Over my dead body is historical romance going anywhere before I write the book of my dreams. Since I was young, hiding the covers of the books I found at my aunt’s or grandmother’s house, I have been a historical romance fan. Back when covers showed women draped over men with long hair like Fabio (I know many are wondering who that is), shirtless and making me feel things I probably shouldn’t have.
Since becoming a writer, I always knew a historical romance series was in me, and last year I finally wrote it. Just in time to learn the Big Five publishing houses have turned their backs on historical romance readers. Even Harlequin is closing its historical romance line after decades. When I heard the news, I nearly passed out. In fairness to them, people would rather watch Bridgerton than read it.
And that’s fine. People are allowed to read whatever they choose. But for those of us still here, still invested, I have a story I have been thinking about after nearly three decades of reading. A love story, yes, but not the one you expect.
Because I always wondered something. In Cinderella and so many other stories, why are mothers and stepmothers always cruel? Why did we accept that without question?
I did not.
Under the pen name Catherine A. Dorman, I make my debut with Resentful, Innocent & Honorable, a Victorian historical romance that turns the lens around and lets the stepmother finally tell her side of the story.

Preorder is available now on Amazon. It releases on my birthday, which feels like the perfect way to celebrate both another year of life and my commitment to historical romance.