Flirting with Fortune with Erin Knightley!!!

GET LOST IN THIS STORY…

AN HONEST DECEPTION
Sir Colin Tate has never imagined marrying for money. But debts left by his artist father have put his siblings’ futures in danger. To wed an eligible heiress, this independent-minded Scot must play by restrictive rules—until an irresistible lady dares to pursue her passion for art…and him.

AN UNEXPECTED DESIRE
Lady Beatrice Moore can spy a fortune hunter as expertly as she captures subjects on canvas. But when she meets the striking son of Britain’s most celebrated painter, the attraction is instantaneous—blinding her to the possibility that he could ever be one of those schemers.…

AN UNTHINKABLE DILEMMA
Then the truth comes out, shattering Lady Beatrice’s faith in the mischievous yet kind man who has captured her heart. With reputations and fortunes hanging in the balance, Colin and she must find a way to trust in a love that cannot be proven—or face an unfathomable loss

I am beyond THRILLED to welcome back historical romance author, Erin Knightley, to the blog today, even though we are currently mortal enemies… (At least until October. We are both up for the Book Buyer’s Best award for Best Published Historical Romance—my Sweet Enemy and Sweet Deception vs her A Taste For Scandal…a Battle of the Besties, so to speak!)

However, we’re here to celebrate the release of her latest, Flirting With Fortune! Perhaps next year, she and I will be duking it out with her new book and Sweet Madness ;)

For now, let’s get to know Erin a little better!

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.

And now, the GET LOST interview…

HEATHER: What do you do to unwind and relax?

ERIN: Anything that involves water! Boat rides, watersports, swimming, sitting on the dock, or even just soaking in the tub. I’ve always been a water baby, and I even have a bachelor of science in Marine Science!

HEATHER: Where do you read and how often?

ERIN: I read every night before I go to bed. Sometimes its just a page or two, but I try to get something in. I go to bed around 2am, so I love my Nook glow – it doesn’t bother the hubby at all.

HEATHER: Do you write while listening to music? If so what kind?

ERIN: Normally, I need absolute quiet. It’s helpful that I don’t have kids and work from home! The exception to this is when I was writing a pivotal scene for THE BARON NEXT DOOR (Jun ’14), where the heroine was playing a song for the hero that was dark and moving. My brother is a composer, and I listened to his song A Galaxy Dies over 70 times when crafting that scene! It’s such a part of the scene, I hate that readers won’t experience the music while reading that scene. Perhaps I tell them to do just that in an Author Note!

HEATHER: Have you ever written a character who wasn’t meant to be a hero/heroine but he/she wouldn’t go away?

ERIN: Yes! Charity, a character in A TASTE FOR SCANDAL. I loved her so much, I had to give her her own book. Luckily, I got emails from fans asking for just that, so I’m happy to deliver. She’s actually the heroine from THE BARON NEXT DOOR, mentioned above.

HEATHER: What is your favorite thing about you? J

ERIN: My work ethic. It’s a gift from my parents, I think. I’m proud of the fact that no matter what the job is that needs doing, I’ll find a way to do it. I’ve held a dozen different jobs in my life (pizza maker, dry cleaner clerk, lab assistant, resident adviser, real estate agent, maid, day care worker, babysitter, environmental specialist, GIS technician, diamontologist, baker), but hopefully this writer gig will be my last!

HEATHER: Which is your favorite language other than your native language?

ERIN: For me, it’s not so much different languages as it is accents! I lurve me some Scottish, English, and southern accents :) In fact, I gave Colin in FLIRTING WITH FORTUNE a Scottish father for the sole purpose of hearing his gorgeous accent in my head, lol.

HEATHER: Which era would you least like to have lived in, fashion-wise and why? Most?

ERIN: Ugh – I haaaate 80’s fashion. Was there ever a less fashionable era? On the flip side of the question, though I adore the gorgeous big dresses of old, I’d have to say the 1940’s fashions would have suited me best. Beautiful style, but much less restrictive than, say, the Victorian era. Plus, I like to show a little leg ;)

HEATHER: How much money does it take to be happy?

ERIN: $3.99: The cost of Ghirardelli’s dark chocolate salted caramel squares!    

HEATHER’S GOTTA ASK – ERIN’S GOTTA ANSWER  J

HEATHER: If you could visit any place on earth tomorrow, where would it be?

