I need to start BLOGGING again -

Hello there, strangers! How the HECK are you? It’s been about twenty years since I last wrote my last blog post. Not exactly, but close enough. In the middle of living through a worldwide pandemic, my creativity was ZAPPED. But it appears to be back, and judging by my inbox with pitches for campaigns and my WIP folder on my computer, I’m climbing back in the SADDLE. Not literally. City girl here.

By the way, I’m writing this post ultra quick and so there may end being a typo or thirty, but this is just me. You are getting the very RAW version of me, on the precipice of releasing my first book (besides the World of True North) in FOURTEEN months. I need a shower and a cocktail. I’m on my THIRD pot of coffee and if you watch my IG stories, you know how loud my “office” has been today.

Anyway, I will save you all the other complaints and gripes, and say I’m nervous and scared and panicked and excited. I love this story because it’s risky and a WHOLE MESS. Don’t worry it finishes up A-ok with a tightly wrapped happy ending. Margo and Mick are the real deal when it comes to second chance love stories…so I’d love for you to meet them.

OH, before I forget, I’m also now an empty nester, and wait until you see some of the RECS I have coming your way thanks to this…don’t worry, if you have kiddos at home, they’re going to be FAB for you too!

Until then, I wish you could hug me and I could hug you back, but alas - here is a VIRTUAL FIST BUMP. I will be hanging around the internet tomorrow and most of the week anywhere we are linked up, so join me.

Faded Sunset is out tomorrow, and I’m ready (I think)!

xoxo, Rachel

p.s. if you feel so inclined, drop a comment if there’s a product you’re hoping to find, or if you’re reading Faded Sunset! 👇🏻 ALSO, reviews MATTER!

...and it's AUGUST! Humidity, NEW covers & releases, and Q&A.

WOWZER! It's August already! I feel like it was Memorial Day Weekend yesterday. My summer has been filled with few adventures and a lot of laundry, mostly thanks to my kids who keep me on my feet. THIS IS NOT where I was! :)

Somewhere in there, I finished a new book! Hot For His Girl will release this fall on October 1st! I'm pretty excited for this one. It's LOW angst for me, light, and fun. I can't wait for you to meet Reid and Andi! MARK it TBR here!

I also recovered HEART STRONGER! I'm super pumped over its new look. HAVE you seen it?

Anyways, I've been getting quite a few questions so I thought I'd list them all here.

Will Mary from Heart Stronger get a book?

I think so. I always hoped you, the readers, would fall for Mary, and it seems like you have. SO, the short answer is YES! Mary will have a second chance at love and happiness. When? ---> 2019.

What are you working on now?

TWO books, both high angst, second chance at love and life, and heavy one friendships stories! 

Why did you decide to write something sort-of funny?

I needed the relief myself. After writing TEN high-octane books, my own brain craved some fun. 

Do you have one beagle or two?

I have TWO beagles. Cadillac is 12 and Cruise is 9! I know I share a lot of pictures of them, but they're my office buddies! <3

HAVE a question? LEAVE a comment or join my readers group HERE! AND have an awesome rest of your summer -- SHARE pics with me! xoxo, Rachel

My 10th BOOK! O.M.G. Heart Stronger is here!

Yesterday was the release day for Heart Stronger, and I'm so excited for you to read it. This book is so special to me.  MY 10h book --- wow, wow, wow!! I can't even put into words what this all means to me. 

There is a little bit of melancholy whenever I release a book. It's like saying goodbye to a good friend who you had all to yourself for a weekend.

In Heart Stronger, I twist the notions. The woman is broken, and the man is the fixer. Claire and Aiken are two very broken characters, looking for solace. Can they find it in one another? I can’t wait for you to read it.

I will say this...I love Aiken's gentle demeanor, caring soul and guiding hand.

xoxoxo,

Rachel

Purchase your copy here!

“Sometimes, I feel like I’m watching a movie…that it’s not really me, Claire Richards, getting this second chance at life.”


Single mom and college professor Claire Richards only wanted a few hours of me time to soak in her tub, read a book, and drink wine.

But tragedy struck, and Claire found herself with a lot more me time than she bargained for.
 
Three years later, Claire is still mourning her losses when Aiken Fordham—who captivates her with his Mediterranean blue eyes and tanned skin—moves in right next door.
 
Forcing Claire to face her fears, Aiken almost forgets his reason for moving to Small Town, Pennsylvania. Falling for the sexy, smart, and strong professor next door was never in the plan. 

But now it is… until their future intersects with their pasts.

FALL, 2017: what a crazy world we live in. I'm here for you -

My God, it's been a long, long, long time since I've updated this blog.

Pull up a chair and pour yourself some coffee -

Personally, it was a busy summer filled with a lot of family obligations and cookouts. Admittedly, I took some time off writing, and I needed it. Nine books in three years is A LOT of writing. I'm not complaining or bragging, just stating. 

