I’m Writing a Book About a Girl Who Slaps a Lord and Gets Pushed Into a Bush

Current Status: Unhinged, Writing Fae Scandal

So here’s the deal.

I was going to write something elegant. Refined. Maybe a little sparkly.

Instead, I’m writing A Lesson in Ruin—a romantasy full of morally questionable fae, too many corsets, and one heroine who cannot stop accidentally committing social war crimes.

What It’s About

Ardelia is:

• Not supposed to be here

• Not interested in fae politics

• Very good at stabbing noble egos with words

And then there's Andos:

• Fae lord, scandal magnet, emotionally repressed disaster

• Absolutely does not like Ardelia (lies)

• May or may not enjoy being slapped

They're forced to cohabitate at a court where:

• Flowers bloom based on your feelings

• Lady Elimbra (the matriarch) plays emotional chess with everyone

• Andos is betrothed to someone else (lol, pain)

Also featuring:

• Public disgrace

• Secret lessons in etiquette

• Library tension so sharp it cuts pride

• Banter that’s basically foreplay

• A masquerade scene that broke me

Tropes You’ll Be Ruined By:

• Enemies to lovers (with bonus garden slapping)

• Forced proximity (under Lady Elimbra’s terrifying gaze)

• Court politics, betrayal, and emotional tension

• Rival girls, velvet gowns, and strategic seduction

• That one moment when he looks at her like she’s the ruin he chose

Why I’m Screaming While Writing It

Because these two idiots were not supposed to kiss. And they still haven’t—but they’ve gotten very close in a library, a ballroom, and a hedge.

Because every chapter includes at least one:

• Misread glance

• Breathless denial

• Near-confession

• And Lady Elimbra drinking tea in the background like she orchestrated the gods

When Can You Read It?

A Lesson in Ruin is currently in progress. The chaos is being edited, polished, and yes—escalated.

Want early access?Want deleted scenes?Want to read what Ardelia was actually thinking when she slapped him?

Join the newsletter👑 Or enter the my ARC reader group

Thank you for loving messy fae, ruined reputations, and romantic tension you can bite into.

—Rea