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Finding Gabriel RELEASES TODAY! :)

Finding Gabriel RELEASES TODAY!! This novel is very dear to my heart, and I'm beyond excited to finally share Gabriel and Ariah's love story with the world! And it's still 99 pennies on Amazon! :-)



Dark romance. Searing passion. Historical intrigue.

During the chaotic ending of the Napoleonic Wars, two tortured souls struggle to overcome adversity and find hope in the wreckage of their pasts. Equal parts steamy and heartfelt, FINDING GABRIEL is an evocative journey through darkness and light, loss and hope, searing passion and relentless love.


Buy Links:
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1P769SD
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1U5E5px
iBooks: http://apple.co/1NFWnGR
B&N: http://bit.ly/1LzMY69
Google Play: http://bit.ly/1U5Eb0r
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1U5Ed8A
Momentum: http://bit.ly/1IeTQ1t


An Excerpt:

"Look at me. Look at what you have saved."

Gabriel released Ariah's chin and tore away the bandage in a harsh movement. As his eyes bore into her own, pale moonlight fell upon the deformity, illuminating the twisted flesh and grotesque welts. The sight reminded her of a beautiful chateau . . . a stunning fortress situated along the coastline . . . one that had fallen into ruin and neglect. The skin was concave, destroyed, cavernous - a remnant of former glory. And the surrounding features - his burning eyes, the right side of his face, his powerful body - dwarfed the disfigurement with a striking beauty.

"Look at the monster you have created. Look upon my face, Ariah."

She shivered at the sound of her name; slightly muffled from the injury to his mouth, it slid from his tongue with equal parts venom and hunger.

"I was supposed to die that night . . ." The last of his words ended in a choked whisper. His face fell forward in despair until his forehead was pressed against her own. He was impossibly close. And he appeared every gram a flesh-and-blood warrior - coarse and ruthlessly untamed. Sweltering heat radiated from his body and engulfed all five of her senses. She was suffocating. Visions of that long-ago night echoed in her mind until she could perceive nothing else. Ariah gave a shallow cry as she struggled to free herself once more.

"Don't. Don't leave me. Please."

Her movements ceased. The words struck a chord deep inside her chest. She connected her gaze with his and was rendered speechless by the naked anguish in his stare. Regret and desire were etched in every line of his face - but what stole her breath was something entirely different. For the second time, it was neither anger nor resentment that radiated from his eyes, but a longing so intense that it nearly overwhelmed her: hope.


Happy reading and much ♥!
Rachel

Finding Gabriel - 99¢ until Release Day!

Hi, everyone!




Woot! Finding Gabriel has been discounted to 99 pennies for the pre-order period! This promotion should (hopefully) last through August 27th, when the book officially releases.

Beyond exited to share this story with each and every one of you. Gabriel and Ariah are very dear to my heart. ♥


An Excerpt:

"Look at me. Look at what you have saved."

Gabriel released Ariah's chin and tore away the bandage in a harsh movement. As his eyes bore into her own, pale moonlight fell upon the deformity, illuminating the twisted flesh and grotesque welts. The sight reminded her of a beautiful chateau . . . a stunning fortress situated along the coastline . . . one that had fallen into ruin and neglect. The skin was concave, destroyed, cavernous - a remnant of former glory. And the surrounding features - his burning eyes, the right side of his face, his powerful body - dwarfed the disfigurement with a striking beauty.

"Look at the monster you have created. Look upon my face, Ariah."

She shivered at the sound of her name; slightly muffled from the injury to his mouth, it slid from his tongue with equal parts venom and hunger.

"I was supposed to die that night . . ." The last of his words ended in a choked whisper. His face fell forward in despair until his forehead was pressed against her own. He was impossibly close. And he appeared every gram a flesh-and-blood warrior - coarse and ruthlessly untamed. Sweltering heat radiated from his body and engulfed all five of her senses. She was suffocating. Visions of that long-ago night echoed in her mind until she could perceive nothing else. Ariah gave a shallow cry as she struggled to free herself once more.

"Don't. Don't leave me. Please."

Her movements ceased. The words struck a chord deep inside her chest. She connected her gaze with his and was rendered speechless by the naked anguish in his stare. Regret and desire were etched in every line of his face - but what stole her breath was something entirely different. For the second time, it was neither anger nor resentment that radiated from his eyes, but a longing so intense that it nearly overwhelmed her: hope.


Where the Promotion is Live:

iBooks
Amazon


Happy reading,
Rachel

Finding Gabriel Cover Reveal!