ERIN: Scotland. No, make that the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Ooh, or the Swiss Alps. Or the Great Pyramids in Egypt. Or an island in the South Pacific! *sigh* Sorry – there’s no way to pick just one! I guess that’s why I stick to books ;)

GOT A QUESTION YOU’D LIKE TO ASK YOUR FANS?

ERIN: So let’s turn the tables. If you could visit anywhere, all expense paid, where would it be?

WHERE CAN READERS FIND YOU ON THE NET?

www.ErinKnightley.com
Twitter: @ErinKnightley
www.Facebook.com/ErinKnightley

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.

 

Amazon  |   B&N  |  Smashwords  |  iTunes

 

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.

Webpage   |   Facebook   |   Twitter

Get Lost With Debut Historical Romance Author Erin Knightley!

GET LOST IN THIS STORY…

AN UNCOVERED BETRAYAL

When his family abandoned him at Eton, Benedict Hastings found an unexpected ally in his best friend’s sister. Her letters kept him going—until the day he had to leave everything behind.  Years later, Benedict has seen his share of betrayal, but when treachery hits close to home, he turns to his old friend for safe haven….

AN UNWANTED ATTRACTION

After five torturous years on the marriage circuit, Lady Evelyn Moore is finally free to live her life as she wishes. So when her brother shows up with a dashing stranger, she finds herself torn between her dreams...and newfound desires.

AN UNSTOPPABLE INTRIGUE

Despite his determination to keep Evie at a distance, Benedict cannot deny the attraction that began with a secret correspondence. Yet as they begin to discover one another, the dangers of Benedict’s world find them, threatening their lives, their love, and everything they thought they could never have…

I am beyond THRILLED to welcome debut historical romance author, Erin Knightley, to the blog today! This is a book I have been looking forward to for quite some time, now. Lucky me, I was privileged enough to read the first few chapters of this in 2010 and I tell you, I was blown away then and I’m still blown away now! I think you are going to LOVE Erin’s writing. Not only is she a phenomenal writer, but Erin is smart, funny, another science-geek-girl (like me), AND she bakes a mean cupcake! So, let’s get to know Erin a little better…

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.

And now, the GET LOST interview…

HEATHER: What’s your favorite movie of all time?

ERIN: Love Actually – far and away my favorite. The multiple love stories, the adorable British accents, Colin Firth – what’s not to love?  Oh, and the music is brilliant – one of the only albums I can have running any time of the year.

HEATHER: What’s the first book you remember reading?

ERIN: My mother used to buy me the Serendipity books that were sent to my house once a month. We would snuggle under the covers of my parents big bed and read them together, complete with voices and sound effects.  It was absolutely magical, and to this day I can not part with a single one of my collection.  Now, the first book I ever read on my own was Charlotte’s Web. I remember staring at the pages, wanting *so bad* to be able to read it. I kept at it for a year or so while I was learning to read in school, and finally got through it. It opened my world to the undeniable joy of getting lost in a story.

HEATHER: What’s your favorite fairy tale?

ERIN: Definitely The Little Mermaid. Ever since I was a little kid, I have been fascinated with water and the ocean. My whole room was decorated in under-the-sea type things, and I lived for the days I visited my grandparents and could watch the Discovery channel where they would have some sort of ocean program on. I eventually went to school and earned a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science, and am a certified diver.  The Little Mermaid had everything I could want: ocean setting, a mermaid tail, an evil sea witch, and a gorgeous hero with my favorite name: Eric *sigh*

HEATHER: What’s your favorite cartoon character?

ERIN: Oh, Snoopy – no question. Despite the fact I have been an adult for ages, I adore the little guy. I have t-shirts and water bottles and lunchbags and figurines. He just makes me so happy!

HEATHER: What question are you never asked in interviews, but wish you were?

ERIN: What’s my favorite memory? The first time I told my husband I loved him. We were only seventeen, and I remember sitting in the driveway in his car waiting for a summer rainstorm to pass. It was warm, and humid, and the water poured down the windows in wavy sheets, making it seem as though we were alone in the world. Sweet Home Alabama was playing on his cheap car stereo, providing a soundtrack that I would forever associate with true love. Young romantic that I was, I was completely lost in the velvety brown depths of his gaze, memorizing the tiny flecks of green that no one else seemed to know existed.  He started to say those three magic words, and before he could even get them out I was reciprocating. And you know what? We may have just been kids, but I knew with absolute clarity in that moment that he would be mine for the rest of my life.  Fifteen years later, and he still gives me butterflies J

HEATHER: Tea or Coffee? And how do you take it?

