Showing posts with label Rachel Brookes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rachel Brookes. Show all posts

Thursday, June 19, 2014

BOOK COVER REVEAL - BE MY DECEMBER by RACHEL BROOKES - CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE


be my december

Title: Be My December
Author: Rachel Brookes
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: July 31, 2014

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Synopsis


I knew the exact moment I’d become a ‘yes’ girl.
December 16th, a cold winter’s night, four years ago.
The night my innocence was stolen, the night I made the mistake of saying no—a mistake I’d never make again.
The dream of a ‘happily ever after' was now a locked away myth. I promised myself that I’d never return to the place of my worst nightmare, that I’d never let anyone get close, but then again, I never thought I’d meet someone like him.
The intense, confident and beautiful Ky Crawford.

I had no plans to become someone’s Prince Charming.
I couldn’t be. I refused to be. My plan was simple—do whatever it takes to correct my biggest mistake, my one regret that now controlled my life.
I was on track. I had plans, but then everything changed when I saw her—the girl in the red jacket, the girl who I was told couldn’t say no.
The reserved yet stunning Eden Rivers.

A girl who can’t say no. A guy who craves redemption. A chance encounter?

It all comes down to this. One question. One month.

Be My December?



Excerpt



Everything happened so quickly. My hand encased hers, entwining our fingers in a protective move I couldn’t put into words. I didn’t stick around to hear anything else Nick decided to spit. I tugged on our joined hands and she, without question, followed me though the crowd towards the far corner of the bar where we were still close enough to the action yet able to be hidden from the fuckwit likes of Nick Edwards. My mind raced about what I could possibly say to explain my irrational actions. Since when had I become some knight in shining armor?

When we reached our refuge, I halted and dropped her hand. The moment I stepped back, I collided with a hard wall of Josh’s body, and over my shoulder, I found Josh staring at me with wide eyes. I tore my eyes from Josh and turned to find Eden, her friend, and Ashlyn awaiting my next move.

“Do something, dickhead. All eyes are on you after that little performance. You don’t go caveman and grab your woman and then just stand beside her like she’s a stranger.”

Josh was right. I looked back towards the corner of the bar and wasn’t surprised to find Nick and his crew watching with knowing smirks on their faces. Fuck. I had two choices. I could walk away right now, leave the bar knowing that I had done a good deed, and hope to Christ that she could take care of herself, or I could man the fuck up and finish what I’d started.

I pulled Eden firmly against me, wrapping my arms tightly around her waist so her back was flush with my chest. Resting my chin on her shoulder, I couldn’t help but notice how well her body molded to mine. She still hadn’t said a word. Her body was rigid in my arms, and after I heard her inhale sharply, she now held her breath.

“You’ve got to breathe,” I whispered into her ear.

Once again, she simply nodded. She trembled like a leaf in a hurricane against me. Her hands finally clutched my bare forearms, which were resting over her stomach. Her nails dug into my flesh, sending a shot of pain up through my arms, but I didn’t say a thing.

Her body wouldn’t stop trembling, and without hesitation, my grip tightened, trying desperately to pull her body closer to mine. She was completely breaking down in my arms and I didn’t know what the fuck to do, so I did what I hoped would calm her down.

I held on to her for dear life.






About The Author

rachel



Rachel Brookes is from a coastal town on the east coast of Australia where beaches, kangaroos and surfers roam free. She writes angsty love stories with a pinch of craziness, a dash of drama, a cup of romance and a spoonful of sexiness… oh and the main ingredient hot guys.

Rachel sometimes forgets to eat, sometimes forgets to sleep and sometimes can’t remember the last time she cleaned her apartment but that’s because she is in a long term relationship with her laptop and is constantly writing. 

When she does step away from her laptop she can be found taking too many photos, making scrumptious cocktails, laughing at Adam Sandler movies and spending her time with her amazing family and friends. With her first novel, Just Breathe, due to be released in July 2013, her dream of releasing a book will become reality. With another three books already taking up her mind, she cannot wait to start this crazy ride.




