Rachael Brownell's Blog, page 2

AMTL Chapter One Reveal

This story will DESTROY your emotions. One second you’ll be laughing at the antics between this once close-knit group of friends as they reminisce, the next you’ll have tears in your eyes. PREPARE YOURSELF! Grab a box of tissues. I’m apologizing in advance. (Toby this is your only warning.) It will also warm your heart and Jay… GAH! He will bring you to your knees. I loved writing him.

I hope you enjoy Chapter 1. A Moment Too Late releases June 11th. You can preorder it now for the special release price of only $2.99 HERE. It will only be available on Amazon and enrolled in Kindle Unlimited.

“A well-written, swoon-worthy friends to lovers with a bit of mystery will keep you turning the pages!” – USA Today Bestselling Author, Kimberly Knight

My phone has vibrated in the pocket of my dress no less than ten times since class started thirty minutes ago. If I were in a lecture hall with five hundred other people, I’d risk checking to see who was calling at this early hour, but this professor is an asshole. The sight of my phone will set him off. On the first day of class, he made his stance on phones perfectly clear.

If he sees one, we all suffer. 

In our second class, we found out exactly what suffering meant when someone walked in texting. The class hadn’t even started. We weren’t on his time yet. Still, he issued a ten-page paper and only gave us three days to do it.

Not a single person has been seen on their phone since.

Message received. Loud and clear.

My phone starts up again, and instantly the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, a chill running down my spine. Whoever keeps calling, it must be important which worries me. All my friends know all about this professor. I’ve complained about him on more than one occasion, so they know never to call during class.

Not to mention they’re probably sound asleep. I’m the only idiot who signed up for classes that start before noon in my final semester of college. I didn’t have much of a choice. This class is required to graduate, and this was the only time it was offered.

Sighing, I brush off my concerns and attempt to concentrate on the lecture my professor is droning on about. I’m barely able to keep my eyes open as I listen to his monotone voice go on and on about our final project, due in less than four weeks. I didn’t get back in town until after ten last night, then I overslept, having to forgo stopping for coffee on the way to class so I wasn’t late. Another one of the professor’s pet peeves. 

Graduation is just around the corner, though. No more early classes. No more asshole professors. Four years of hard work and dedication all come down to the next few weeks.

This semester has been mentally challenging. Both on a personal and professional level if you count being a college student by day and waitress by night a profession.

My days are long, the nights even longer. The much-needed rest and relaxation I was hoping for while vacationing last week never happened. Sleep eluded me most of spring break. I should have been sunbathing and sipping fruity drinks with little umbrellas in them. I was in paradise with no responsibilities. My days were my own, but they were lonely.

That’s not a new concept it seems. I could be in a room surrounded by all my favorite people and I’d still feel lonely these days.

I spent the first day crying my eyes out behind large, black sunglasses while my parents went on a day excursion. It was beautiful outside, the water was clear, the light breeze keeping me from overheating. The view was breathtaking. I should have been enjoying it with a smile on my face. Or at the very least, taking a nap and working on my tan.

What did I do instead?

Once I knew my parents were gone, I went back to my room and curled up under the covers. My eyes were puffy and red. It hurt to keep them open. I was exhausted from my early flight, but aside from being physically tired, I was emotionally drained.

My heart was splintering in my chest. Every time I thought about that night, I felt a new fault line appear. It wouldn’t be long before it shattered and there would be nothing left.

Because I gave him my heart two years ago.

Willingly.

Without asking for anything in return.

I expected him to treat it with care. To guard it. To keep it safe.

What did he do with it? Nothing.

That was only my first mistake, though. My second?

I didn’t ask if he wanted it. Nope. I ripped it from my chest, shoved it in his hands, and smiled. It happened so fast I didn’t give it a second thought. There was no time to overthink what I was doing because it was over before I knew it even happened.

Why was I so reckless? Because there was something there. The moment I saw him I felt it, the connection. It was magnetic, the pull I felt toward him. The way he held me in his arms was heavenly, as if I was meant to be held by him and only him.

