Erin Knightley's Blog

July 30, 2015

The Joy of Romance (With a Dash of Nostalgia!)


First of all, let me just say THANK YOU to Lorelei of Lorelei's Lit Lair for recommending me during Read a Romance Month. I'm so honored! To read Lorelei's orgininal post, click HERE. Also, I have a new website! Please feel free to stop by www.ErinKnightley.com for more about books, packing, bucket lists, and more :)


Essay:
Isn’t it funny how a smell, a taste, or a sound can define an era, a year, or even a moment in time? There is an elusive scent out there, one that I catch only once in a blue moon, but the moment I do, I am instantly transported to the magnificent library in the city where I went to college, Columbia, South Carolina. It’s the smell of thousands upon thousands of books, warmed by the heat of the southern sun through the glorious expanse of glass walls that so minimally defined the space. It’s flavored with a hint of the exotic—towering tropical trees grew freely in the bright space—and the subtle undertones of earthy stone and airy sky.

It was a library that lived like an art gallery . . . but then again, wasn’t that what it was? A pulpit for the art of imagination, a showcase for the mastery of story-telling that had been honed through the centuries of civilization? All that knowledge, all that adventure, all that delicious romance—a million books that seemed to encompass the entire universe and tackle every aspect of man in every possible time somehow fit neatly on a single city block. Each page, each book, each carefully designed cover was truly the culmination of so many authors hopes and dreams made tangible for us, the eager reader to devour.
And eager I was. Every Friday, I would slide into my ancient silver Volvo, turn the key and hope the beast would roar to life, ready to carry me to my favorite of all destinations. I had only spare change to my name back then, and I would happily cough up my precious nickels and dimes for the parking meter, buying me minutes and hours to soak up the row upon row of romance novels, surely the largest selection in the world.

This is where my love of historical romance began. No longer stuck with the underwhelming selection of my tiny hometown library, I discovered westerns first. The vivid works of authors like Lorraine Heath, Elizabeth Lowell, and Linda Lael Miller drew me deep into a whole new world, a different era where life was slower, and richer, and the untamed frontier stretched before us like an unpainted canvas. This is when I first discovered that simple words on a page could roar to life so fully, that nothing so trivial as sleep could keep me from finishing the book.

And then, one day, I picked up my first Regency historical novel. Oh, how my world changed that day. The dashing heroes, the plucky heroines, the dresses and manor houses and deliciously witty banter—all of it came together in a perfect storm of awesomeness that captured my heart like nothing else. I devoured Julia Quinn, Susanne Enoch, Lisa Kleypas, and so many more, happily losing myself in the crowded balls of London and sprawling green hills of the countryside. My days were filled with calculus classes, and physics exams, and oh-so-tedious organic chemistry homework, but my nights—oh, my nights, my friends, were for stolen glances, first kisses, and that perfect sigh of true love. If there is a greater joy out there, I haven’t yet found it.

It’s been over a decade since those days, and in those rare moments when I’m once again reminded of that scent, I can’t help but smile at the memory of the perfection of the hours lost in the world of possibilities. A building of stone, glass, and steel, holding all the secrets of the universe, giving life to the magic of imagination, and planting the seed of dreams yet to come.

Though I haven’t yet, it is so very tempting to take the 5-hour road trip back to the Richland County library, traveling 300 miles by distance and over a decade back in time to walk those hallowed aisles once more and see my own books on the shelves. I want to smell that perfect scent, and know that I am now a part of it in a way I would have never dreamed of all those years ago. I’d like to think that my books could be bringing that same joy to a college student that I experienced back then.

I think of that girl, who scrounged beneath the tattered blue seats of her car for an extra nickel so that she could have another ten minutes to wander those familiar aisles, sliding her fingers along the covers as she looked for her next adventure. What would she think if she knew her own book would someday be nestled among those authors she most loved and admired?

