5/20/2013

Get Ruined By A Rake... (with Erin Knightley!)


 
 
So one day, you are working hard at what you are supposed to be doing, diligently laboring away, when out of nowhere a Bright Shiny pops into your head. You know the one—totally unrelated to whatever it is you are tasked with, yet so sparkly and tantalizing in its newness, it is all you can do not to chuck everything and dive in.

This, my friends, is exactly what happened to me back in February. There I was, working away like a good author on my fourth book when this new hero walked right up to me, tapped me on the shoulder, and smiled. I don’t mean just some impersonal, polite smile. Oh no—he leveled his gorgeous green eyes on me, tilted his head to the side, and curled those perfect lips into a grin so rakishly sexy, I darn near fell off my chair.

This Bright Shiny wanted his story told.  I’d like to say I played hard-to-get, but that would be a total lie. I dropped everything, opened a new word document, and dove in. In a matter of hours I knew that his name was Nick (Nicolas Norton, to be exact), he was an officer in the army recently returned home, and he had been in love with his older step-cousin, Eleanor, since the day he laid eyes on her when he was seven and she was nine. Add in one horrid step-father (to Nick) / uncle (to Eleanor), an ultimatum, a house party, and some early morning fencing matches with enough sexual tension to singe your eyebrows, and this novella was in business!

After writing, editing, and publishing RUINED BY A RAKE in two whirlwind months, it’s almost a letdown to be returning to my normally scheduled programming, lol. I wonder – has this ever happened to you? Did you drop everything and pursue the Bright Shiny, or did you hold out and finish what you were doing before giving in?

 

RUINED BY A RAKE – only $0.99!

It started with a kiss.

When nine-year-old Eleanor Abbington first met her uncle’s new stepson, Nicolas Norton, the boy rudely stole a kiss from her that set the tone for their contentious and competitive relationship. It wasn’t until years later when Nick introduced her to fencing that they finally had a proper outlet for their frequent arguments.

Having just emerged from mourning following her mother’s death, Eleanor is exactly where she wishes to be at the age of four-and-twenty: an on-the-shelf spinster and unofficial companion to her aunt. Unfortunately, her ambitious uncle has other plans for her future. On the eve of his house party, he lays down his ultimatum: either Eleanor marries the man of his choosing, or he'll force her seventeen-year-old sister to do so instead.

When Nick unexpectedly arrives on their doorstep after a two year absence, Eleanor is in no mood for their normal banter. Seeming to know exactly what she needs, Nick challenges her to pick up the foil once more. During their pre-dawn matches, he shows her just how strong she can be . . . and exactly how much he’s changed since leaving. But when her old adversary becomes her only ally, she may very well find herself . . . Ruined by a Rake.

 

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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. Together with her tall, dark, and handsome husband and their three spoiled mutts, she is living her own Happily Ever After in North Carolina.

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9 comments:

  1. "But when her old adversary becomes her only ally, she may very well find herself . . . Ruined by a Rake."

    Love it! Welcome back to GLIAS, Erin.
    ~Angi

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  2. This is amazing! Love the blurb and yes, This Bright Shiny comes to me often and it's never at a good time. I manage to never finish what I've been working on because of it and lose all of my energy afterwards. But when they want to be told they always get what they want, sometimes :)

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    1. LOL - Sometimes they are very insistent! I'm glad Nick wouldn't let me ignore him - he made for a fun hero!

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  3. This a fabulous novella, you all! And a great price point to try a new author. Although once you've read it, you'll be rushing off to buy her books! Don't say I didn't warn you...

    ;) Welcome back to GLIAS, Erin!

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  4. Oh Erin! This is so timely - I'm just re-reading More than a Stranger! So I'm going to jump on the novella.
    Yes - I have had characters insist they needed their story written. I waited for my first NaNoWriMo and wrote a Parnormal YA. (I write contemporary Series and Single Title. Go figure.) But the story wouldn't leave me alone.
    Love when that happens.
    Also loved your packing tips on U-Tube- but there is no way I -- a pack rat -- could pack in a carry on.

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    1. Yay, Nan!! I hope you enjoy the novella :-)) I think that's awesome that you used the Bright Shiny to fuel your NaNaWriMo experience!
      And as for the packing... well, at least your suitcases can be organized!

      Thanks for stopping by!

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  5. Wow, that was a very good read. In conclusion, someone who actually thinks and understands what they are talking about. Quite difficult to determine lately, especially on line . I bookmarked your web blog and will make sure to keep return here if this is how you always post. Thanks, keep it up!
    Estetik

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