Giveaway


    
Be My Full



love-p

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

BOOK COVER REVEAL - BREATHE AGAIN by RACHEL BROOKES - BREATHE # 2 - NEW ADULT CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE






For Savannah Rae, the thought of living in her picture-perfect world was almost too much to comprehend. With her dream job, a family she could finally call her own, and the beginnings of the best chapter of her life, she still couldn’t shake the unnerving feeling that it was all too good to be true.

The thought of a life without Savannah was incomprehensible to Tate Connors. Never in his wildest dreams did he think he would find his girl in the form of a sassy, stubborn, beautiful Australian. Finally he had the girl and life he so desperately wanted, but he still couldn’t ignore the fear that it would crash around him.

When Tate’s past becomes his present and Savannah’s present becomes her past, the possibility of a future together collides head-on with reality.

In her darkest days, the words Just Breathe provided a peaceful comfort to Savannah from the heavens above. Now as she and Tate go down the path of new beginnings, brutal endings, and the constant craving of a happily ever after, they are anxious to learn how to Breathe Again.



Rachel Brookes is from a coastal town on the east coast of Australia where beaches, kangaroos and surfers roam free. Writing angst ridden love stories with a pinch of craziness, a dash of drama, a cup of romance, a spoonful of sexiness and delicious men to season is what she loves to do. Rachel sometimes forgets to eat, sometimes forgets to sleep and sometimes can’t remember the last time she cleaned her apartment but that’s because she is in a long term relationship with her laptop.  When she does step away from her laptop she can be found taking too many photos, making scrumptious cocktails, laughing at Adam Sandler movies and spending her time with her amazing family. Having released Just Breathe and Breathless in 2013, Rachel is looking forward to a busy 2014 with the upcoming release of Breathe Again, the final book in The Breathe Series and many other books planned she can’t wait to continue this crazy ride.

Website/Blog: http://rachelbrookes.blogspot.com/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/RachelBrookes_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorrachelbrookes


Just Breathe (Breathe #1) by Rachel Brookes

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Breathless (Breathe #1.5) by Rachel Brookes

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Wednesday, December 4, 2013

BOOK REVIEW - RACHEL BROOKES - JUST BREATHE - BREATHE # 1 - NEW ADULT CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - SELF PUBLISHED - AUSSIE AUTHOR ROAD TRIP - DAY 29




Day 29 continues with my review for Just Breathe by Rachel Brookes. I really enjoyed this first installment in her series and am looking forward to reading her novella #1.5 - Breathless. Available now from Amazon.







By: Rachel Brookes
Published By: Rachel Brookes
Released : Available Now
Details: Digital for honest review, 304 Pages

RATING: 4.25 TATE STARS!

Blurb: Goodreads

For Savannah Rae, living life without her parents was unimaginable. But being blamed for her first love’s suicide? That destroyed every part of who she was.

Gone were the days of innocence, happiness, and dreams. Now her days simply meant attempting to survive. In her mind, her only means for that was replacing her grief with men, booze and the fast life. And for five years, it worked.

When an opportunity to leave the nightmares of her past in Australia opens up, she takes it. Los Angeles beckons - with hopes of late nights, new beginnings, and the promise of a string of endless men to distract her, she can’t wait to dive in.

One thing she didn’t count on was meeting her match.

In the eyes of outsiders, Tate Connors has it all; the ultimate LA bachelor who is content with his lifestyle of wild nights, women and one night stands. He's Mr. Unpredictable with looks that could destroy any woman with one glance.

The craziness of Los Angeles throws them into the chaotic path of each other. Savannah becomes the perfect game, and Tate becomes the ultimate prey. Lines are crossed, emotions are smashed, and the idea of who they truly are begins to be tangled.

However, one thing will become clear.

They are more alike than either one could ever have imagined.


BOOK REVIEW by Michelle:


I really enjoyed Rachel’s story about an Aussie girl living in L.A. who is a bit of a player when it comes to men. She is essentially the female version of a man-whore. No relationship, just a good time. She knows how to reel them in and how to set them free. She has her rules. Savannah Rae goes after what guy she sets her sights on and gets him every time.

