’m not quite finished with the draft yet. I still have about three chapters and several spicy scenes left to write, but after such an intense month, I can feel the burnout creeping in. Instead of forcing myself to reach my original goal of 62k, I’m taking a break until January. Then I’ll dive back in with the plan to finish the first draft by the end of the month and begin revisions with Hubby in February. That said, I’ve already sneaked into some early revisions because I woke up with the urge to polish things — so the timing has worked out nicely!

Alongside KMATK, a few new story ideas have been growing. For the Snowy Wings Publishing nursery-rhyme anthology, I’m returning to my original concept: a YA story about a girl marked for death who falls in love with a fae grim reaper. It matches my preferred tone perfectly and feels much more manageable than the cozy sapphic magical-school idea I briefly considered.

I’m also planning ahead for my next big project for 2026: an enemies-to-lovers fae romance featuring a masked, shadow-drenched Prince. I’m desperate to write it already, but I’m keeping myself disciplined — planning only, until KMATK is done.

This month also brought a major personal and career realisation: I’m stepping away from self-publishing. My spicy Christmas short, A Winter’s Kiss (out December 2nd!), will be my last self-pubbed project for the foreseeable future. I have nothing against self-publishing, but it no longer feels like the right path for me creatively. I want to focus the next few years on querying romantasy, fantasy-romance, and paranormal-romance, which feel like my truest writing home.

On the health side, things are looking brighter. My PMDD has been the mildest it’s been in years — hopefully a good sign that my HRT patches are doing their job. I’m also still waiting to hear from Psychiatry UK about ADHD medication, but overall I feel like I’m moving in the right direction. This new stability has inspired me to reach out to my ADHD coach about helping me take the Kindred Creativity Club to the next level in 2025.

Outside writing, November was quieter. Hubby was ill for part of the month, Oldest started his new job, and we didn’t get out much — though I did buy a dancing gecko that sings “Feliz Navidad,” which genuinely brings me joy every time I look at it. Holiday prep is mostly done, Youngest’s gifts are on the way from Japan, and we’re figuring out plans for Oldest’s partner depending on her dog’s health.

It’s wild to think December is here already, and that I’ll be posting both a December wrap-up and a yearly one soon. If you’d like to read the full, detailed version of this month’s update, including all my writing reflections and holiday plans, you can find it here:

👉 [Read the full November wrap-up blog post]

Thanks for joining me this month! 💜

Bookish Auction in Support of The Trussell Trust

 

On the weekend of November 29–30, the Kindred Creativity Club will host a bookish charity auction in support of The Trussell Trust — a UK anti-poverty charity and network of food banks working to end hunger and destitution.

A total of twelve bookish prizes will be up for grabs! The highest bid received by November 30 at 11:59 p.m. will win each item. All prizes will be mailed out by their generous donors within two months of the auction’s end.

For any comments, questions, or concerns, please contact claredugmore@gmail.com

You can also view the Jumblebee Auction Page Here: https://www.jumblebee.co.uk/KCCBookishAuction

COVER REVEAL: A Winter's Kiss, by Clare Dugmore

 

I’m so excited to share the cover for my upcoming festive short story, A Winter’s Kiss, releasing December 2, 2025!

ABOUT

Felicity usually loves Christmas, but this year, her perpetual singleness casts a shadow over the holiday cheer.

To shake off her gloom, she agrees to babysit her niece and nephew, Mia and William, while her sister Emily gets some much-needed Christmas shopping done.

Building a snowman with the kids brings a smile to Felicity's face, but it’s a temporary distraction from the loneliness she feels. When she confides in her sister, Emily teases, “If only Frosty the Snowman could come to life like in the children’s song.”

Later that night, Felicity is startled awake by a strange noise outside. Expecting to find a stray animal rummaging through the rubbish, she's stunned when she sees the snowman she and the kids built earlier moving.

With Emily's teasing words echoing in her mind, Felicity rushes outside, unable to resist the impossible notion that Frosty might have come to life.

