We can’t wait for you to meet Barrington’s Brigade! Book one in Ruth A Casie’s new series is available today, and she was kind enough to answer some questions for us.
You can get your copy of this exciting Regency romance HERE!
Did you always know you wanted to be an author? What is the first story you remember writing? How did you get from there to where you are today?
I’ve always had stories in my head—just ask my older sister! But I never thought of becoming a writer. My journey began in an unexpected way. Back when I worked for a large international bank—long before Zoom and webinars—I traveled frequently to visit clients. Romance books became my faithful companions on long flights and solo dinners.
One day, a friend needed help writing her romance novel, and I volunteered to assist. That experience sparked something in me, and soon after, I began writing my own stories. My first novel was a time-travel romance, which I sold to the digital arm of Harlequin. Later, they added it to their mass distribution service, a thrilling milestone for a new author.
From there, I kept writing, honing my craft, and searching for the readership that connected with my stories. I’m proud to say I found that audience with Dragonblade Publishing. Today, I’m working on my 40th book, with five more scheduled for release in 2025 and 2026. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m so grateful for the readers who’ve made it possible.
What drew you to the era you write in? Is there something about the time period you think most people don’t know about? What do you think would be the most difficult part about living in that period?
I write in the Regency era, a fascinating period brimming with societal transformation and contrasts. It was a time of great industrial change, with advancements like the spinning jenny and steam engines beginning to reshape the economy and daily life. What many people might not realize is that this era also marked the early rumblings of the women’s rights movement. Although it wasn’t as organized as later efforts, there were women pushing back against societal expectations, challenging their lack of personal and legal rights, and striving for greater independence.
For me, the most difficult part of living in that time would undoubtedly be the resistance to women’s struggles for equality. Despite the charm of Regency ballrooms and carriage rides, the limitations placed on women—both legally and socially—would have been stifling. Writing about this era allows me to explore these dynamics, weaving them into my stories to highlight the strength and resilience of women who found ways to defy the constraints of their time.
Do you know where the story is going before you begin, or does it come to you as you write? Do scenes come to you fully formed or are you as surprised as the reader?
When I start writing a story, I always have a general idea of how it will develop and how it will end. But for me, the real magic—and often the surprise—lies in how the story gets there. Sometimes, my characters say or do things that completely floor me. I’ll never forget the time I was three-quarters of the way through a book when a secondary character casually mentioned her twin brother. I hadn’t planned for him at all! I had to go back and weave him into the story. Those moments are both challenging and exhilarating—they keep the writing process fresh and dynamic.
As for scenes, some arrive in my mind fully formed, vivid and detailed, almost as if they’ve always existed. But I try to stay open to the unexpected. There are times when I feel more like a reporter observing and capturing events as they unfold. That flexibility keeps me connected to the story and allows room for the surprises I love so much.
From all your books, who is your favorite hero and why?
Choosing a favorite hero is like being asked to pick a favorite child—it feels impossible! That said, if I had to choose, it would be Lord Arik from Knight of Runes, my very first book. He holds a special place in my heart, partly because of what he taught me about writing—and about men.
When I first shared the story with my editor, she encouraged me to dig deeper into his inner conflict. One pivotal moment required me to make him leave the heroine. Writing that scene was so emotional that I cried—and, in a way, so did he. It was in those pages that I truly began to understand his complexity: his pride, his protective instincts, his moments of indifference, and the vulnerability he tried so hard to hide.
Lord Arik taught me how men think, revealing their strength, their self-preservation, and, yes, their fears. In turn, I gave him compassion—a balance that made him one of the most well-rounded and unforgettable characters I’ve ever written. He set the standard for every hero I’ve created since, and for that, he’ll always be my favorite.