Lately, I've been getting back to my roots. Writing from the heart, letting a story ferment and bloom. I'm working on a few stories simultaneously, but Claire + Aiken (tentatively named Heart-ached) is where my head and heart is MOSTLY stuck. They will be next when they make their way out of my labyrinth of a mind.

The world is a scary place these days.

Hurricanes, earthquakes, countless natural disasters rocking the earth coupled with the largest mass shooting in U.S. history is enough to make most of enough curl under the covers and hide.

Believe me, there are moments I want to do just that.

There are other moments, I think to myself: why the heck am I writing? I need to do something more humanitarian. But then you say, escape is what you need. So I continue to write.

Last but not least, while you wait for my next story, I've published a very LIMITED EDITION duet, containing Redemption Lane and Absolution Road with a new cover. It will only be available through the end of the year and for sale at my next signing in NOLA.

GRAB it here: getBook.at/CrossRdsAmz

Information on signed copies coming soon.

xoxoxo,

Rachel

On why I was scared to release a book...

Editor's note: I deleted an entire cheese-filled post for the following sentimental, raw post. These are my feelings, real and true—please take that into account.

Today, I released my 9th book. It's been a different type of release for me. Quiet and sedate.

Recent book releases have come with so much pomp and circumstance, streamers and confetti and hours, day, and weeks spent online pimping, sharing and marketing (most of It spent in my robe).

This one is a different though.

WHY? 

In early 2012, I wrote a blog post on E.L. James—how whether or not you read or planned to read her books or not, she was living the Mom/Woman/Entrepreneur dream. Basically, if you wanted to put her down, you could go suck it. Subsequently, I was called by Katie Couric's team for my opinion. At the time, I admitted to her producers I always wanted to write a book. They said, "you should do it."

AND BY GOLLY, I did.

In 2014, I published Electrified, a romantic suspense novel. I put my heart and soul into that book. Did it become the next Fifty? NO. But it did serve it's purpose...to make people think about love and the idea that it doesn't always happen conveniently. There was also the seedy environment in which Electrified takes place—a gentleman's club in Sin City. There were themes that were somewhat uncomfortable and among all the glitz and bright lights of the stripper pole was a valuable lesson. It wasn't your typical romance, and for that I got some slack (including being called a religion basher).

Book two of this series, Smoldered, released later that year and I learned about books being labeled NOT SAFE. LISTEN, I don't say this to agitate reviewers...I was simply that stupid and naive back then. A long time reader myself, I pretty much read anything. I didn't have any triggers or unsafe zones when it came to fiction, but these are very real feelings for many real people. Smoldered is an ugly and painful tale about a beautiful couple who eventually finds their happy ending. I came to understand it wasn't for everyone.

Over the year, Big Mike had become a fan favorite in Electrified and Smoldered. It was obvious his story was next, but he was in love with a high-end escort. 

I came to realize his story was neither safe nor comforting.

Every few weeks, I'd add a little more to Mike and Lynx's tale. It quickly began to turn into my grittiest story yet. So, I put it off, pushed it aside, and let the dust collect there.

I hate to admit this, but part of this was out of fear. I have a thick skin, and I mean it when I say, readers have their right to their own opinions and feelings (as stated above). BUT I found myself unable to work on Mike's book for a long time, and then I said, "Screw it," and started writing it again.

IT is not pretty.

IT definitely pushes some readers way out of their comfort zone.

IT includes a love affair between a biracial woman and a blue blood white male. IT is forbidden in more ways than one. She's a "working girl" and he's trying to be more than he was born into...

IT is steamy and sensual, raw and grimy, and the ending is just as I always saw it.

I'm proud of the risk I took for these two to have their story.

To all the readers who waited patiently, this book is for you. JUST read the dedication if you don't believe me.

This is why today is without confetti and streamers, but maybe I'll throw some tomorrow.

View fullsize

xoxo, 

Rachel 

IF you would like to check out any of the books in the Electric Tunnel series, check out their pages: Electrified, Smoldered, Tinged.

Long Overdue Update

Whew, it's been a long, long, long while since I've blogged.

Best guess, I've been tapped out when it comes to words. 

What's shaking with you?

As for me, I finally finished Tinged, book 3 in the Electric Tunnel Series (my first series). Big Mike was a fan favorite in the Tunnel books, and this is his book...so I know there will be a few happy readers. It will release early May, so be ready!

Otherwise, I have several other WIP's swimming in my head and a few even typed out on my laptop, so it really depends who takes the strongest hold of me. Betting money is on Emerson & Price

(and that's all I can say about them).

Lately, I've been receiving a lot of questions on the writing process. How it works for me? How to do it best? The only thing I know for certain is the way it works for me, is not the best way for everyone. I've seen a lot of peeps preach, "Do this. Write here. Make sure to get in X number of words every day."