Love at first sight.

I was crazy, right? That never happens in real life. Sure, you read about it in romance novels, but I’ve never heard about it happening to anyone I know. Hell, my mother said it took her two years to get my dad to open his eyes. He says he was just waiting to see if she was worth the effort.

Great role models, right?

But after twenty-five years of marriage, two petitions for divorce that were eventually withdrawn, and one affair on my father’s part, they seem to be doing okay. 

That’s a lie. 

My parents tolerate each other at best. Neither of them are getting any younger, and I think they’re afraid of dying alone. My father turns sixty-one this year, and my mother will be sixty. At that age, who wants to start over?

I’d be scared, too.

Hell, I’m scared right now. 

Of the way I feel for him. Of the power he has over me. The power to destroy my heart. Power I gave him without a second though.

You’re an idiot, Andrea.

Yup. Even my subconscious knows what a big mistake I made.

Four more weeks. Then I can leave here and start over. I’ll take what’s left of my heart and pray there’s someone out there who can mend the broken pieces. Someone who’s meant just for me.

Shaking away the thoughts, I turn my attention back to my professor. He’s walking my way, his eyes locked on mine. Either I’ve been busted for zoning out or he’s just having a bad day. The scowl on his face gives nothing away. It’s the same expression he’s worn since day one. 

“You have ten minutes to decide your topic. Please turn them in to Ms. Morris.” He motions to me, and I wave enthusiastically. It’s more for show than anything. Maybe if I smile and pretend to be excited he’ll think I was paying attention after all. “She’ll bring them to my office after class.”

Or not.

He’s definitely aware I zoned out. This is my punishment. I get to run across campus to drop off topics to him and sprint back in less than fifteen minutes for my next class. It won’t be easy, especially considering I chose to wear a dress and heeled sandals today, but I’ll make it work. 

At least my next professor isn’t a dick. He probably won’t even notice if I slip in late.

Taking the large, manila envelope he’s extended in my direction, I nod in understanding and avert my eyes quickly. I still have to come up with my own topic, and I’ve spent the last forty minutes mentally beating myself up.

Didn’t I just do that for the last seven days?

Sure did, and it ruined what should have been a perfect vacation in paradise. It’s about time I stop.

That’s the thing about guilt. It refuses to let go of the grip it has on your soul. It wraps itself around you and holds on for the ride, laughing the entire time.

Look at the wrong person, guilt smacks you across the face.

Think about them, guilt’s there to remind you why you shouldn’t.

Get close enough to smell their woodsy scent? Throat punch.

Guilt is a bitch. The only way to get rid of it is to clear your conscience. 

Like you have the balls to do that.

She’s right. I don’t. Because telling my truth would destroy more lives than my own. And if I’m going to hell, I don’t find it necessary to bring company.

Four more weeks.

I can survive that long. I’ll just lock myself in my apartment. I’ve been doing it all semester, what’s a few more weeks? Everything is going to be fine.

I’ll suffer so she doesn’t have to. 

I’ll pretend I’m not miserable, that my heart’s not broken, the way I have been the last two years. 

My heart for hers. 

By keeping what happened a secret, I’m saving her from the heartbreak. That’s what friends do. They jump in front of a moving car to push you out of the way. They sacrifice themselves, their own happiness, so you can find yours. 

As soon as the professor is out the door, students crowd my desk, thrusting papers in my face. I slide them all in the envelope one by one and stare down at my blank form. I’m the last one left. Alone.

Again.

You would think I’d be used to the silence by now. I live alone. Spend my nights locked in my apartment. I’ve pushed my friends away and barely answer my phone.

I’m the reason I’m isolated. 

I’m the one responsible for feeling lonely.

I’ve done this to myself and I have no one else to blame.

Well, I could start pointing fingers, but at this point, why bother? It won’t change what happened two years ago or three months ago. No one can erase the past. We either learn from it, try to be better, overcome the obstacles, and grow as a person. Or we wallow, allowing ourselves to suffer in silence. 