Once again I found myself hiding behind one-night stands. They were the one thing that provided me with comfort for a couple of measly hours, but in those hours, I was everything to the man I was with. In that moment, I knew I wouldn’t be abandoned. I knew I wouldn’t be hurt, and I knew I wouldn’t be alone. I had rules I would never break though. I always left before they woke; I never took a guy back to my house; and it was only ever a one-time thing.

Mr Davenport is her only family and also her boss at Beautify Magazine. He wants Savannah to leave her past behind her and start fresh with her new position at the magazine. Stop the one-night stands and partying.

A promise she can’t keep.

Enter Tanzi, new best friend and drinking buddy, these two really needed to buy some shares in tequila because they can drink like fish. Fill the fish bowl with tequila and give them each a straw.

“Babe, the moment you told me you loved tequila, shopping, and trashy reality shows, I knew we would be best friends. We are a match made in heaven.”


Tanzi also happens to be the twin of the hottie that catches Savannah’s eye.

Her sights have landed on Tate Connors, fellow man-whore .

But, is this one too dangerous for a one-night stand?

Mr Sex on legs owns Red Velvet bar.

Let the games begin.

Grab your popcorn and sit back and watch these two fight their magnetism.

“Believe me, Tate. I am definitely not boring,” I scoffed and cocked an eyebrow in his direction. I placed my empty glass on the table, motioning to the tray of shots in front of us. “Game?”

“You have no idea.” He grinned. His words were drenched with intention, and the feeling of becoming his newest game excited me. Little did he know I could play with the best of them.

Throw in a pile of angst and smexual tension...

Tanzi glared at her twin and began tapping her foot impatiently. “Shut the hell up, Tate. Serve us a damn cocktail.”

He smirked that deliciously sexy smirk that caused my breath to catch in the back of my throat. Shit

“Sex on the Beach, Quick Fuck, Between the Sheets, Climax, Slipper Nipple? What will I be serving you tonight, Savannah?”

“Do you have one called Not in Your Fucking Life?”

He raised an eyebrow and glared as fire swarmed within his baby blue eyes.

Tanzi scoffed beside me, giving me that extra bit of confidence to go head to head with her brother.

“What about a Stuck Up Bitch Who Screws Any Man Who Walks? I hear they are popular with the local bands,” he spat back at me.



Will another fish in the sea be enough to keep her emotions in check, keep her skeletons hidden deep in her emotional closet? 

Provide that security blanket she craves.

With a smile and a kiss on my hand, he introduced himself. “Blake Ryan, vocalist of The Fallen, California born and bred. Here to be at your service, Miss Savannah.”


AND... then watch Tate and Sav fail at fighting their feelings to discover how much alike they really are. 

Is this a match made in heaven, or is there still too much baggage to sort through?

Tate starts to face his past fears and the heartache that is locked inside him and let Savannah into his heart, into his past he has kept under lock and key.

“I need you, Sav. It’s as simple as that. I am not me without you.” His voice cracked under the heavy emotion of his words. He didn’t look anywhere but at me.


Will he be able to get past it all and accept Savannah’s love without letting it destroy them?

“I could tell you that I love you, but honestly, Sav, it’s so much more than that.” His lips kissed the tip of my nose ever so lightly and he stared at me for what seemed like forever.


Tate begins to struggle with his love for Savannah and his fears surface.

The demons of his past.

The sub characters were all great. Jack is an awesome guy. I love him to bits. He is like a big brother to Savannah and best friends with Tate. Jack is dating Tanzi and these two reminded me a lot of America and Shepley from Beautiful Disaster. Jack and Tanzi are loved up and know how to stand up for their friends. Jack knows how to talk to Tate and he knows when to get pissed off at his friend. Jack has morals and only eyes for Tanzi. He is a solid friend to both Tate and Savannah.

He is Tate’s moral compass when he needs to be pointed in the right direction.

Lucas was an odd character in the mix, for me. He was newer to the group than even Savannah, yet he eventually has eyes for another, yet he was very close, sometimes I thought too close to Savannah. If I was Ali I would have been questioning his motives.

