Meet Addie Jo Ryleigh

Addie Jo Ryleigh writes Regency romance with a splash off suspense. Her second novel in her Men of Circumstance series comes out tomorrow, and to celebrate, she is giving away a copy of the first novel in the series.
A Duke. A Runner. An Earl.
Three men, each born into different circumstances. Each fighting to overcome their own adversity.
All striving to change their past. 

Addie, please tell us a little about yourself.

Hi Susan! Thanks for having me today. When I’m not writing, I’m a financial coordinator at an orthodontist office. While working toward my bachelor degree in accounting many moons ago at St. Cloud State University (Go Huskies!!), I never thought there would be a day when I would have any knowledge of orthodontics ;-)  I’m married to the same man who took me to my junior prom (I never went to my senior prom since I took classes at the college my senior year of high school).

We have been blessed with three amazing boys who are the center of my world. They’ve turned me into a hockey mom (minivan and all) who has resorted to writing books and working on edits in cold hockey arenas. But I found I love every minute of it. Our family also includes my favorite writing partner, my yorkipoo Bella, and our latest addition, my oldest son’s black lab Max. My writing is often interrupted by fits of reading . . . I have a serious addiction.

Me too! Not the hockey, but the reading addiction.

I love firsts, so tell me about the moment when a publisher told you they wanted to publish your book.

I received my offer to publish my debut novel, THE DUKE’S TEMPTATION, from Soul Mate Publishing after placing second in the 2014 Melody of Love contest through the Music City Romance Writers. My editor Char was a judge and I was fortunate that she saw something in my writing that had her taking a chance on a newbie and offered me a contract. Entering the contest ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I won’t even tell you how long I’d been working on The DUKE’S TEMPTATION before this day (but if you ask my kids, they’d tell you).

What is the most exciting moment, so far, in your writing career?
Publishing my first book is by far the most exciting moment in my writing career. Releasing THE DUKE’S TEMPTATION last fall fulfilled a goal I’d aimed for since I starting writing stories as a kid. But a very close second is the support I get from my three boys. They are always checking in with me to see how things are going. If I’ve finished writing whatever I’m currently working on. If I’m excited for my second book to be released. How I think it will do. What I’m writing next. Even though they don’t like mushy love stories, they support every publishing step I take (even borrowing their names to create my pen name). Seeing their excitement for me, amplifies any excitement I have.

What is your favorite pastime, other than writing?

When I’m not writing (or at a hockey event or school function or simply spending time with my boys…husband included), I usually have a book in my hand…and a cup of coffee not far away. I have a serious reading addiction that has just fueled my need to write. Other than writing and my kids, I love to take photos. If I had endless hours in the day, I would spend more of my time pursuing this. For now, I’m content torturing my boys with more pictures than they want to pose for. Thankfully they have cousins who often stand in for them ;-)

How do you motivate yourself when inspiration takes a vacation?

I recently saw a video montage of various movie scenes where authors have writer’s block. I couldn’t help but laugh because there were plenty of moments when it could have been me in the video. Staring blankly at the computer screens is a pose I’ve often had. For me, there isn’t a magical formula I use to motivate myself. I just know that writing is what I want to do and as much as I love my “day job” I would love nothing more than to reach a point where I can write full time. And the only way I’m going to get there is to continue to push through the moments when my characters don’t want to work with me. I just have to help nudge them along. And when that doesn’t work, I take a step back, maybe grab a book to read and wait for inspiration to strike . . .  usually in the middle of the night. 
I saw that video too. Loved it.

Any advice for new writers just starting out?

The best thing a new writer can do is write. The more you write, the more you learn. And a huge part of writing is about learning and expanding your craft while finding your voice.  If it isn’t written, it will never be published. Also, branch out. Meet others tackling the same obstacles you are. Join a writing group that has available learning opportunities and support.

What genre or genres do you write?

I write historical romances, mostly Regency (or time periods very close). In the future, I might branch out into contemporary romance but for now, my heart is in the past :-)

Tell us about The Runner's Enticement.

THE RUNNER’S ENTICEMENT (which will be releasing tomorrow, May 18^th…YAY!!) is the second book in the Men of Circumstance series. This book is Nate’s story. For anyone familiar with the series, Nate is first introduced in THE DUKE’S TEMPTATION as Gabe’s brother. 

Blurb:

Nathaniel Frederickson, bastard brother to the Duke of Wesbrook, has reinvented himself by becoming London’s leading Bow Street Runner. But no matter his success or his charm, he never seems to be good enough.

Lady Annabel Baines, self-professed bluestocking, has one goal in life. To ensure the success of her deceased mother's school for young ladies. Even if it means being beholden to a man intent on ruining her life, forcing her to make impossible, heartrending choices.

Assigned to recovering stolen artifacts, Nate is thrust into Anna’s privileged world. To make matters worse, he is forced to protect her from a mysterious threat she refuses to acknowledge. While fighting Anna’s stubbornness—and his unwanted fascination with the spoiled chit—Nate becomes the renewed target of a blackmailer thought to be destroyed .

While a killer sets his sights on Anna.

Will the well-born bluestocking ultimately save the bastard Runner?
Sounds like a great story.  

What’s your current WIP?

I currently have two projects on my plate. I was deep into working on the third book of the Men of Circumstance series, THE EARL’S UNDOING, when I signed on to be part of a novella series with my publisher. My focus has turned to finishing my very first novella. I’m still trying to determine how I will fit an entire story in a fraction of the words. It is an exciting project I can’t wait to share more information on when I’m able. Once I have the novella completed, I will be returning my attention back to book three and Marcus’s story. And I can’t wait because Marcus has himself in a situation he never planned on and I can’t wait to see how he manages it ;-)

And finally, where can we find you?

I can be found all over social media and love to connect with new people.

Website: AddieJoRyleigh.com

Facebook: facebook.com/AddieJoRyleigh

Twitter: twitter.com/AddieJoRyleigh

Goodreads: goodreads.com/AddieJoRyleigh

Thanks for stopping by, Addie. Addie giving away a copy of her fist novel in the Men of Circumstance Series.  Enter below. Happy Reading

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THE DUKE’S TEMPTATION

Gabriel St. James, Duke of Wesbrook, desires any birthright other than being the son of a hideous man. Unfortunately, Gabe knows the exact moment he became like his father—a night that has haunted him for seven years. Resigned to his future, he is unprepared when his illegitimate—and more importantly unbeknown—young daughter appears on his London doorstep. With no one to care for her but him.

Lady Elizabeth Blakely has loved only one man—her brother’s longtime friend, Gabe St. James. Not even his rakish and, oftentimes, wicked behavior dissuades her. Yet it all seems hopeless as he continues to overlook the woman she has become.

When Elizabeth learns Gabe is in need of assistance with his daughter, she seizes the opportunity. Gabe, less than thrilled with the situation—mostly due to his fierce desire for his best friend’s sister—has no option but to concede. Besides, a more sinister threat lurks; someone is blackmailing Gabe with his darkest secret. Through it all, Gabe vows to resist Elizabeth, no matter how tempting.

Sometimes it’s better to surrender . . .

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