Once upon a time, my world was expanded a thousand times over thanks to the discovery of a library that valued romance novels. It makes me so happy—and a little teary—to think I can now give back in my own small, yet tremendously tangible way. Where once tiny seeds were planted, now the fruits of my dreams live. And that, dear friends, is the best happily ever after of all.Five Question Time!  1 - Tell us about a moment in your life when you experienced sheer joy.         When I was accepted into the college of my choice. I always wanted to fly the nest in grand fashion, and going to a school 8 hours away in an entirely new state was the most exciting prospect I could possibly imagine at that time :) 2 - Tell us about a place that brings you joy, or is attached to a memory of joy.        I rather think I just did ;) The Richland County Library was a true happy place! Other than that, Rough River in KY where Mr. Knightley and I fell in love the summer before our senior year of high school.
3 - Tell us about a sound that brings you joy (or a memory attached to sound — music, laughter, wind chimes… ?)        The garage door opener. It means Mr. Knightley is home! 
4 - What recent book have you read that brought you joy. (Or a book you read in your life that brought you so much joy you’ve never forgotten it.) Why?         I must have read How To Marry a Marquis by Julia Quinn ten times over the years. As a person who rarely ever rereads, that's saying a lot! It just made my heart flutter every time :)
5 - And for fun, the joy of choice ;o) ~         Summer. Almost all my favorite memories take place during the long, hot days of summer :)
Pick your Chris! Chris Hemsworth, Chris Pine, Chris Pratt, Chris Rock, Chris Evans or Christopher Plummer (circ. 1964 aka Capt. Von Trapp?) - trying for a little diversity! ;o)          Chris Pratt, because of his humor, his handsomeness, and his dedication to his wife and family.  Recommendations:Historical romance author Kelly Bowen and contemporary romance author Sonali Dev. Both are fairly new authors who are sure to delight :)  Bio:  Despite being an avid reader and closet writer her whole life, Erin Knightley decided to pursue a sensible career in science.  It was only after earning her B.S. and working in the field for years that she realized doing the sensible thing wasn't any fun at all.  Following her dreams, Erin left her practical side behind and now spends her days writing. An award winning and USA Today Bestselling author, she is living her own Happily Ever After in North Carolina with her tall, dark, and handsome husband and their three spoiled mutts.    Newest release: The Duke Can Go To the Devil! An Amazon and Goodreads best book of the month!
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Published on July 30, 2015 22:10

January 1, 2015

Giveaways Galore!

 The Earl I Adore is about to hit shelves! To celebrate, I'm participating in two awesome giveaways :-) Best part? If you've pre-ordered my book and you win it in one of these giveaways, I'll give you the choice to take an Amazon GC for the purchase price, instead. It's a win/win! 
Now available for pre-order:
Amazon  |  AmazonUK  |  iTunes  |  Barnes&Noble  |  Kobo 


January 1-4 The Secret Curtsey Society is ringing in the New Year with a five book giveaway! To enter to win one, like and comment on the following posts: Anne BartonValerie BowmanErin KnightleyAshlyn MacnamaraSara Ramsey






January 2-5
Theresa Romain, Shana Galen, and I have teamed up to celebrate our shared Jan 6th release date. With 3 amazing prize packs and one away grand prize, you won't want to miss out! Entering is easy - just check out the raflecopter form below:





a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Published on January 01, 2015 20:11

August 31, 2014

Something Wicked this Way Comes...

 Big News! I'm so excited to announce that my novella, Ruined by a Rake, will be part of a fantastic box set featuring seven novellas for only 99 cents. I promise, you don't want to miss out on this limited edition set!

Available September 16th, but pre-order now at:  amazon | amazon uk | iBooks | kobo | google
This limited edition boxed set contains over 170,000 words, and the individual stories have over 200 5-star reviews in total.