It feels like I’m constantly teetering somewhere in the middle. I’d love to say I’ve learned my lesson, but I find myself wallowing more often than not.

Attempting to focus, I’m feverishly scribbling when another chill washes over me, this one more pronounced than the last. Goosebumps pebble my exposed legs, a shiver making it’s way up my spine. I’m rubbing them with my free hand when I hear the soft click of the door, followed by the vibration of my phone again.

Finally removing it from the confines of my pocket, I find Summer’s face smiling at me. My second mom. The one who adopted me into her family the first day I met her. Who’s shown me more love in the two years I’ve known her than my parents have in my twenty-two years of life.

Sliding my finger across the screen to answer, I greet her warmly, a huge smile on my face. I missed seeing her this morning at the Java Bean. Not only did I need the caffeine, but her hugs make everything better. Not feeling well? Get a hug from Summer. Fail an exam? Summer’s hug will make you forget about it. 

There is no limit to the power of her hugs. Summer’s heart is so big you can feel her love when she hugs you.

The way she says my name has alarm bells sounding in my head. I can almost hear the tears streaming down her cheeks, her big, beautiful heart breaking in her chest. 

And when she finally tells me why she’s calling, I feel the remnants of my already fragile heart shatter. Her words bring tears to my eyes, clouding my vision, my smile fading as the phone falls from my hands. The screen cracks as it hits the floor, but I barely register the sound. 

Suddenly I’m being pulled out of my chair, my legs wobbling slightly, and into his warm embrace. He’s fresh from a shower, the woodsy scent enveloping me, causing my heart to studder.

Home. 

That’s what it feels like to be wrapped in his arms. But right now, not even he can calm the frantic beat of my heart as it pounds against my rib cage. The thump, thump, thump rattling in my ears is the only indication I’m not dreaming.

This can’t be happening.

“I’ve got you,” he whispers as his hand runs up and down my back.

My fists are tightly gripping the front of his soft T-shirt. I can feel the rapid beating of his heart beneath my hands, whereas mine suddenly feels like it’s come to a complete stop.

When my legs give out, he scoops me up and sits with me in his lap. I can’t even bring myself to fight him. Tension and guilt are swirling around me, taunting me, but it’s no match for the devastation that’s pressing on my chest.

“Breathe, Drea,” I hear him say as he tucks a piece of stray hair behind my ear. “Just breathe.”

In. Out. In. Out.

Easy, right? Yet I can’t seem to catch my breath. I’ve never been able to with him this close. 

“I have to go,” I say, scrambling off his lap, gathering all my things and shoving them in my messenger bag. I’m out the door, his protests cut off when it closes behind me.

Four weeks. I can survive four more weeks. Then I’m gone. I’ll leave this place behind me and never look back.

There’s nothing left here for me now anyway.

🤩 COVER REVEAL!!! 🤩

ALL the credit for this gorgeous masterpiece goes to Cassy Roop of Pink Ink, Designs. She’s always amazing to work with and her works speaks for itself. I’m so in love with this cover. It perfectly encompasses the feel of Jay & Drea’s story. The passion. The chemistry. The desire. This book is going to knock you off your feet. You won’t be able to put it down once you start reading.

“A well-written, swoon-worthy friends to lovers with a bit of mystery will keep you turning the pages!” – USA Today Bestselling Author, Kimberly Knight

BLURB

Falling in love can happen in the blink of an eye.

I fell for Jay the moment I laid eyes on him. Was drawn to him in a way I’d never been drawn to a man before. He was everything I wanted. The man I dreamed about at night and looked for everywhere I turned just for a glimpse of his perfection.

But I couldn’t have him.

It was against the rules. Forbidden.

He was my best friend’s boyfriend. I would never do that to her.

Then she died.

Looking at him became painful, bringing back memories of the reason we couldn’t be together. The reason I never pursued him.

