Friday Friends -- Rachel Brimble

I've got my good friend and former critique partner, Rachel Brimble, here today on Friday Friends.  She is part of my street team and I'm part of hers. Rachel, please tell us a bit about yourself and where you live.

Hi Vonnie! I live near the famous city of Bath, England with my husband of 18 years, our two teenage daughters and newly adopted chocolate Labrador, Tyler. When I’m not working, I like to read, knit and watch far too much TV.

I write mainstream romance and romantic suspense for Harlequin Superromance (Templeton Cove Stories) and Victorian romance for eKensington/Lyrical Press.

You’ve had a hard year, losing a beloved pet. Has a new one captured your heart?

He has! When I lost Max in February 2015, part of me died with him. He wasn’t only my dog, he was my third child and I was absolutely distraught. Losing him made me realize that at nearly 42, I was lucky enough to not have experienced real grief…

A friend saw how much I was struggling and suggested I try a dog fostering service – I was apprehensive; scared of getting close to a dog again but eventually took the plunge. I met up with a lovely couple, owners to a year-old chocolate Lab. The dad has Parkinson’s and all too soon the mum had a heart scare. They asked me if I would adopt Tyler, which of course, I agreed to do! The arrangement is perfect in that Tyler lives permanently with us but his other mum and dad can have or see him whenever they like. Tyler is a big part of our family already!

We all love hearing a good romance story. Tell us how you met Mr. B. He sings, doesn’t he? Does he ever sing to you?

Haha! I get asked if he sings to me A LOT! He doesn’t sing directly to me, but our house is always filled with either Mr. B at the piano and singing or our youngest daughter, who wants to be involved in musical theatre. They are both extraordinarily talented! Mr. B and I were friends before we started dating…both saying we don’t want to get into anything serious. Twenty-three years later, we’re still happy and very much in love. I’m a lucky girl!

You’re a writer of two genres. Please tell us about them.

It’s a dream come true to be able to write the romance genres I love for two different publishers. When I wrote Finding Justice, the first book in my Harlequin series, it was my hope that it was the start of an ongoing small-town romance series. Luckily, my fabulous editor saw the potential and I have just signed another contract, which will take the series to eight books so far. All the books can be read stand-alone and I pray that the ideas keep coming because I’m not ready to leave Templeton Cove just yet!

I also write Victorian romance for Kensington and my total is up to four novels, including my latest release, Her One True Love. I love all things historical so would like to try different eras in the future – watch this space!

 What is your latest book about?

 

Her One True Love is a story of self-discovery for both my hero and heroine – Jane featured as a secondary character in my previous book, What A Woman Desires. Although the books can be read stand-alone, every time she appeared on the page I knew she needed her own book and Her One True Love was born!

The story takes Jane and her hero, Matthew, from their small village of Biddestone to the exciting city of Bath where they both have the opportunity to think past their commitments at home and start to see a new life…and each other.

What are you working on now? What exciting turns is your career taking?

I have just finished the first three chapters and synopsis for Harlequin book 7 which I will be sending to my US agent today. As well as that, I recently signed the first book in an Edwardian series, based on the first three chapters, to an agent here in the UK so I’m desperately trying to finish the book. The quick signing came as an unexpected and pleasant surprise!

She plans to pitch the book at the London Book Fair in April so I am super-excited! Fingers crossed, a publisher will be interested and see the book as the start of an exciting new series.

 

 

 

 

 

 

She Can't Forget Him…

Jane Charlotte Danes has loved the squire of her idyllic country town for as long as she can remember. He is good, kind, and alluring beyond words… and he chose to marry another. Tired of dwelling on her futile longings, Jane plans a move to Bath, where she dreams of a new beginning. But the man who has so imprisoned her heart is only a few steps behind…

He Can't Let Her Go…

Until now, Matthew Cleaves has endeavored to meet the responsibilities of his position with dignity and good spirits--including his dutiful marriage. But when his wife leaves him for another man, Matthew is at last free to pursue his one true love. Only one vital question remains: will the captivating, stubborn, beautiful Jane allow him the challenge, and the pleasure, of winning her back? 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B010JYVX66

http://amzn.com/B010JYVX66

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/her-one-true-love-rachel-brimble/1122226549?ean=9781601832771

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/her-one-true-love

 

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America, and was selected to mentor the Superromance finalist of So You Think You Can Write 2014 contest. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England.