Under the winter moonlight, Felicity watches in awe as the snowman sheds his frosty exterior, revealing a breathtakingly handsome snow-elf named Talvi, summoned from the faerie realm by a surge of festive magic.

Felicity’s first thought is to find Talvi some clothes before the neighbours catch sight of his chiselled, naked form. Her second thought is just how irresistibly sexy this snow-elf is.

Inviting him inside, the two warm up over mugs of hot chocolate. Felicity muses that maybe Emily's joke was more than just that—perhaps Talvi has been sent to melt away her loneliness.

Rather than being put off by her theory, Talvi smiles and reveals that in the faerie realm during Yule, there's a tradition for keeping warm—a tradition he'd love to share with her.

Despite his icy origins, things quickly heat up as Felicity leads Talvi to her bedroom, where she soon discovers that his ability to control his body temperature makes for some very tantalising experiences under the covers.

Expect magic, mischief, and a dash of heat under the mistletoe — a short, heartwarming, and slightly naughty holiday romance perfect for curling up with this December.

Pre-order now: https://books2read.com/AWintersKissCD

The October That Needed an Exorcism (and a Nap) — AKA My October Update

 

Remember last month when I said, “This month wasn’t as bad as previous ones,” about the PMDD situation?

Famous last words. 😅

A few days later, PMDD hit hard — right as I started HRT to treat it. I’m sure it’ll help long-term, but right now I’m just adjusting to the hormonal chaos.

I actually wrote a longer post about my experience as a neurodivergent woman seeking treatment for PMDD — spoiler alert: some doctors seriously suck!

➡️ The Day I Realised Patients Shouldn’t Have to Fact-Check Their Doctor

As if that wasn’t enough, Oldest managed to knock over a candle and ended up in A&E with burns. He’s healing well now, thanks to Hubby being an absolute saint with all the hospital trips, but it was a rough few days.

So yes — not the most productive month. But I did reach my October goal: hitting 20k words on Kiss Me After the Kill before heading into Novel November.

Now I’m diving into my annual NaNoWriMo alternative, Write On!

It’s a kinder, more flexible version of the challenge — community, accountability, and creativity without the pressure. This year, it’s happening across the Kindred Creativity Club spaces, with:

✨ Weekly live sprints (via Google Meet)

✨ Daily check-ins and Celebrate Your Wins posts

✨ Motivational prompts and reflections

✨ A special 50% discount on Write Here, Write Now membership from Karen Sanders Editing (use code KINDRED50).

I’ve also shared a free November calendar and word tracker, plus sneak peeks from KMATK and art by N.S. Armstrong, available to all newsletter subscribers.

💌 Subscribe here for the freebies and bonus shorts!

In other news, my Frosty-the-Snowman-inspired spicy romantasy short is returning!

A WINTER’S KISS (formerly part of the Step Into Christmas anthology) will be re-released on December 2.

Sign up for the cover reveal and pre-order announcement on November 5 here:

👉 https://forms.gle/dxPUpzjEYjKfLNhLA

Between hormone changes, vampire writing, and planning Write On!, I even got a new story idea — a cozy, sapphic rivals-to-lovers fantasy I’ll work on next year for a Snowy Wings Publishing anthology.

Oh, and I rage-quit Pokémon Legends: Z-A because I hate fighting mega evolutions. 😂

For the full, chaotic saga (plus my current reads and behind-the-scenes updates), visit the full post on my website:

➡️ The October That Needed an Exorcism (and a Nap)

That’s everything for this month — and it’s about time to go make dinner, so I’ll leave it here.

Until next time — stay safe, keep creating, and may your words flow as freely as your imagination.

T.T.F.N.

Bitten by the Muse: How a Flash Fic Prompt Sparked a Vampire Romance 🦇✨

September brought a few surprises — some expected, some not — but the biggest was this:

I accidentally started writing a vampire romantasy novel.

It all began during the Write Here, Write Now “Rekindle Your Writing Spark!” challenge. One of the prompts — “You know what to do” — led me to write a flash fiction piece starring a morally grey vampire and the woman he just turned. It was dark, sensual, and a little violent... and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since.