Let me say this: If it doesn't work for ya, it's probably not gonna work for ya.

SOOO, I promise to keep you updated on Em and Price (and whoever else is living in my head).

IF you want to stay more up to date, join my READER's Group. That's where it all goes down!

Happy Easter, Passover, Spring Break - whatever you celebrate.

xoxoxo,

R

p.s. WANT to receive 12 FREE BOOKS? ---> hit that little pink bar at the top of the page and sign up for my newsletter where starting this month (APRIL), I will be offering one free book per month (from other authors)!!!

An EARLY V-DAY Treat! 💄

I'm so EXCITED to be a part of this amazing collection of stories, coming in time for this Valentine's Day! 💄

Last year, I was a part of several projects donating to various charities AND this year, I plan to do more. Read more below on this...

Beaus & Arrows:  A Collection of Sweet & Sassy Stories, written by 22 of your favorite authors,  

EXCLUSIVELY for you!

This amazing collection packed full of romance to help you through that delicious box of chocolates will also give some love back.  All profits from Beaus & Arrows is going to Pennies-4-Paws!!

Add this Valentine’s inspired anthology to your TBR for a February 7th release: http://bit.ly/2koMY1s

Be notified when Beaus & Arrows is LIVE here: http://eepurl.com/cz0eRb

Flowers are fun, but diamonds and forever win our hearts. 22 authors have come together to bring you everything you want in an anthology. From first kisses to botched proposals, boss crushes to rockstar lovin’, these fun novellas will give you the happily ever afters you crave.

Perfectly Us by Abby Brooks: A secret Valentine's Day proposal almost ruins everything for this small town couple.

Right For Love.by Aria Cole: One night, one dress, him and her. But can one swipe right really lead to love?

Pinnacle - A Destined Series Story by Ashley Suzanne: A sexy, NYC getaway weekend for Mira and Skylar lead them to altar ... just not their own!

The Wedding-Night Stand by Ava Harrison: When one night of passion turns into forever.

One Night by Callie Anderson: Landon Winthrop walked into my life and consumed my mind, body, and heart. The only problem--he's my boss.

All Wrong by Callie Harper: From spilling hot coffee all down her shirt to getting locked in a closet at a party, Sarah’s Valentine’s Day is going all wrong. But when an insanely hot crush gets involved, can some things go so wrong they become just right?

Love on a Plane by Ilsa Madden-Mills: Spider didn't mean to fall for the uptight girl he sat next to on the plane. But once they kissed, all common sense went out the tiny window next to her. Too bad she was his future stepsister…

Taking My Shot by Jen Frederick

Someone Not You by Jessica Hawkins: Justin's dazzling smile and wit have never failed him in the dating department—until his boss challenges him to win a date with the one girl who might be immune to his charms.

A Very Locklaine Valentine by Jessica Prince: The story of Richard's epically disastrous proposal to Delilah.

What Love Built by JL Berg: The entire Cavenaugh family reunites for what is sure to be a very memorable Valentine's Day.

Special Delivery by Liv Morris

My First Time by LJ Shen: Mr. First Time: A real-life story about first love, first kiss and all the things that make your heart beat faster.

Rhythm by Mandi Beck: Grab front row seats to Wrecked's Valentine's Day show and see just how sexy loving a rock star can be. Especially when he's got a stash of lollipops.

Livi's Love by MJ Fields: A Caldwell Brothers novella. Hendrix Caldwell loves his woman hard and his dog, too. Livi Caldwell is surrounded in a new world full of love, devotion, and a man who will do anything to keep her from stressing.  Floyd, the couple's pit bull has found herself in a predicament.

What lengths will Hendrix go to for Livi and Floyd? In the end, Livi teaches her man once again there is always more love in this family to go around.

Yes, Yes, Yes by Nicola Rendell: A chocolate tasting gets dirty.

Game For Two: A Valentine's Staycation by Rachel Blaufeld: Drew & Jules escape the madness for a romantic night at the beach.

Backfire by Rebecca Yarros: Bash's perfectly planned proposal goes awry when he's called away for a fire.

Entwined by SE Hall: My Valentine's Day gift to all of you who asked for it- the wedding of Dane Kendrick and Laney Jo Walker.

Love and Latte by Sharon Hamilton

Beauty Knot by Stephie Walls: From marks and scars to joy and triumph, Callie and Liam finally get their fairytale. After nine years, this shotgun wedding goes every way but smoothly.

The Brightest Star by Yessi Smith: A story about two souls who continue to fall deeper into each other every day, as life unravels around them.

Golly, I'm just getting around to updating this -

I cannot tell a lie: I literally just put away all my clean laundry from BEFORE Christmas! I'm not KIDDING. That's what happens when you release a book. BUT it is so worth it.