Unlocked , by New York Times bestselling author Courtney Milan
Elaine Warren has resigned herself to life as a spinster and a wallflower, but when Evan Carlton, the Earl of Westfeld, returns after a long absence, she’s afraid that he plans to torment her as he did before. This time, though, she vows to show him that wallflowers can fight back…
  When I Met my Duchess , by USA Today bestselling author Caroline Linden
Everyone expects the Duke of Wessex’s wedding to be the society event of the Season. But when the duke meets his future bride’s sister, he realizes he’s about to marry the wrong woman…and his wedding is about to become the scandal of the year.
  How to Catch a Wild Viscount , by New York Times bestselling author Tessa Dare (originally published as Legend of the Werestag)
Luke Trenton, Viscount Merritt, returned from battle a changed man, but Cecily Hale won’t be pushed away. She has only a few moonlit nights to reach the real Luke…the wounded heart she knows still beats inside the war-ravaged body…or she could lose him to the darkness forever.
  One Starlit Night , by award-winning author Carolyn Jewel
Ten years away from Doyle’s Grange isn’t long enough for Viscount Northword to forget Portia Temple or their passionate adolescent affair. Portia, however, is about to marry another man…and Northword cannot help but interfere, with his words, his body, and the truths of his heart.
  Claiming the Duchess , by two-time RITA® winner Sherry Thomas
Clarissa, the widowed Duchess of Lexington, has two great loves: the reticent and reclusive Mr. James Kingston and her faithful correspondent Miss Julia Kirkland, whom Clarissa has never met. Now both Mr. Kingston and Miss Kirkland are due to arrive at Clarissa’s house—and Clarissa is about to find out that neither is as she has been led to believe…
  The Misbehaving Marquess , by award-winning author Leigh LaValle
Having awaited the return of her husband for half a decade, Catherine Raybourne, the Marchioness of Foster, has no intention of reconciling with her misbehaving marquess. But when he insists he needs an heir—immediately—she must confront her own lingering desires. Can she protect her heart while attempting to win his once again?
  Ruined by a Rake , by award-winning author Erin Knightley
Eleanor Abbington has always had a contentious and competitive relationship with Nicolas Norton. But when her uncle orders her to marry the man of his choosing, her old adversary becomes her only ally, and she may very well find herself…ruined by a rake.
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Published on August 31, 2014 15:39

July 24, 2014

It's Read-a-Romance Month!