Super excited to share the cover for Finding Gabriel, my new historical romance! It came out just beautifully!



Colonel Gabriel de Laurent departed for the war intending to die.

After a decade of bloodstained battlegrounds while fighting in Napoleon's army, Gabriel returns to the streets of Paris a shattered and haunted soul. Plagued by inner demons, he swallows the barrel of his flintlock pistol and pulls the trigger.

But fate has a different plan.

Ariah Larochelle is a survivor. Orphaned at twelve and victim to a devastating crime, she has learned to keep her back to walls and to trust no one. But when she finds a gravely injured soldier washed up on the River Seine, she's moved by compassion. In spite of her reservations, she rescues him from the icy water and brings him into her home.

Now scarred inside and out, Gabriel discovers a kindred spirit in Ariah—and feelings he imagined lost forever reawaken as he observes her strength in the face of adversity. But when Ariah's own lethal secrets unfold, their new love is threatened by ancient ghosts. Can Gabriel and Ariah find hope in the wreckage of their pasts—or will the cycle of history repeat again?

Perfect for fans of Gaelen Foley's Lord of Ice and Judith James's Broken Wing, Finding Gabriel features all the dark romance, searing passion, and historical intrigue of The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables.

Finding Gabriel is now available for Pre-Order at online retailers everywhere! :-)

Much ♥ and happy reading!

Rachel

Finding Gabriel Blurb & Release Date Reveal!

I am beyond ecstatic and humbled to announce the upcoming publication of Finding Gabriel, which will be released by Momentum Books/Pan Macmillan on August 27th! I’m so proud to be a part of their amazing, dedicated, and talented team–and I can't wait till we unleash Gabriel and Ariah’s tumultuous love story upon the world! :-)

Writing this novel was a deeply personal experience and one heck of an emotional rollercoaster. At times, the subject matter forced me into uncomfortable and often brutal territories–and the road to Gabriel and Ariah’s Happily Ever After is certainly paved with an abundance of loss, discovery, hope, and, of course, searing passion and relentless love.

Featuring a severely disfigured and misunderstood hero, a compassionate heroine who keeps a dagger a thrust away, and a truckload of political turmoil, it’ll appeal to Beauty and the Beast, The Phantom of the Opera, and Les Misérables fans. I welcome you to check out the blurb below, and grab the first sneak peek of Finding Gabriel. ♥


Colonel Gabriel de Laurent departed for the war intending to die.

After a decade of bloodstained battlegrounds while fighting in Napoleon’s army, Gabriel returns to the streets of Paris a shattered and haunted soul. Plagued by inner demons, he swallows the barrel of his flintlock pistol and pulls the trigger.

But fate has a different plan.

Ariah Larochelle is a survivor. Orphaned at twelve and victim to a devastating crime, she has learned to keep her back to walls and to trust no one. But when she finds a gravely injured soldier washed up on the River Seine, she’s moved by compassion. In spite of her reservations, she rescues him from the icy water and brings him into her home.

Now scarred inside and out, Gabriel discovers a kindred spirit in Ariah – and feelings he imagined lost forever reawaken as he observes her strength in the face of adversity. But when Ariah’s own lethal secrets unfold, their new love is threatened by ancient ghosts. Can Gabriel and Ariah find hope in the wreckage of their pasts – or will the cycle of history repeat again?

Perfect for fans of Gaelen Foley’s Lord of Ice and Judith James’s Broken Wing, Finding Gabriel features all the dark romance, searing passion, and historical intrigue of The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables.

More Information
Genre: Historical Romance
Setting: Paris, France during the Napoleonic Era
Expected eBook Publication Date: August 27, 2015
Expected POD Publication Date: September 24, 2015


A special and heartfelt shout-out to the ridiculously talented Jennifer Quinlan, who edited Finding Gabriel during it's early stages. She truly allowed the story and characters to reach their true potential, and I'm so grateful to have found her! Aspiring and experienced writers alike: please visit her website, Historical Editorial. I really can't recommend her services enough.


Much ♥ and happy reading!
Rachel

Barnes & Noble Book Signing Photos

Here are some snapshots from my book signing at Barnes & Noble on 7.10.14! It was a joint event with the super talented and wonderful Torie N. James. Such an amazing night that I’ll remember for the rest of my days! A huge, warm, loving thank you to everyone who came to show their support. I couldn't do it without each and every one of you! :)



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Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!