I had to move on and vowed never to look back in an attempt to escape him and the devastation in my heart.

Yet here I stand, five years later, staring into the eyes of the man I still want. In the place I swore I’d never return to. With memories assaulting me from every angle.

He’s still the picture of perfection in my eyes, making our attraction even more dangerous than it once was.

The only difference… No one is standing in our way this time.

A Moment Too Late releases on Friday, June 11th. You can preorder your copy for the special release price of $2.99 or snag it on release day for $4.99. AMTL will only be available on Amazon and enrolled in Kindle Unlimited.

Want to read Chapter one before it releases? The big reveal is NEXT FRIDAY! Make sure you’re following me here or on social media.

New Book Announcement!

I’ve been keeping the details of this book under wraps for a while now and I’m thrilled to finally be able to share it with all of you. I love writing second-chance and friends-to-lovers romance and this book is a combination of both! The attraction and magnetic pull between Jay & Drea… Gah! You can feel it!

“A well-written, swoon-worthy friends to lovers with a bit of mystery will keep you turning the pages!” – USA Today Bestselling Author, Kimberly Knight

Releasing FRIDAY, JUNE 11th… A Moment Too Late!

BLURB

Falling in love can happen in the blink of an eye.

I fell for Jay the moment I laid eyes on him. Was drawn to him in a way I’d never been drawn to a man before. He was everything I wanted. The man I dreamed about at night and looked for everywhere I turned just for a glimpse of his perfection.

But I couldn’t have him.

It was against the rules. Forbidden.

He was my best friend’s boyfriend. I would never do that to her.

Then she died.

Looking at him became painful, bringing back memories of the reason we couldn’t be together. The reason I never pursued him.

I had to move on and vowed never to look back in an attempt to escape him and the devastation in my heart.

Yet here I stand, five years later, staring into the eyes of the man I still want. In the place I swore I’d never return to. With memories assaulting me from every angle.

He’s still the picture of perfection in my eyes, making our attraction even more dangerous than it once was.

The only difference… No one is standing in our way this time.

Want to know more about AMTL? Would you like a chance to read Jay & Drea’s story before it releases? Make sure you pop over to my Facebook page and look for the giveaway post!

Cover Reveal: Friday, May 21st

Chapter One Reveal: Friday, May 28th

Listen or read now!

The Love or Lust trilogy is finally complete and available on all major platforms. The best part? You can start the series and immerse yourself in the angst-filled love triangle for only #99cents.

What happens when your best friend is pouring shots because you have a broken heart? You end up signing up for a reality TV show against your will.

I’m not looking for love. (Been there, done that. The pain isn’t worth it.) I certainly don’t need the drama of lust. Especially when there are eleven other people involved. But since I’m here, I might as well play the game.

But the game’s stacked against me in the form of two gorgeous men, both vying for my attention. Suddenly I have a decision to make. One’s in it for love, the other for lust… but which one?

I want to trust them, but can I even trust myself?

This could be my second chance at love, or they could be acting for the cameras. And If I don’t choose right, I could leave even more broken than I arrived.

“A fun, intriguing, engaging story with awesome characters. a story that grabs your attention and does not let go.”

“This last installment will wrap everything up like a gift with a big red bow! Do not miss out on this series, it will definitely be worth your time!”

The entire series is available in audiobook, ebook, and paperback. Keep reading for a sneak peak from Part 1…

“I have a feeling things are going to get crazy with the cameras off for the day,” Lennon says appearing next to me and leaning against the bar with one arm. Jace is busy making my drink, so Lennon takes advantage of the situation and reaches down, taking my hand in his and giving it a light squeeze.

Twenty minutes later and I’ve been thrown in the pool and Jace is lifting me onto his shoulders. “Let’s go!” he hollers, challenging Lennon and Drake again.

Bella climbs on Lennon’s shoulder, causing a pang of jealousy to course through me, while Courtney is hoisted onto Drake’s shoulders, a sinister smirk on her face.