Break Point is LIVE, and this is what they're saying (read on after because I say something profound):

"Sensual and forbidden, a mesmerizing love story that leaves no feeling untouched." ~ Katy Evans, NYT Bestselling Author

---->KATY said that!

"Addictive! Sexy! A romance with unexpected turns and a heartfelt story of love and forgiveness." ~ Jewel E. Ann, Author

"Rachel Blaufeld is a queen of a sexy romance and when I am in the mood for an angsty story with some incredibly hot moments she is an author I go to." ~ Miranda, Red Cheeks Reads

"...a well balanced story, some funny moments and some good old angst." ~ Michelle, After Dark Book Lovers

Anywho...I said the other day, if you make a reader FEEL, you're job as a writer is DONE! It may be rage or affection, love or animosity, dreamy or angry...it doesn't matter. When words evoke feelings, it's a job well done.

BUT the most important job is YOU as a reader for taking the time to 1 click your finger and sit down and read my book.

SO THANK YOU!

If you haven't met Drew and Jules yet, you can do so here:

Amazon US  

Amazon UK

Nook

iBooks

KOBO

ALSO, if you want to read something laugh out loud funny, check out my interview here.

xoxoxo, R

MERRY HOLIDAYS and HAPPY NEW YEAR

It's been a while readers, and I've missed you.

As 2016 comes to a close, I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off (like so many of you). I vaguely remember last year telling myself I would never do another early January release. Alas, I didn't listen to myself and here I am prepping for a January 9th release.

That's okay: the busier we are, the more alive we are. I've never wanted to be a victim of the busy trap. I'm busy, you're busy, we're all busy. WHICH is exactly why I'm so appreciative of the time you take in bed, on the couch, in the bathtub, on the subway or on vacation to read my books.

FROM the VERY bottom of my BIG heart, I say thank you.

I hope you all have a very merry holiday season filled with goodies and fun. 

As for me, I'm going to eat cake, read a lot and hang with my family!

As always, 2017 will bring several releases from me starting with Break Point. The rest remains TOP secret until after the New Year. In the coming year, I hope you all find time to enjoy yourselves (in the bath). 

---> there is a theme here. BUBBLES and BATH!

UNTIL then, where to find me.

I'm mostly in my group...

The Electric Readers

OR one of these places...

♥ Twitter ♥ Facebook ♥ 

XOXO,

Rachel 🎄

Being thankful and such...

It's been a while since I've been on the blog. The fall seems to have swallowed me up WHOLE. Back to school and kid stuff, participating in an anthology, finishing up Break Point and general life has take everything from me.

Thanksgiving is looming around the corner. With heavy and large promises of pie and Black Friday sales, I'm most taken with you. You, my readers. Some are new and many are old. I met some of you with my first release, Electrified, and you've been there ever since. In between, with every release, I've connected with more of you. TO ME, that is the best part of writing. It gets harder and harder to keep up, but I'm determined to do it.

I love hearing when you have babies or anniversaries. I adore when your kids win swimming meets or get good grades. I hate to hear you are getting divorced, but I'm thrilled when you're moving on and making a life...

What's new with me? The usual: musicals at my youngest son's school, basketball for the oldest, a new book or three on my laptop, and edits coming in soon. Oh, and I'm playing holiday music already!

In light of the holiday spirit, and I know this time of year can be hectic and expensive for many, I'm running sales throughout November and December.

This week, Vérité is 99 cents! 

I also have close to $2000 in giveaways up for grabs through my newsletter! 

Paperbacks are still available for order and holiday delivery (although my inventory is limited).

AND Break Point is up for PREORDER on iBooks! Amazon, Nook, and Kobo will be available closer to release. 

AS always, thank you for being there through thick and thin, early mornings and late nights.

All my love, Rachel

BACK TO SCHOOL Announcements with a TWIST

HEY! Happy Fall and Back to School!

I'm super excited about this upcoming release! It's naughty and nice (all proceeds going to charity).

Nineteen of today's bestselling authors...

Plus

Nineteen tales of tempting teachers and seductive students...

Equals

One HOT anthology for an epic cause.

Sexy, spicy, romantic, angsty, funny, or sweet-however you like your fantasies, these nineteen original novellas guarantee extra heat.

Student-teacher themed original novellas from Alison Gaskin Bailey, Celia Aaron, Rachel Blaufeld, Carina Adams, Author Elle Christensen, Roya Carmen, Sloane Howell, Aria Cole, Author Rochelle Paige, Q.T. Ruby, C.M. Steele, Julia Sykes, Author K Webster, Ashleigh Zavarelli, Mara White, Dani Wyatt, Jane Harvey-Berrick Author  

100% of digital sales profits will go to ProLiteracy, promoting and supporting literacy programs for all ages, genders, and cultures.

For information about ProLiteracy click HERE

Pre-order exclusively via iBooks

HERE