The time has come to eat countless batches of candy and snuggle up with a scary book! ;-) To help spread the Halloween spirit, here's some of my fav spooky horror quotes:

“Wendy? Darling? Light, of my life. I'm not gonna hurt ya. I'm just going to bash your brains in.”
― Stephen King, The Shining

“This inhuman place makes human monsters.”
― Stephen King, The Shining

"It was as if the Overlook had swallowed them.”
― Stephen King, The Shining

"And then, eyes widening in horror, he saw the word REDRUM reflecting dimly from the glass dome, now reflected twice. And he saw that it spelled MURDER."
― Stephen King, The Shining

“And the most terrifying question of all may be just how much horror the human mind can stand and still maintain a wakeful, staring, unrelenting sanity.”
― Stephen King, Pet Sematary

“Sometimes dead is better”
― Stephen King, Pet Sematary

“The soil of a man’s heart is stonier; a man grows what he can and tends it.”
― Stephen King, Pet Sematary

“The demon is a liar. He will lie to confuse us; but he will also mix lies with the truth to attack us. His attack is psychological, Damien. And powerful.”
― William Peter Blatty, The Exorcist

“Do you know what she did? Your cunting daughter?”
― William Peter Blatty, The Exorcist

“The terror drifted over Georgetown like the sun over a blind mans eyes.”
― William Peter Blatty, The Exorcist

“They float, ” it growled, “they float, Georgie, and when you’re down here with me, you’ll float, too!”
― Stephen King, It

♥ The Timelessness of Historical Romance ♥

Originally posted on Christina McKnight’s Blog

“The best love is the kind that awakens the soul and makes us reach for more, that plants a fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds.” – Nicholas Sparks

When we set off to read a romance novel, we expect to encounter an emotionally charged story, identifiable characters, and universal themes. True, genuine love surpasses time and place, overcomes seemingly impossible barriers, and manifests itself in the most unexpected ways. True love is founded on kindness, compassion, empathy, sacrifice, and friendship. It is full of surprises and revelations—and its eternal power touches our minds and hearts with an astonishing force. These are common elements which enrich the genre and equip these stories with a poignant, unique, and timeless quality. They focus on the trials of tribulations of the human heart, and exist independently from time and place. Indeed—romance novels are special in that they showcase humanity’s continuous quest for hope, personal growth, pursuit of dreams, and the ability to conquer internal and external obstacles in spite of all oppositions.

Historical romance embodies the notion of timelessness even more so. It shows us that, no matter the location or century, the basic elements of romance endure. The hero and heroine still seek the same end goal, are still driven by the same forces, and are still swept by the same emotions. The most satisfying historical romances, however, further incorporate the cultural fabric of the era and seamlessly weave it into the relationship. These historical elements add depth to the characterizations and story by demonstrating the unique complications of a particular time and setting.

So, what exactly makes historical romance timeless? Simple. People are people no matter what era they live in. Sure, they may dress differently, hold slightly different values, or speak in a different manner … but basic, human emotion never really changes.

And that is the magic of romance. :)

Conquering the Writer's Block

One of the greatest literary pains is the infamous writer’s block. It’s a genuinely suffocating experience. Time freezes. Your mind dissolves into an unforgiving void. That stark, blank page stares back at you with blinding intensity. All the while, the cursor on your monitor pulsates, resembling a ticking time bomb more than an outlet for your muse.

When writer’s block hits, you must hit back even harder. For the last few years, I’ve had a Post-It hanging from the corner of my monitor which reads:

“RACHEL’S REMEDIES FOR WRITER’S BLOCK”

So, here are several tricks I use to work through those terrible creative droughts. (Naturally, I have expanded each bullet point on my 4×4 Post-It.)


An important step to conquering writer’s block is revamping your creativity. These first few points focus on stimulating inspiration:


1) READ.

Pull out a novel or inspiring piece of writing. Allow the author’s words to wash over your senses—become completely absorbed. Start an “inspirations journal;” while reading, jot down passages you find especially enlightening. Reading not only encourages new ideas, but exercises your creative and technical muscles.

“If you want to be a writer, you must do two things above all others: read a lot and write a lot. There’s no way around these two things that I’m aware of, no shortcut.” – Stephen King

2) LISTEN TO MUSIC.

Playing evocative background music is an excellent technique to get those creative juices flowing. Choose pieces which complement the mood you’re trying to accomplish. For example, if you’re writing a horror scene, listen to something spooky. If you’re writing an action scene, however, op for something more fast-paced—something that will get your blood pumping and adrenaline charged.