She likes nothing more than connecting and chatting with her readers and fellow romance writers. Rachel would love to hear from you!

Links:

Website

Blog

Twitter

Facebook

Facebook Street Team - Rachel's Readers

 

Rachel Brimble Introduces Templeton Cove

 

Templeton Cove – the UK’s finest imaginary town!

Mr. B and I are celebrating. The third book in my Templeton Cove series with Harlequin Superromance is released today, YAY! What Belongs To Her is set in the town’s fairground. When Vonnie asked me to write a short piece about the town itself, I jumped at the chance. Why? Because Templeton Cove has become so very special to me that to share it with you, makes me believe it all the more real.  

Won't you have some champagne with us? Vonnie has lots chilled and she's made some scrumptious goodies too. Grab a flute and a sweet morsel or two and listen to me tell you about my beloved Templeton Cove.

 

When I started writing the debut book in the series, Finding Justice, I had no intention of creating a town that I would revisit time and again…but as I neared the end of the book, I knew I couldn’t let the Cove go that easily. I started writing book two, A Man Like Him, pretty much straight away. Thankfully, my agent sold both books to Harlequin fairly quickly and my editor immediately asked me if I’d like to set more books there. Ummm…yes!!

 

In total, I now have five Templeton books contracted with Harlequin (the fourth will be a Christmas 2014 release). So what is it about this town that I find so hard to leave? Well, Templeton started as a mix of my favorite UK holiday destinations––a blend of Cornwall, Devon and North Wales. I brought all my favorite things about these places into one small town. It has the beaches of Cornwall, the scenery of Devon and the mountains and hills of Wales. In a word, Templeton is gorgeous!

 

 

As well as the myriad of pretty boutique shops and hip bars, Templeton boasts a fabulous beach restaurant, The Oceanside which is situated on stilts so its views across the ocean are second-to-none. It has a fairground, the bakery (run by the infamous Marian Cohen), a caravan park and planked boardwalk. It’s just a wonderful place where I’d love to live! 

 

 

I will soon be sending in the first three chapters and synopsis of my final contracted book of the series – I would love to write more so watch this space and pray my editor thinks the same!

 

 

She's ready to take back what's hers. 

Since the moment a local crime boss claimed ownership of her family's fairground, Sasha Todd has dreamed of righting the wrong. Now it's time to act, and backing down from the man's estranged son is definitely not an option. After all, giving up her legacy to hot-blooded John Jordon means losing the chance to finally heal the wounds in her past. 

Stopping John in his tracks—and resisting the sizzle between them—is Sasha's best defense. But there's more to him than she thought, which changes everything. With what matters most at stake, she'll have to risk a brand-new future with John, or walk away from the man whose heart belongs to her.

Buy Links:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

Barnes & Noble

Rachel lives with her husband and two young daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK.  After having several novels published by small US presses, she secured agent representation in 2011. In 2012, she sold two books to Harlequin Superromance and a further three in 2013. She also writes Victorian romance for Kensington--her debut was released in April 2013 and she has since signed for three more.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family and beloved black Lab, Max. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England.

She likes nothing more than connecting and chatting with her readers and fellow romance writers. Rachel would love to hear from you!

Links: 

Website

Blog

Twitter

Facebook

Champagne and Cotton Candy -- a new elegant party combination. They say it's all the rage...somewhere...

Rachel Brimble and 16 Marsden Place

Hi, my lovelies, have I got a treat for you. One of my Critique Partners--the British one--is visiting today. Her name is Rachel Brimble and her writing career is taking off big time. She's agreed to let me be nosy and interview her. Whoot!