<!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Times; panose-1:2 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Wingdings; panose-1:5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-charset:2; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:0 268435456 0 0 -2147483648 0;} @font-face {font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-font-charset:78; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1791491579 18 0 131231 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language:JA;} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; color:purple; mso-themecolor:followedhyperlink; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family:"MS 明朝"; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} </style></div>--><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">First of all, let me say thank you to Bobbi Dumas, Lorraine Heath, and Katharine Ashe for including me in this wonderful event. It's a pleasure to join in the fun! </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> </span></b><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">My name is Erin Knightley, and I peddle happily ever afters :)</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I’ll never forget the time back in seventh grade, when five fellow students and I were clustered around one of the round tables in the lunchroom shortly after we had turned in our book reports on The Outsiders. With elbows resting on the dingy white melamine tabletop, we discussed the book, which was the most grown-up novel we’d ever been compelled to read. Several liked the book, thinking it gritty and heart wrenching. Others couldn’t have cared less—they didn’t like reading or books, and never would. I was the only one at the table who vehemently disliked the book. Why?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Because I wanted a happy ending.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I argued with the other kids at length: Yes it was compelling, yes it was an interesting story, but if I walked away feeling worse than when I started it, why would I want to read it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>Even at that age, I knew what was important to me. There was enough bad stuff in the world. Why would I want to read about <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">more</i> bad stuff? I read to escape and experience different times and places, but most of all, I read for enjoyment. I read to feel better about life, and love, and all the possibilities for finding joy and excitement. A book could lead me on a merry chase, making me cry even, but at the end, I wanted a big, goofy smile that would stay in place for days. Was that too much to ask?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">So, is it any wonder I turned to romance? Is it any wonder that I was willing to lose myself in an emotional book that might bring me to the highest highs and the lowest low, but that I could absolutely count on to leave me hopeful and happy? To me, there is no greater thing on earth than love. I choose to read books that celebrate that, that show the struggles and triumphs, the compromises, the passion, and all those emotions humans have experienced throughout history. I’m happy to lift up the most positive thing of all in a world full of negatives.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">From time to time, I do branch out and read literature and mainstream fiction, and yes, I do enjoy them. But I always find my way back home to romance. And it is my promise to you, dear readers, that when you read my books, you can always rely on that wonderful, elusive thing: a happily ever after :)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> Now - onto the 3 Questions past of the blog!</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">1 - Describe the most daring, adventurous or inspiring thing you ever did. </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qBEEYfEpUyo..." imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qBEEYfEpUyo..." height="149" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">            </span>When I was 19, I went to live in Russia for the summer, working on an international drilling project in Siberia. I was with 2 other American students, but other than that, we were completely on our own. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talk about a culture shock! It was a life changing experience for me to see how another culture literally halfway across the world lived, loved, worked, and played. Remarkably, I came away with the realization that no matter how different we may look or sound, deep down we are all the same<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>:-)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">2 - Tell us about your journey to becoming a writer. (How did you decide to get started? Did you always know or was there a specific moment when you knew?)</span></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0NqDqAYuIU0..." imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0NqDqAYuIU0..." height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me when I got The Call :)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I’ve always loved to write—won the Young Authors competition in 4<sup>th</sup> grade, in fact!—but it was something I had set aside when I graduated college and entered Real Life. For the next six years, I worked diligently during the day and read voraciously every night. At one point, my work started to get overwhelmingly stressful, and I decided to escape with writing again. I was rusty at first, but before long, I found myself with a completed novel! Believe it or not, I actually sold that book. MORE THAN A STRANGER came out in June 2012, and it’s been a wild, wonderful ride ever since.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I am currently writing my sixth book (tenth book if you include novellas!), which is the third in my Prelude to a Kiss series set at a music festival in Bath.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">3 - Tell us about The (or A) Book That Changed Your Life. (Why?)</span></b></div>This may sound corny, but it was actually the Serendipity children’s book series that was <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>mailed to my house once a month when I was around four or five. I was the youngest of three kids, and one-on-one time with my parents was highly coveted. Every month when the newest book arrived, my mom would cuddle up with me in my parents’ big bed and read the newest adventure. The pictures were vivid, the stories compelling, and my mom’s attempts at voices predictably laughable. It was a precious escape for me, and led me to cherish those books and the special time they afforded with my mother.<br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E5XzIObbA5s..." imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E5XzIObbA5s..." height="200" width="125" /></a></div>Thanks so much for joining me today! If you’d like to try one of my books for free, you’re in luck! For a limited time, I’m offering RUINED BY A RAKE, the first in the All’s Fair in Love novella series, free! To download, simply follow the link for you format of choice: </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ruined-Rake-Nov... | <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ruine... and Noble</a> | <a href="https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...| <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/ruin... class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Recommendation: Looking for someone new to love?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>I’d love to recommend <a href="http://heathersnowbooks.com/">... Snow</a>, who has Regency smarty-pants heroines down to an art, and <a href="http://www.catherinegayle.com/"&... Gayle</a>, who writes hockey romance that require a minimum of a handful of tissues to read </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I hope you’ll enjoy these ladies’ books as much as I do!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bio:</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">Despite being an avid reader and closet writer her whole life, Erin Knightley decided to pursue a sensible career in science.  It was only after earning her B.S. and working in the field for years that she realized doing the sensible thing wasn't any fun at all.  Following her dreams, Erin left her practical side behind and now spends her days writing. Together with her tall, dark, and handsome husband and their three spoiled mutts, she is living her own Happily Ever After in North Carolina.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://www.erinknightley.com/"&g... style="mso-spacerun: yes;">   </span>|<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">   </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/erinknightley... style="mso-spacerun: yes;">   </span>|<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">   </span><a href="http://www.twitter.com/erinknightley&...
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Published on July 24, 2014 12:40

June 4, 2014

Long Time, No Blog!

Soooooo...I've been a bit remiss in blogging lately. Okay - I've been a LOT remiss. But I have good reason! Lots of things have been happening in my world :)  So, here's the catchup since the last one:

Not one, but TWO new releases!


The Baron Next Door
This book is the first in the new Prelude to a Kiss series, set at a summer music festival in Bath. Not only does it feature the unlikely love story of talented pianoforte-player Charity and her curmudgeony next door neighbor, the handsome but scarred Hugh Danby, Baron Cadgwith, but you'll also meet Charity's fellow trio musicians, her wise and wonderful grandmother, Hugh's irrepressible brother-in-law, and a whole cast of characters who are all gathered for the festival (and for the other two books!). 

This book is my favorite yet, and I hope you love it as much as I do. For a look at the first chapter, click HERE.

Available Now Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound
Books-A-Million | iTunes


 ***

 Deceived by a Duke:   An All's Fair in Love Novella
Set in the gorgeous Spanish city of Seville, the 3rd All's Fair in Love novella features a duke in disguise and the milt-lingual English miss who comes to his rescue.