Somehow, this prompt collided with my ongoing obsession with Atsushi Sakurai (🖤) and my long-standing love for Anne Rice, and suddenly my brain was screaming:

“Why haven’t you written vampires before?!”

Even my husband was surprised.

At first, I envisioned it as a supernatural thriller with romantic undertones — a sort of “Dexter but with vampire lovers” vibe. But the more I developed the idea, the more I realised this story needed to be a romantasy — romance first, with rich gothic lore and emotionally devastating immortals (you know the kind 💅).

So, I made a decision:
No serialisation. No half-measures.
I’m treating this project — tentatively titled Kiss Me After the Kill — as my next full-length novel.

It’s still early days, but I’m feeling inspired and oddly at peace. Maybe it’s because I’m finally writing what feels most me — fantasy romance, infused with sensual darkness and personal catharsis. And yes, plenty of blood.

I also gave my website a spooky-season makeover (the banner even matches my hair!), and I’m planning to release my spicy snow-elf short, A Winter’s Kiss, in December — more on that soon.

If you want the full scoop — including the flash fic that started it all, how I’m adapting my writing process for my ADHD brain, and a peek behind the scenes of my current projects — the full post is now live on my main blog!

👉 Read the full post here
("Bitten by the Muse: How a Flash Fic Prompt Sparked a Vampire Romance" — includes exclusive writing updates, creative musings, and all the fanged vibes.)

Make sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter too — the next issue is going out soon with:

💌 An exclusive preview of Kiss Me After the Kill
🖥️ Digital goodies (wallpapers, quotes, trackers)
🩸 And more gothic romantasy chaos!

'Til next time, stay creative — and a little bit unhinged.

T.T.F.N. (Too Theatrical for Normalcy)

August Reflections & September Goals

I started August with big plans—two WIPs to write, Kindred Creativity Club events to run, and even helping my husband revise his novel. But life had other ideas.

PMDD hit me hard this month, and I had to step back. At first, I felt guilty for slowing down, but I’m learning that rest isn’t failure—it’s part of the process. Most of August was spent reading fanfiction, watching YouTube, playing The Sims, and even treating myself to some new Halloween decorations (because spooky season is always in my heart 🎃).

The good news? That pause worked. I feel recharged and ready for September. KCC’s Creative Connections Spotlight is just around the corner, and I’ve set my sights firmly on finishing Divine Unmaking—a story that feels closer to my heart than anything I’ve written before.

I also can’t help but celebrate my husband, who finished and started querying his first novel (with book two already in progress!). Watching him chase his dreams has been a huge inspiration for me to keep going with mine.

If you’d like the full update—with more on my writing goals, KCC events, and, yes, a peek at my Halloween haul—you can read it here 👉 [https://claredugmore.com/blog/august-reflections-rest-creativity-and-comebacks]

From POV Swaps to Partner Pride: My July Writing Update.

 

July flew by in a blur of rewrites, word count goals, and unexpected inspiration!

This month, I made the bold decision to shift both Fractured Loyalties and Before the Fracture from first to third person — a 70,000-word POV change! It’s been a huge undertaking, but one that feels right for the world-building and tone I love most.

I also allowed myself to dive into something new: a sapphic dark fantasy romance that’s already 8,000 words strong and brimming with potential. If you’re curious, I’ll be sharing a sneak peek with newsletter subscribers soon!

Outside my own writing, something wonderful happened — my husband started writing a novel of his own! After years in games journalism and content creation, he’s found his spark again in a dystopian horror-comedy that’s equal parts clever and chaotic. He’s written over 50,000 words already, and I couldn’t be prouder.

The month wasn’t without its challenges — PMDD hit hard — but there were still plenty of bright spots, including spotlighting the Write Here, Write Now author community through The Kindred Creativity Club.

💌 Want to read the full update (including the hilarious, horrifying, and heartwarming bits)?
👉 Read it here: https://claredugmore.com/blog/from-pov-swaps-to-partner-pride-my-july-writing-update

Until next time — stay safe, stay creative, and T.T.F.N. 💜

— Clare

Book Review: Over You by Kyra Lennon

 

Disclaimer: I read a beta version of this book for Kyra Lennon. However, the views within are my own, and aren’t influenced by getting to read the book early.