It felt a little forced his actions towards Savannah when he hadn’t really known her very long. I know it was a source of upset for Tate, the way Lucas behaved, even though it was platonic. I felt like Lucas was used to be Tate’s thorn in his side. If he didn’t like another then it would have felt more real for me.

I really did enjoy this read and Tate will have many readers hearts a flutter. He is a very smexi character, very growl worthy. I just hope he can keep it altogether for his and Sav’s sake. 

Put those demons to rest.


I am looking forward to reading , Breathless #1.5.


Michelle



BREATHLESS

One look from Savannah Rae was all it took for Tate Connors to fall.

From the first moment he laid eyes on her, his world was irrevocably shaken. He’s willing to accept that his life will never be the same again, but when she has to leave for New York the distance becomes more than either of them expected.

Tate is left alone with not only an empty bed but also a thousand thoughts running through his head. Insecurities soar as he wonders if he could ever really be the kind of man Savannah deserves.

When the demons of his past continue to threaten the future he so desperately craves, Tate knows he has to make the ultimate choice. Risk destroying his relationship and his family with one life changing decision, or gamble on fate and hope the past stays exactly that…the past.



Tuesday, November 26, 2013

RACHEL BROOKES - GIVEAWAY - JUST BREATHE - BREATHE SERIES - CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE - SELF PUBLISHED - AUSSIE AUTHOR ROAD TRIP - DAY 26




Day 26 : Happy Release Day for Rachel and her novella Breathless. It is now available for purchasing. 

Giddy Up!

Throw Just Breathe onto your TBR piles. I am reading it now and I am loving these two broken characters. Tate and his Sav.

Welcome Rachel.



AUTHOR BIO:


Rachel Brookes is from a coastal town on the east coast of Australia where beaches, kangaroos and surfers roam free. She writes angst ridden love stories with a pinch of craziness, a dash of drama, a cup of romance, a spoonful of sexiness and the main ingredient hot guys. Rachel sometimes forgets to eat, sometimes forgets to sleep and sometimes can’t remember the last time she cleaned her apartment but that’s because she is in a long term relationship with her laptop and they are constantly writing together. When she does step away from her laptop she can be found taking too many photos, making scrumptious cocktails, laughing at Adam Sandler movies and spending her time with her amazing family and friends. With her first novel, Just Breathe, released in July 2013, her dream of releasing a book became reality and she is enjoying every part of this crazy ride.







Title : Just Breathe 
Author: Rachel Brookes
State: New South Wales
Released : July 5th 2013
Series Title: Breathe Series #1
Published By : Self published
Genre : Contemporary Romance

Breathless (#1.5 Breathe Series) – to be released November 26th 2013

Book Blurb: From Author


For Savannah Rae, living life without her parents was unimaginable. But being blamed for her first love’s suicide? That destroyed every part of who she was.

Gone were the days of innocence, happiness, and dreams. Now her days simply meant attempting to survive. In her mind, her only means for that was replacing her grief with men, booze and the fast life. And for five years, it worked.

When an opportunity to leave the nightmares of her past in Australia opens up, she takes it. Los Angeles beckons - with hopes of late nights, new beginnings, and the promise of a string of endless men to distract her, she can’t wait to dive in.

One thing she didn’t count on was meeting her match.

In the eyes of outsiders, Tate Connors has it all; the ultimate LA bachelor who is content with his lifestyle of wild nights, women and one night stands. He's Mr. Unpredictable with looks that could destroy any woman with one glance.

The craziness of Los Angeles throws them into the chaotic path of each other. Savannah becomes the perfect game, and Tate becomes the ultimate prey. Lines are crossed, emotions are smashed, and the idea of who they truly are begins to be tangled.

However, one thing will become clear.

They are more alike than either one could ever have imagined

Breathless:


One look from Savannah Rae was all it took for Tate Connors to fall.

From the first moment he laid eyes on her, his world was irrevocably shaken. He’s willing to accept that his life will never be the same again, but when she has to leave for New York the distance becomes more than either of them expected.

Tate is left alone with not only an empty bed but also a thousand thoughts running through his head. Insecurities soar as he wonders if he could ever really be the kind of man Savannah deserves.