Design several playlists, and categorize each one by mood/tone. I have personally found that instrumentals work best for this, since lyrics can be intrusive and distracting. You can find good material on YouTube (for example, you might search “spooky ambiance” or “sad violin music”). Movie soundtracks also work very well. Here are a few of my go to soundtracks: Fluke, Game of Thrones (seasons 1-3), and DragonHeart, and music from the Final Fantasy video-game series.



3) IMMERSE YOURSELF IN YOUR CREATIVE VENTURE.

Are you writing an epic medieval piece? Then surround yourself with material from that era. Print out images and hang them on your walls in the form of an inspiring collage. Research actual persons from the period in-depth. Watch films set during medieval times. Listen to popular music of the era. Check out reenactments. Whatever your topic is, immerse yourself completely.



3) DAYDREAM. THEN “METHOD WRITE.”

Lie in bed, close your eyes, and envision yourself as one of your characters. Place yourself in his shoes. Think like he would think. Reflect on his memories as if they were your own—and relate them to your personal experiences. Then attempt to write as if you were that character. This strategy emulates “method acting,” where actors fully immerse themselves in their character’s psyche.

These next few points concentrate on practical exercises and techniques:


4) HAND WRITE.

There’s something special about writing with a pen and paper. Not only is the act itself often liberating, but you’re less likely to get trapped in “editing-mode.” If you’re struggling with a particular scene or project, try writing by hand and in a new location (for example, if you usually work at your desk, try writing outdoors or while lounging on a comfy sofa chair).



5) WRITE RUTHLESSLY FOR 15 MINUTES.

This exercise works best in conjunction with points 4 and 5. Pull out a sheet of paper, select a topic (or scene), set your timer, and write non-stop for 15 minutes. Don’t edit. Don’t cross out sentences. Don’t lift your pen. Concentrate solely on your thoughts and feelings. Allow them to fearlessly pour from your fingertips for 15 minutes straight.



6) DISCOVER NEW TOOLS.

Tons of writing tools are available—and many are designed to help you organize your thoughts, plan projects, and reach that daily word count. (Just be careful not to get sucked into gimmicky software.) Here are a couple of my personal favorites:

Scrivener – A topnotch word processor that allows you to intricately plot your projects, organize research, and much more. I can’t recommend this one enough.

Evernote – Organize your research by storing everything (and I mean everything) in one location. It syncs your notes to the server, allowing you access from anywhere and on any device. As a historical fiction writer, I can’t imagine living without Evernote.

yWriter – Very similar to Scrivener, though much more simplistic. Best of all? It’s totally free.



7) KEEP WRITING.

Set a daily word count and stick to it. What seems like uninspired dreck today can (and will) be transformed tomorrow. Just keep writing and always remember:

“The enemy is not the badly written page; it is the empty page. The great advantage of a badly written page is that it can be rewritten. It can be improved. A blank page is zero. In fact, it’s worse than zero, because it represents territory you’re afraid, unwilling, or too lazy to explore.” - Timothy Hallinan

Originally posted as a Guest Post @ Writer’s and Authors

Our Love of the Tortured Hero

Ever since I was a child, I have been fascinated by the tortured hero. I fell deeply in love with poignant stories such as The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, and Wuthering Heights. I remember watching The Phantom of the Opera stage play at age seven with a mixture of horror, sympathy, and shared pain.

Later, in my teens, I read Gaston Leroux’s Gothic novel in a single night and found myself falling in love all over again.

Indeed—something about the vulnerability, desperation, and raw yearnings of these aforementioned heroes (or rather, these antiheros) opened my eyes and forever touched my soul. They were much more than mere characters or elaborate passages in a book; through their fatal flaws they had transformed into living, breathing human beings … people who I ached to reach out and heal. I identified with Erik’s loneliness and his need for companionship … I understood Jean Valjean’s hunger for redemption, for a second chance … I, too, saw Fantine’s dream shatter into a million pieces … and I wept on behalf of Heathcliff’s wretched beginnings and his unrequited love for Cathy. These individuals and their tragic plights continue to fuel my inspiration and have made a lasting impact on my own stories.

This led me to ask myself the following question: what is about the tortured hero that leaves a lasting imprint on our minds and hearts? In spite of their cruelty, damning choices, and cynicism, why do we continually find ourselves rooting for these damaged men and women? What draws us in—mind, body, and soul?

There is something genuinely captivating about a damaged, tortured hero.