ERIN: Can you believe that I actually DESPISE coffee? I’d as soon drink mud than a cup of joe. Of course, since I can’t do caffeine (well, I can if I want a migraine), I don’t get any benefit from coffee.  Now tea I am generally okay with, but only if it is caffeine-free herbal, usually peppermint. The flavor is so mild, I don’t need any sugar or milk, so I can just enjoy the flavor nature intended.

HEATHER: What’s your favorite kid joke?

ERIN: Knock, Knock / Who’s There? / Impatient Cow / Impatient Co— / MOO! (see, I’m laughing just writing it, lol)

HEATHER: What’s in your refrigerator right now?

ERIN: Not a lot! When I’m on deadline, I tend to let little things like grocery shopping and brushing my hair go by the wayside.  That being said, I am never without milk, pickles, oranges, apples, bananas, and some sort of cheese.  Greek yogurt is also good, particularly since it has a long expiration date, lol!

HEATHER’S GOTTA ASK – ERIN’S GOTTA ANSWER  J

HEATHER: Okay, so I was perusing your bucket list on your website and smiling over the people you wanted to meet, when I saw Colin Firth, Gerard Butler and Hugh Jackman. Then I noticed two of them were crossed through…now, I know you met Colin Firth (because I remember the SQUEEING e-mail, along with requisite photographic proof!).

However, WHEN DID YOU MEET GERARD BUTLER?!?!?!? And why didn’t you tell ME? Come now, woman…SPILL!

ERIN: Ahh, yes – good ol’ Gerry ;)  A couple of years ago I was visiting my sister in LA, and she was sick as a dog. One of her friends had pity on us, and called to invite me to a post Grammy party in the Hollywood Hills.  Now, I knew she was an actor, but it didn’t occur to me just what kind of a party we were going to until be arrived and were promptly blinded by the relentless strobe of paparazzi flashbulbs.

The mansion was straight out of a movie (probably literally, lol), and the first person I saw when I walked through the door was Ryan Philippi. Twenty minutes later, I had met James Marsden, one of the vampires from Twilight, a few of the guys from Entourage, and several soap stars, and I had learned that Britney Spears, Taylor Lautner, and more were in residence.  None of that mattered, however, when I heard that blessed Scottish accent behind me.

As if in slow motion, I turned around and my, oh my, there he was. THE Gerard Butler. And I ain’t gonna lie—he is one fine looking man.  As I stared, slack jawed, my friend realizes who I’m fixated on. “Would you like to meet him?”

Apparently, she had actually dated him (be still my heart!), and dragged me over to introduce us.  I’ve met a lot of stars in my day, but I had NEVER been so star struck in my life.  I just stood there, grinning like an idiot as she made the introduction.  The bad news was, I was too dumbfounded to do much more than nod – but of course the good news was that I didn’t make a fool of myself!

GOT A QUESTION YOU’D LIKE TO ASK YOUR FANS?

ERIN: What celebrity (Read: hot guy) would you like to meet?

WILL YOU HAVE A DRAWING FROM THOSE LEAVING COMMENTS?

ERIN: TWO chances to win!

1.     1) Everyone who comments will be entered in my Sealed with a Kiss blog tour giveaway! Prizes include signed books, lots of fun swag, stationery, a custom iPhone case, and gift cards from Starbucks and Amazon! For details, click HERE. Drawings will be made June 15^th!

2.     2) You’re already a winner! If you’d like a signed bookmark (or more – let me know how many!), simply say so in the comments section, and I’ll send post haste! Offer good for the first 40 requests per blog.

*Be sure to leave your e-mail address so I can contact winners, or email me at erin@erinknightley.com if you don’t wish to list publically* I’ll ship anywhere in the US, Canada, or Mexico

WHERE CAN READERS FIND YOU ON THE NET?

www.ErinKnightley.com
Twitter: @ErinKnightley
www.Facebook.com/ErinKnightley