When the demons of his past continue to threaten the future he so desperately craves, Tate knows he has to make the ultimate choice. Risk destroying his relationship and his family with one life changing decision, or gamble on fate and hope the past stays exactly that…the past





Q & A SESH with RACHEL



Michelle:  What five words describe Rachel Brookes the AUTHOR?

Rachel:  Perfectionist, sleep-deprived, motivated, crazy, emotional.

Michelle:  What five words describe the person behind the author?

Rachel:  Adventurous, home-body, stubborn, determined, cracked.

Michelle:  If you were given the task of walking up to somebody random in the street and you were to explain your book to them in a short speech what would you tell them? Not your book blurb, but something more...deeper.

Rachel: The story of two beautifully broken people who believe they don’t deserve the happiness everyone is entitled to. Through stubbornness, heartache, regrets and mistakes, the light of happiness and the realisation that they aren’t alone comes to the surface and they must decide whether happiness is worth the risks.

Michelle:  What ten words describe Tate Connors?

Rachel: Arrogant, sexy, stubborn, charming, hard-working, aggressive, loving, passionate, persistent and stimulating

Michelle:  What ten words would Tate use to describe Savannah Rae?

Rachel: Sassy, stubborn, sexy, determined, loving, cute, cheeky, Aussie, strong and mine

Michelle: What quote do you think is the most powerful from Just Breathe?

Rachel: This is a quote from the prologue and it sets the tone for the book and mainly sets the track that Savannah travels. It is the one quote that allows her to survive the turbulent life she has been dealt.

‘No matter what life you are handed, whatever you are dealt, whatever struggles you may face, please remember to just breathe.’



Michelle: Is there a song you listened to the most while writing your debut book and why?

Rachel: I made a playlist for Just Breathe but one song that seemed to always be played was ‘I cant stay away’ by The Veronicas. The chemistry and attraction between Tate and Sav was instant. It was brutal and intense but for Sav she tried her hardest to stay away but she was addicted and no matter how hard she tried to stay away he kept drawing her in. This song and the lyrics fit Just Breathe perfectly.



Michelle: What song best describes Savannah and Tate’s relationship and why?

Rachel: Only One by Yellowcard. If I had to pick one song for them it would be this one. Tate and Sav are so similar, beautiful broken and fragile. They have suffered and believe that there is no one that can ‘fix’ them but then their lives interconnect and they meet each other. They are each other’s second chance. Each other’s only one although I must say it’s a turbulent journey.




Michelle: Casting call. Could you please give me images of who you think best represents Savannah and Tate.

Rachel:



Michelle:  What has been the one thing that stands out to you in your journey as a writer?

Rachel: The one thing that stands out would be the support and encouragement that is on offer to indie authors. This community is like a gigantic family always there when you need them. I have met some of the most amazing people since I started my journey as a writer, I have made long term friends, I have had some of the most memorable experiences and it’s only just beginning. 

Michelle: Where were you and what were you doing when you came up for the initial idea for your book? 

Rachel: I started writing Just Breathe in February 2013. I had an urge to write a story that showed a broken main female and male. I wanted a sassy female lead that could hold her own. I remember sitting on my bed with my notebook and I spent an hour jotting down ideas and that’s how Savannah and Tate came to me. They have been taking over my mind ever since.

Michelle: What has been the most memorable book signing or book event you have been to and why? 

Rachel: Because I am in Australia I haven’t been to or participated in any book events yet however 2014 I will be attending my first ever book signing as an author which will be Gold Coast Australia in March and I have just been announced to be signing at the Sydney event in November. I cannot wait.

Michelle: If your life at this point in time could be described in a chocolate flavor or an icecream flavour, what flavor would it be and why?

Rachel: I would say I would be like a caramello koala…. Hard on the outside but gooey on the inside. I put on a hard exterior whereas in reality I am as soft as they come…. Which is sometimes my downfall.



Goodreads Link:






LINK TO RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY
 RACHEL IS HOLDING



BOOK SIGNINGS:

I will be attending the Indie Authors book signing on the Gold Coast March 22nd 2014.


Social Media Links:


Twitter: @RachelBrookes_