Well, hell. Lennon may have been onto something. No cameras. No inhibitions. Let the games begin. It may be the last day I get to play.

Courtney and Drake go down first. I have a feeling they were both preoccupied. Bella, on the other hand, seems to be a strong player when it comes to water fighting. She doesn’t back down, and Lennon and Jace are more than happy to let us do all the work. In fact, neither of them helps.

We wear ourselves out, declaring it a tie instead of continuing on. Tipping myself backward off Jace’s shoulders, I sink to the bottom of the shallow end of the pool and then float there for a few minutes, staring up at his face as he watches. When I finally emerge, pushing my hair out of my face, he pulls me close to his body and wraps his arms around me.

“I want to kiss you, Presley,” he whispers, his lips brushing against my ear. “I won’t do it in front of everyone else, but I’m warning you that I will kiss you before either of us go home, even if that’s all I get.”

A shiver runs up my spine at the thought of Jace’s lips against mine. Would they be warm? Soft? Would I invite him in without thinking?

I’ve been kissed before by multiple people. Gage wasn’t the best, but he wasn’t the worst either. I can only imagine Jace would be more skilled, more in tune with how to sweep a woman off her feet with nothing more than the brush of his lips against mine.

And I want to find out exactly how skilled he is. Here and now. I also know it isn’t a good idea for a reason. Sure, the cameras aren’t rolling, but there are still eyes on us. Ten sets to be exact, one of those belonging to Lennon.

I can feel his stare boring into my back as Jace holds me. Jace is making his move, in front of Lennon, and taunting him in the process. Which only means one thing.

Lennon will make his move as well. Maybe not today, but soon, if he’s given the chance. If I’m not sent home.

KEEP READING or LISTEN NOW!

(c) 2020, Rachael Brownell

*** Don’t forget, the best way to support an author is to leave a review. ***

Love or Lust is Live!!!

GAH! Finally. I’m so excited to hear what y’all think about this series. Make sure you snag your copy HERE for only #99cents if you haven’t already. The series is available on Amazon, Apple, B&N, and Kobo. Paperbacks will be available on April 12th.

I’m going to be celebrating ALL WEEK in a variety of different groups on Facebook. Make sure you pop in and celebrate with me for your chance to win some amazing prizes!!!

Monday – Social Butterfly Party Room from 6pm-8pm EST

Tuesday – BBB Romance Room from 8pm-8:30pm EST

Thursday – Book Twins Hangout from 8pm-8:30pm EST

Friday – Dirty Bad Boom Boom Room! from 7:30pm-8pm EST

Keep in mind there will be giveaways posted on both my Instagram and Facebook pages throughout the week. Make sure you’re following me.

Cover Reveal Day!!!

GAH! I love days like today. I’m horrible at keeping secrets – HATE keeping them. Usually I cave a little early and share news with my reader group on Facebook but I held strong. Sort of. They saw all the yummy goodness yesterday. Which is good for me considering I’ve had these covers for MONTHS and the trailer for a few weeks.

What do you think? Hot right!!!

Covers designed by Cassy Roop of Pink Ink, Designs.

Make sure you preorder Part 1, releasing February 8th, for the preorder price of #99cents. It will go up on release day to $2.99 so don’t miss out on this deal.

4 Book for 2 Bucks!

You read that right. From now until Wednesday, you can snag FOUR of my books for less than $2 total.

Not sure what you’re in the mood to read? Snag them all!

99c Chasing Fate – second-chance romance

FREE Always in My Heart – second-chance romance

99c For All the Wrong Reasons – friends-to-lovers romance

FREE Dating Dilemma – romantic comedy

#CyberMonday #Sale #LimitedTimeOnly #ebooks

Will it be love… or lust?

With every passing day I’m getting more and more excited to release the Love or Lust series. Feedback from beta and alpha readers has been amazing but there is one thing they can’t agree on.

Will you be #TeamJace or #TeamLennon?

If you’re anything like those that have read the series so far, you won’t be able to decide until the end. It doesn’t surprise me. Presley took her time deciding as well.