Since I first read All Of You, I’ve been a fan of Gaby and Guy, so when I heard they were getting their own book — OVER YOU — I was extremely excited.

And in true Kyra Lennon style, I was not disappointed — she more than delivered.

Guy and Gaby’s chemistry is OFF.THE.CHARTS. I’m not ashamed to admit they quickly became my favourite Oakwoodlane Couple. (Guy has also stolen the title of my favourite Kyra Lennon Book boyfriend from The Game On Series’ Bryce Warren! ;) )

The first half(-ish) of Over You is a fun, sexy summer romp, with some hilarious moments, such as a water fight! It really gives off feel-good holiday vibes.

It was also great to get glimpses of the other couples, Nova and Donavan, and of course, Shannen and Cal — especially now Shannen is expecting a baby! I’m now eagerly awaiting Nova and Donovan’s book!

And then, of course, in true Kyra fashion, comes the bombshell.

From there, the drama intensifies, and this is where Kyra always shines most. Not only are her twists and turns fantastic, but the way she writes her characters dealing with some really heavy and emotional issues never fails to resonate. 

Guy and Gaby go through a lot, but it never drags the story down, and it’s impossible not to root for them and want to see them succeed as a couple.

The ending of the book is just as dramatic as you’d expect from one of Kyra’s books, and you’re left guessing if all the characters you know and love are going to get a happy ending!

All in all, another great addition to the series, and I’m excited to see where it goes next — especially after a few key developments in this book. 

Plus, if Kyra wants to expand the series outside of the couples already introduced, she’s got some excellent secondary characters I’d love to see more of!

---

Falling for each other was easy. But will their pasts make them fall apart?

Gaby has spent years building a life she loves after her ex almost destroyed her—a life that doesn’t rely on anyone else. Dating has been nothing more than an occasional distraction, and that’s exactly how she plans to keep it. But then there’s Guy. He’s sexy, kind, and the pull between them is impossible to ignore.

After walking away from a relationship that left him feeling stifled, the last thing Guy wants is to fall into something complicated. His focus should be on renovating his new bar, not on the woman who makes him believe in happy endings again.

Just as Gaby starts to believe in something real, the ghosts of her past resurface to haunt her, leaving her struggling to commit, and when Guy’s ex drops a bombshell and reveals she wants him back, he's forced to rethink his plans.

With Gaby unsure if she can give her heart and body fully to another man and Guy refusing to be trapped in another relationship where he is the only one making compromises, they reach a stalemate that threatens to break their hearts all over again.

The past is clawing at their future, and unless they find a way to let go, they could lose the one thing they never saw coming—each other.

**
Over You is a friends to lovers small-town romance set in England (UK). It's a slow(ish) burn with elements of hurt/comfort, high heat levels, summer fun, and oodles of Kyra Lennon-style angst.

TRIGGER May contain some scenes readers may find hard to read. Please see author's website for a full list.

https://books2read.com/u/4jQjgk

New Release: Hockey and Heartstrings by Louise Emmerson

 

Happy release day to Louise Emmerson and her debut, Hockey and Heartstrings.

Check it out now! https://amzn.eu/d/eKlpwPg

And here's the blurb:

He left without a word... now he wants a second chance.

Norah Maddon never thought she would see Caleb Sparks again, especially not on their hometown rink after he left to chase his ice hockey dreams, shattering her heart in the process.

Thirteen years later, she’s built a quiet life for herself and her daughter, Lena. A life that never involved telling Caleb he’s Lena's father.

Caleb’s arrival threatens everything Norah has kept hidden, especially as he has the power, fame, and money to make things difficult for her.

As Caleb and Norah navigate old wounds, unfinished business, and the spark that never died, one truth could change everything. Can they rewrite their ending—or is the ice between them too thick to break?

Told in dual POV, Hockey and Heartstrings is a secret child, small-town hockey romance full of emotion, redemption, and the kind of love that deserves a second shot.