This is the perfect read for a day at the beach or pool, or even just curled up on the deck with a drink in hand :)


Available Now - only $0.99!
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords  |  iTunes 







What else is new? Well, I signed a contract for 2 more books with Penguin (that will be Book 6, THE DUKE CAN GO TO THE DEVIL, and an untitled Book 7). I also revealed the cover for THE EARL I ADORE, the second book in the Prelude to a Kiss series that will come out in Jan 2015
 
And then there are my international covers! These two are for the UK versions from Piatkus books:



And here is the cover for MORE THAN A STRANGER from Japan!
 
OOOOOOkaaay. I think that's everything for now! Thanks so much for stopping by, and stay tuned for more fun news in the future (in a more timely manner - I promise!)
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Published on June 04, 2014 09:30

November 21, 2013

Giving Thanks for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is my very favorite holiday. To me, it all goes back to my childhood, when my parents, brother, sister, and I would pile into the car and make the five hour journey up north to the Indiana suburbs of Chicago, where my mother was from. Cleverly enough, we usually traveled on Thanksgiving morning, avoiding most of the holiday traffic and arriving just in time to catch the first whiffs of the roasting turkey.

Thanksgiving was always hosted at my Uncle Mickey and Aunt Bev’s house, a tidy little tri-level in a tidy little neighborhood about half an hour’s drive from my grandparents’ house. Sometimes the yard would be clogged with snow, sometimes with the last of the autumn leaves. The air was invariably crisp and cool outside while the hot ovens and busy guests heated the inside to just this side of toasty.

The first Thanksgiving turkey I ever madeThe buzz of conversation filled nearly every room of that house, but it was the basement that held the most laughter. There, we many cousins, the youngest generation of two families brought together but once a year on this day, would gather on the brown shag carpet, teasing and joking and playing board games. The old Clue game would come out, as would the decks of cards and cups of dice, and there we would play like the warriors we were, shrieking with laughter and accusing each other of cheating.

I remember the TV being tuned to football, coolers stocked with the soft drinks my mom never let us have at home, and the smell of pumpkin pie promising deliciousness, even though I never actually liked it. I loved the jello molds and cranberry dessert, the green bean casserole and the mounds upon mounds of mash potatoes topped with melted butter. There was the stuffing that I avoided, and the rolls that I binged on. There was real butter and homemade whipped cream, sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows and a turkey so big, it always managed to be more than enough for the crowd of relatives who squeezed into the long line of tables filling the living and dining rooms.

After grace, we’d all say something we were thankful for before, at long last, diving into the glorious feast. We fed our mouths, our hearts, our souls, and our spirit there at the Thanksgiving table. We caught up with each other’s lives and reminisced about old times. We looked forward to the future as we gave thanks for the present. By the end of the day, we would all be full to bursting, lounging on every available sofa and chair with sated smiles and droopy eyelids. The food would be put away, the daylight long faded to black, and before long we would pile into our frosty cars, once again heading away to our own lives, already looking forward to the next year when we could do it all over again.
Last year's Thanksgiving with Catherine Gayle :-)
It’s been many years since I’ve been to Chicago for Thanksgiving, but the memories will always burn bright this time of year. This holiday is sacred, reserved for nothing more than family, friends, food, and thanksgiving. In all my years, I’ve never bought a single Thanksgiving decoration, or done anything else to dilute the simple pleasure of the day. For as long as I live, I’ll never disrespect the day by bypassing it for Christmas. Others can wait in line for a well-priced TV or half-priced jeans, but this Thanksgiving I’ll be doing what I always have: enjoying a day at home with those I love, focusing on the things that really matter in life.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone – may your day be filled with all the best things on this, the beautifully uncommercial holiday :)
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Published on November 21, 2013 15:41

November 3, 2013

Because I love you - Epilogue for Ruined by a Rake!

Okay, okay—so I heard from some of you that you wanted a little more for Eleanor and Nick's happily ever after in Ruined by a Rake. Initially, I didn't have one because I knew we'd be seeing more in the second book. Indeed, Scandalized by a Scoundrel (out by Nov 15th!) is actually set during Eleanor and Nick's wedding.