The Love or Lust series starts releasing February 8th but to tide you over until then, here are a few teasers. This book is chock full of humor and heat, sexual tension, and more…

Make sure you preorder your copy of Part 1 for only 99 cents. It’s available on Amazon, Apple, or Nook.

As we approach the bar, Jace shoots me a panty-melting smirk that turns deadly when directed at Lennon.

Yeah . . . I don’t think the two of them are going to be able to play nice much longer.

“And how are you tonight, Presley?” he asks, leaning across the bar as he places two drinks in front of Lennon. “I missed seeing you this afternoon.”

“You saw me,” I reply defensively. Not that I was trying to be defensive, but that’s how my comment came out. Maybe it’s the presence of both of them at the same time.

“For five minutes and then you disappeared.”

“Kyra wanted to bake cookies, so we went back to her villa.”

“You know who likes cookies?” His smile grows wider.

“I bet you do.” I reach for my drink. “What is this by the way?”

“I’m calling it the Lusty Lady.”

It’s a soft-pink color with a hot-pink umbrella sticking out of my straw. Removing the umbrella and sticking it in my hair behind my ear, I bend down and take a small sip.

Holy shit, that’s strong.

“Um, what’s in here?” I ask, coughing as the liquor burns its way down my throat.

“Everything. You’ll want to drink slow and only have a few. I’d hate to see you fall into the wrong hands tonight.” He glances next to me at Lennon who still has yet to say a word.

“The only thing I’ll be falling into tonight is my bed,” I state firmly, stepping back from both of them, drink in hand. “Alone.”

A Million Little Reasons (but you only need one)

GAH!!!!

I’m so excited Charlotte and Blake’s story is finally live on all platforms and available for you to snag when you’re ready. I have to warn you, it’s a bit of an emotional rollercoaster. You know I like to bring out the feels in my books but this one… this has to be the most emotional book I’ve ever written.

And I wrote it back in 2016.

WHAT?

Yup, you read that right.

A Million Little Reasons is a new version of Jumping Puddles. Fresh content. Fresh cover. If you purchased Jumping Puddles, all you have to do is update the book on your kindle and the new cover will appear.

If you haven’t read this one from me yet… snag it now while it’s only 99 cents this week.

First love. 

Best friend.

Savior. 

Protector. 

The love I share with Blake is unwavering. He knows all my nervous ticks, bad habits, and pet peeves. Our inside jokes are endless and further prove we fit together perfectly.

But… our passion for each other is chaos.

My heart could list a million reasons why Blake and I should be together … never would it have anything to do with trust or honesty. Or, how a simple touch from him is anything but.

He owns my heart and always will. For now, that isn’t enough. But we both have dreams. We need to grow up and experience life.

Then, and only then, can we truly be right for each other. In time, what’s meant to be will be. Still, how long is too long to wait for a chance at happiness?

Amazon: mybook.to/AMLR

Apple: https://apple.co/2R7JSxy 

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/3lXihgN 

NOW LIVE!!! 😍

GAH! Alex and Harley’s story is finally live and available on Amazon, B&N and Apple. If you didn’t preorder your copy, make sure you snag it this week so you can get it at the special release price of only $2.99. The price will go up on SUNDAY.

All-American boy meets broken girl… at rehab?

It will never work.

How could it?

Alex is Chicago royalty. Harley considers herself Las Vegas trash. While he’s been handed everything his entire life, she scrapes to make ends meet. Still, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Both long to break free from the stereotypes of their upbringing and embrace each moment together. Yet, neither are ready to share all of who they are.

Their secrets.

Their fears.

Their bitter realities.

Does their budding relationship stand a chance under a blanket of secrecy? Or will owning their truth set them free?

“Half Truths is one of my favorite Rachael Brownell books to date! It’s a compelling blend of wit, emotion, and heart. I devoured Alex and Harley’s love story. A must-read!” -Ellie Wade, International Best-Selling Author