We’ve got an exciting new author visiting the blog today!   Erica Ridley writes Gothic romance and Eloisa James called her debut, Too Wicked To Kiss, “one of the wittiest returns to the gothic since Jane Austen made fun of Miss Catherine Morland in Northanger Abbey.”

But not only is her book getting great buzz, Erica’s also super cool.  So without further adieu, please give Erica a warm RWR welcome!  Chance, make her a glittery hooha and someone round up a couple of crewmembers….

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TOO WICKED TO KISS has a psychic heroine. Would you like to have visions of the future?

Only if the future could be changed. If not, I’d rather not know bad things were imminent, (nor have good surprises be ruined.) Unfortunately for Evangeline, she has very little control over what she sees, and no way to stop the visions from coming. Since they’re brought about by any skin-to-skin contact, she’s spent her entire life quite literally out of touch from other people… no matter how big a crowd she might be in.

The hero isn’t Mr. Sociable himself, either. Right?

Right, although Gavin has physically sequestered himself for emotional reasons (he’s been shunned from Society for the alleged murder of his parents) whereas Evangeline is emotionally isolated for physical reasons (her cursed visions.) The situation forces them to reach out. Their interaction breaks the loneliness, helping each of them to grow and change as a person while also falling in love.

Tell us about Blackberry Manor. Why set the story in such a scary place?

I remember reading My Sweet Audrina by VC Andrews as a teen, and being struck by the heroine’s struggle to make sense of her environment. She was constantly disoriented as to passage of time by a house where every clock told a different hour and every calendar a different date. I liked the idea that there *was* no safe haven. In Too Wicked To Kiss, Evangeline not only has to worry about which of the houseguests is a murderer, but also learns to fear Blackberry Manor itself, for very good reason.

Are Gothic-style stories what you prefer to read?

I love to read just about everything! Historical (particularly Regency-set) is my number one favorite romance genre, but my bookshelves are also crammed with everything from paranormal to romantic comedies to romantic suspense. There’s plenty of (non-romance) genre fiction competing for shelf space, too. Whenever I find a new-to-me author I really like, I’m infamous for heading straight to the bookstore and loading up on the author’s entire backlist!

For example?

The first Julia Quinn book I bought was the third or fourth installment in the Bridgerton series. I immediately went back to the store and cleaned them out of her older titles, including the previous non-Bridgerton books. Another I hit mid-series was Kay Hooper with her Special Crimes Unit. *Love* those books, and got my hands on everything she wrote, even from before her romantic suspense days. I’ve got an entire bookshelf filled with to-be-read books… who knows how many more authors will be sending me on a return trip to the bookstore!

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HIS TOUCH HOLDS HER CAPTIVE…

From the ravens circling its spires to the gargoyles adorning its roof, Blackberry Manor looms ominously over its rambling grounds. And behind its doors, amid the flickering shadows and secret passageways, danger lies in wait.

TO HIS EVERY DARK DESIRE…

Evangeline Pemberton has been invited to a party at the sprawling estate of reclusive Gavin Lioncroft, who is rumored to have murdered his parents. Initially, Gavin’s towering presence and brusque manner instill fear in Evangeline…until his rakish features and seductive attentions profoundly arouse her. But when a guest is murdered, Evangeline is torn. Could the man to whom she is so powerfully drawn, also be a ruthless killer?

TOO WICKED TO KISS

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How about you? When you read a new-to-you book you really enjoy, do you seek out that author’s other titles? Or do you only a small number of books on a single “keeper shelf”?

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Get to know Erica at:

Author Website: http://www.ericaridley.com

Book Bonus Features: http://www.2wicked2kiss.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EricaRidleyFans

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/EricaRidley