HOWEVER, I never want to leave my readers hanging, so here now is the newly added epilogue from Ruined by a Rake:

Epilogue <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;} @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073743103 0 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} </style> --> <div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just what do you think you are doing?”</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Eleanor froze mid-lunge, her foil extended straight out in front of her. Blast, she was caught. The babbling brook that had so enchanted her when they purchased their small estate had apparently masked the sounds of her husband’s approach. Biting her lip, she straightened and turned to face the music. Nick stood behind her, partially shrouded in the heavy sheet of early morning fog, his arms crossed and his brow raised expectantly. </span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">She offered a bright smile, all innocence. “Morning constitutional?”</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">He let his hands fall to his hips, giving her a very nice view of his chest through the partially-buttoned, generously-cut white shirt. “Uh huh.” He started forward, closing the distance between them with four easy strides. “You, madam, know full well you are not to be out here like this.” </span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Even as he pinned her with his sternest expression, his lips still curled with a hint of that delicious smile of his. Her heart gave a little flip. Almost a year of marriage, and he still could take her breath away.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">He stopped an arm’s length away and held out his hand. “Your weapon?”</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Scrunching her nose, she tucked the foil into the crook of her elbow. “Don’t be silly, Nicolas. There’s nothing wrong with a little exercise. In fact, I think it’s good.”</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">He flapped his hand open and closed in the universal sign for <i>hand it over</i>. “The doctor said no strenuous activities.”</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Oh really,” she said, lifting an imperious brow. “If I recall correctly, you were quite enthusiastic about our <i>strenuous</i> <i>activities</i> last night.”</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Nick gave a bark of laughter and shook his head. “Oh, sure—use <i>that</i> against me.” Chuckling, he slipped a hand over her shoulder and tugged her in for a kiss, foil and all. She sighed happily, readily leaning into his embrace.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">When he pulled back, he placed a tender hand to her middle.  The warmth of his bare fingers seeping through the fabric of her fencing shirt was nothing compared to the warmth of his gaze. “I know it’s very early yet, but put a poor soldier’s mind at ease, and do please stick to <i>walking</i> for your constitutionals.”</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">She loved when he looked at her like that, as though she were the most precious treasure in the world. Because of that look, she had taken the biggest risk of her life—throwing years of caution to the wind in order to be with him—and it had paid off beyond her wildest dreams. A husband who loved, respected, and cherished her, a much longed for baby on the way, and all the family members who really mattered—Aunt Margaret, Libby, and William—by their sides, refusing to be intimidated by Uncle Robert’s wrath.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">She was happier than she’d ever been in her life, and she had one person to thank for it.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Covering his hand with her own, she sighed and nodded. “Fine, fine. Have it your way. But I warn you—I shall hold you accountable for keeping me entertained for the next seven or so months.”</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">His smile was slow and devilish and full of promise. “Deal.”</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In one smooth move, he divested her of the foil and lifted her into his arms, making her laugh out loud. “Nicholas!” she gasped, clinging to his neck as he started back for the house.</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What?” he said mildly, not the least bit winded as he navigated the rocky uphill path. “I take my promises very seriously. If it is entertainment you want, it is entertainment you shall have.”  </span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Grinning, Eleanor settled into his arms, relishing the familiar smell of his skin and the feel of his muscled arms around her. There was no other place on earth she’d rather be. “Thank you,” she whispered, the simple words filled with a wealth of emotion.  </span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">He slowed and tilted his head so he could meet her gaze. “Whatever for?”</span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“For making me the happiest person in all of England.” </span></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 22.5pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">His arms tightened around her as he brushed a soft kiss against her lips. “My dear Ellie,” he said, his voice slightly gruff. “I’m merely returning the favor.”</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 22.5pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 22.5pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: 22.5pt;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> SO, that's it for now! I hope you enjoyed this little extra, written with love just for you. And don't miss Scandalized by a Scoundrel, coming November 15th, for Amelia and Gabriel's story. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BIo81X5dPoQ..." imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BIo81X5dPoQ..." width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><style><!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-520092929 1073786111 9 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; 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Published on November 03, 2013 14:32

October 14, 2013

Cover Reveal, Excerpt, plus Fun News!

Hi everyone!

Yes, I know I have been terribly amiss at blogging, but I have a good reason: I'm almost done with my next novella!! So today, I am doing a cover reveal as well as an exclusive excerpt.

Before we get to that, I want to share my exciting news: I'm now an award-winning author! A Taste for Scandal won best historical/regency romance in the Book Buyers Best 2013 contest.  A big thank you to the judges and the Orange County Romance Writers of America!