He is much more than a Gothic personality found in the pages of literary classics. Alas, the tortured hero is still alive and well. “Antiheros” are currently on the rise—something which is evidenced by the abundance of dark romance novels and edgy television series (a warm nod to my two personal favorites, the phenomenal Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones).

As a way to answer my own inquiry, here are some possible reasons as to why our love for the Eriks, Heathcliffs, and Walter Whites of the world remains so strong and sure:

1) Our ability to identify with the tortured hero’s flaws and imperfections.

In the realm of storytelling, relating to a character is everything.

By definition, tortured heroes contain at least one fatal flaw. These imperfections dictate their personalities, fears, and desires. These defects can appear in a variety of forms: physical scars, internal scars, severe emotional damage, and heavy burdens/baggage. By exploring the things that make the tortured hero tormented, we gain an understanding of how they evolved into their current personalities. This is a very intimate venture, as the reader is granted access into the most private, vulnerable, and painful crevices of their being. And when we gain a true understanding of a character, we are much more likely to connect with their plight. We know the agony they’ve endured, we recognize the reasons why they might appear cruel, callous, or cynical—and we ache to see them overcome these shortcomings and become whole.

Furthermore, tragic flaws oftentimes embody universal fears. For example, nearly every person fears being alone. Because of his disfigurement, The Phantom has been cast out of society and sentenced to a life of darkness and solitude. As readers, we personally relate to his isolation and need for companionship.

In short, we recognize the tortured hero’s shortcomings and either subconsciously or consciously utilize them as a personal, internal mirror.

2) Redemption and the beauty of hope.

Redemption is a beautiful, powerful force. It reminds us that change is possible and nurtures the prospect of hope. We all yearn to better ourselves, to grow as individuals, to overcome seemingly impossible odds … and the tortured hero’s journey symbolizes this concept.

3) Stories that feature a tortured hero often lend themselves to a more dynamic read.

Stories that focus on the trials and tribulations of a tortured hero/heroine often bear higher emotional stakes. More pages are dedicated to characterization. These stories tend to delve further into backstories, have greater obstacles, and contain profound character arcs. Consequently, the subject matter, themes, and overall tone are typically deeper and more complex than that of a “casual read.” This is simply a phenomenon that comes with exploring the darker territories of the human psyche.

4) For the love of the “bad boy.”

Tortured heroes commonly boast “bad boy” behaviors. They are ruthless, gruff, and naughty rule breakers. Stories (especially romance novels) are a form of fantasy escapism—and who wouldn’t want to escape into the arms of a man who’s ready to rock you world?

5) Genuine love.

Romances that feature a tortured hero truly probe the boundaries of compassion, sensitivity, and unconditional love. Because of the hero’s (or heroine’s) imperfections, the love interest must learn to love and accept him in spite of discovering these things. And when you truly know and love someone … well, there’s the magic of romance.

6) The tortured hero is just plain sexy.

Low, sardonic whispers. Impenetrable darkness and dangerous secrets. Penetrating eyes. Mesmerizing stares. Mystery, danger, and intrigue = sexy in one deliciously masculine package.

The Frost of Springtime embodies my passion for the tortured hero. Writing the story was an intense and highly emotional experience. I had yearned to create a pair of imperfect, star-crossed lovers whose deep affection for each other could triumph over seemingly impossible odds. And Aleksender de Lefèvre is very much a tormented soul. Severely scarred inside and out, his twisted past and the horrors of the battlefield have hardened his heart–and Sofia’s love and compassion presents the ideal counterpoint to his darkness. Like Aleksender, she also suffers from a tragic, ill-fated past. They are two flawed characters who are made perfect only through their love.

“With an ordinary face, he would have been one of the most distinguished of mankind! He had a heart that could have held the empire of the world; and, in the end, he had to content himself with a cellar.” — Nadir, The Phantom of the Opera

“Come back as a ghost, haunt me, drive me mad. Only do not leave me in this abyss where I cannot find you. I cannot live without my life; I cannot live without my soul…” — Heathcliff, Wuthering Heights

Who are your favorite tortured heroes?

Originally posted as a Guest Post @ the wonderful Divas Book Blog

The Frost of Springtime Virtual Blog Tour!

Please join me and Enchanted Book Promotions around the blogosphere for The Frost of Springtime Virtual Book Tour, May 1st - July 1st! There will be lots of guest posts, author interviews, reviews, excerpts, and promos-–a variety of content at each stop, so stay tuned!

Also, be sure to participate in the rafflecopter GIVEAWAY for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card. :)

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