Now, without further ado, I give you...


The following is an unedited excerpt. I hope you enjoy this, the first sneak peek!
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Her exceptionally <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">broad</i> target. The man’s chest was nearly as wide as his patronizing smile.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“If these lands are your father’s, then clearly I have taken a wrong turn.” He tilted his head, his dark gaze raking over her from the lacy bottom of her dainty pink morning gown to the top of her beribboned straw bonnet before landing again on her outstretched pistol. “I must say, you make for a very unique welcoming committee for poor, lost souls who have unwittingly wandered across property lines.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What kind of accent was that, anyway? Yes, he spoke the King’s English, but there was a flavor to it that she didn’t quite recognize. Not Scottish or Irish, but definitely something. His looks gave no hint to what it may be. His eyes were nearly the same color as his hair, both dark and shining in the morning sun. Based on his tanned skin, she’d wager he spent quite a bit of time in the elements.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His rough wool jacket fit well enough, but certainly wasn’t of the best quality. Nor were his well-worn boots, which were liberally scuffed and mud-stained, despite the dry ground. Stubble shadowed his cheeks, as though he’d gone a day or two without the benefit of a razor. Even so, his eyes seemed intelligent, his posture proud. He didn’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">look</i>like a man who was looking for trouble, but she couldn’t be sure.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And really, what did a villain look like? According to Papa, half the members of parliament were criminals.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Grateful for the solid weight of the pistol’s brass grip, she lifted her chin. “There are poor, lost souls, and there are those up to no good. Speak now as to your purpose here, before I make up my own mind and act accordingly.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She was careful to control her breathing, not giving away the fact that her heart was pounding like a runaway horse. It had been since the moment he appeared from the copse of trees lining her favorite path. Perhaps she should have listened to Papa’s warning to her not to go walking unaccompanied. Although, to be fair, he had issued the same warning every time she stepped foot outside the house for as long as she could remember.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The man lifted an eyebrow, everything about him showing a complete lack of worry regarding her and her flintlock. “You are aware that there is a wedding this week on your neighbor’s estate?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Heat that had nothing to do with the late summer sun stole up her cheeks. Of course—the wedding. Eleanor had invited her weeks ago, but Amelia hadn’t even thought about the fact that guests were sure to be arriving early.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Although . . . she narrowed her eyes speculatively at the handsome intruder. Most everyone in the area knew about the coming nuptials, so it was possible he was merely using the event as an excuse. “I am indeed aware—as is nearly everyone else in a twenty-five mile radius. Do you have some sort of proof that you are a guest?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The corner of his lip quirked up. “Of course. Here, let me just fish my engraved invitation from my coat pocket, where I keep it for just such an occasion as this.” He made no move toward his jacket, not that she expected him to. Clearly he was mocking her.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She glared at him, unamused. “Fine, then be off with you. Do not return, sir, or you will find me somewhat less hospitable.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His brows lifted halfway up his forehead. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Less </i>hospitable? Shall I be drawn and quartered then?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The gun was beginning to weigh heavy in her hand, but she refused to back down. She didn’t know this man from Adam, and his flippant attitude put her on edge. “If you’re lucky.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He chuckled softly and tipped his hat. “Very well. I can take a hint. Good day, Miss Watson.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her eyes widened at the mention of her name. “Wait,” she exclaimed, stopping him mid-turn. Dropping the gun to her side, she peered at him with renewed interest. “How did you know my name?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One single brow lifted as he tilted his head. “I don’t imagine there are many pistol-wielding, beautiful young women in these parts.” He tapped his forehead. “Deductive reasoning.” </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With that, he turned and walked away, leaving her hot-cheeked and stunned. A moment later, a slow, reluctant smile came to her lips. Apparently her reputation preceded her. She stuffed the pistol back into the deep pocket at her hip where she always carried it, and set off for the house. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It would seem a visit to her neighbor’s estate had just been added to her agenda. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;"><br /></div>
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Published on October 14, 2013 11:11

September 18, 2013

Fun at the Biltmore - Plus a Reading of Flirting with Fortune!

I've never been the type of person who has trouble being alone. Which is a good thing, given my profession! So, when my friend had a family emergency and couldn't join me on our planned trip to the Biltmore, I decided to go anyway. And I'm so glad I did!

The day was beautiful, and it was a unique experience being completely on my own for such a trip. I ate lunch at the first place that took my fancy (had an award winning Reuben sandwich - yum!). I brought my edits and contentedly worked in the glorious 70-something degree weather.
 

When I was ready to go, I hied off to the Biltmore, deciding to walk to the house from the parking lot instead of take the shuttle. Good choice!
 
Once in the house, which was delightfully uncrowded, I indulged in a tour. The Architecture tour talked all about how the house was built, and took you up the the nooks and crannies of the roof so you could see all the fun details up close and personal.  You know, like this gargoyle's butt:
 
Which I decided to take a picture with:

After the tour was over, I indulged in the fresh made ice cream. And you know, after 80 million steps in the architecture tour, I totally earned it!
And yes, this is a KID sized cone O-0
 After I had wondered the house and grounds to my heart's content, I got a wild hair and decided to make good use of the place. Lying on the grass on my belly, propping my iPhone up on my water cup and leaning it against the straw, I recorded an excerpt from my latest release, Flirting with Fortune. Enjoy!




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Published on September 18, 2013 10:49

August 12, 2013

Reader's Rainbow - Historical Romance Palooza!



**Update** 
The winners have been chosen via Rafflecopter and notified. Check the widget below to see who the lucky winners are. Congrats to them, and thanks everyone for joining in the fun!


Amazon | iTunes | Barnes & NobleIt's that time of year again!! 

To celebrate the September 3rd release of FLIRTING WITH FORTUNE, Book 3 in my Sealed with a Kiss series, I'm giving away an entire RAINBOW of signed books!  So, before we go any further, let's answer these simple questions:

1) Do you like Historical Romance?
2) Do you like autographed books?
3) Do you like free stuff?
4) Have you ever wanted to read a rainbow?

If you answered yes...
Then this is the giveaway for you! 


There will be four grand prize winners drawn on September 3rd. The winners will receive one of the following (chosen at random): The Black and White Box, the Green Box, the Purple Box, or the Red Box! 





The Red Box
Cara Elliott - Too Dangerous to Desire
Kieran Kramer - The Earl is Mine
Anne Barton - When She was Wicked
Shana Galen - If You Give a Rake a Ruby
Madeline Hunter - The Conquest of Lady Cassandra
Samantha Grace - Miss Lavigne's Little White Lie
Anna Lee Huber - The Anatomist's Wife
Erin Knightley - A Taste for Scandal! 




  The Purple Box
Tracey Devlyn
- A Lady's Revenge
Sophie Jordan - How to Lose a Bride in One Night
Jo Beverly - A Scandalous Countess
Grace Burrows - The Bridegroom Wore Plaid
Valerie Bowman - Secrets of a Runaway Bride
Elizabeth Essex - Breath of Scandal
Vicky Dreiling - What a Wicked Earl Wants
Erin Knightley - A Taste for Scandal!  


   The Green Box  

Julie Anne Long - What I Did for a Duke
Eloisa James - The Ugly Duchess
Cathy Maxwell - Because of You
Elizabeth Hoyt - Lord of Darkness
Jennifer McQuiston - What Happens in Scotland
Katharine Ashe - When a Scot Loves a Lady
Juliana Gray - How to Tame Your Duke
Erin Knightley - A Taste for Scandal!  


 




The Black and White Box Eileen Dreyer - Barely a Lady
Elizabeth Boyle - Mad About the Duke
Sherry Thomas - Tempting the Bride
Laura Lee Guhrke - Wedding of the Season
Sarah MacLean - Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake
Jennifer Delamere - An Heiress at Heart
Sabrina Jeffries - 'Twas the Night After Christmas
Erin Knightley - A Taste for Scandal! 

 

Plus...
A Mystery Box of 5 Books! These are not signed, but they are outstanding reads. Wouldn't you just LOVE to know what they are?


 You can earn up to 17 entries! Enter using the Rafflecopter below. US/Canada only please. Best of luck! (PS - Don't forget to get your  copy of my #1 Regency Bestselling novella Ruined by a Rake - FREE for a limited time! Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Smashwords | iTunes)

a Rafflecopter giveaway











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Published on August 12, 2013 16:18