1.   What is the story behind your book title?

16 Marsden Place is my heroine’s home address and where most of the book takes place. It is also the property that is the center of the book’s entire controversy. Sienna (my heroine) runs a sexy lingerie shop and at the opening of the book, it is likely to foreclose due to an astronomical rent increase. She takes the decision to move the business to her home address…next door to hunky single parent, Jack Beaton. This is when the fun really begins! ;)

Oh, do tell!!! I'm intrigued already. Now, what part of the writing process brings you the most pleasure? The most angst?

This changes daily depending on my mood, lol! If things are going well, nothing give me more pleasure than writing a scene that lifts the little hairs on my neck, or has me grinning or crying along with my characters. I also know that I’m in the minority of writers who LOVE tackling the revisions and/or edits that come back from my editors. I really enjoy seeing and appreciating their take on my creation. I never disregard a comment or suggestion they make - ever!

The process that gives me the most angst is plotting or those times I get bogged down in the technicalities. Have I ‘upped the stakes’/’concentrated on character arc/written a significant ‘black moment’. Once I start to doubt I’ve got all the supposed elements in my book rather than writing instinctively, things ground to a horrible halt. I sometimes wonder if that will ever change… sigh

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on book four of my ongoing Templeton Cove series with Harlequin Superromance. This will be a Christmas 2014 book and features two brand new characters to the Cove for the hero and heroine, alongside some of my most favorite secondary characters who have featured in each book. Finding Justice was released in February, A Man Like Him is out in August and What Belongs to Her will be available in March 2014. SO excited!

If your new release were being made into a movie who would you cast to play your heroine and hero?

16 Marsden Place is my first romantic comedy since 2010 and was so much fun to write! Many readers and reviewers have asked me if I’ll be writing a sequel for two of the secondary characters, so watch this space! I’m a very visual writer and the two images I used for Sienna and Jack while writing are two actors from Grey’s Anatomy. Kate Walsh for Sienna and Eric Dane for Jack.

Now, let's do a FAST FIVE:

1.   Heels, sneakers or flip-flops?

Flip flops – used to be heels all the way until I hit 37, lol!
     2.   Chocolate, champagne or cheesecake?
Oooh, tough one! Can I have champagne with cheesecake??

3.   Any tattoos?

No

     4.   Long hair, short hair or weave?
Long hair – and very, very curly! Hasn’t been cut professionally since my wedding day, 15 years ago.
     5.   Straight stick or automatic?
Stick – as I’m in the UK, stick is a lot more common than in the US.

 

There isn't a situation that can't be fixed by a coat of chocolate body paint or a liberal smear of Champagne Lick, right? Wrong!

Ever since her father was murdered by a gang of youths, Sienna Lloyd has named herself Potterford's protector--her sexy lingerie shop is a place where the town's women can visit and feel safe. But when that shop is in danger of closing, Sienna needs a solution that will keep her in Potterford, where she can always look out for her mother, friends, and clients.

The answer? Move the shop to her home at 16 Marsden Place. The problem? Her new neighbor, the delicious but seriously uptight Jack Beaton. Oh, and his four-year-old twin girls.

Jack has just moved to the tiny town of Potterford in a bid to start over. To build a new life that keeps his children safe from his alcoholic ex-wife. So when he discovers his neighbor intends to open a sex shop right next door, Jack will do anything to ensure it doesn't happen... including fighting every ounce of his attraction to the shop's owner and his innate need to trust again.

Excerpt:

       Sienna pulled into her driveway feeling a million times more optimistic than she had before she’d met with Kelsey. She’d only just cut the engine when an ear-splitting scream came from outside the car. She sat bolt upright.

The sight that greeted her didn’t bode well for the quiet night she hankered for.

Yet a traitorous smile tugged at her lips. Why did those twins have to be so cute? Sienna watched Holly and Katy run back and forth across the front yard, and a burst of laughter bubbled in her throat. If her guess was right as to which twin was which, it was Katy who screamed hysterically in one continual stream of terror while Holly chased her with what looked suspiciously like dog poo on the end of a stick.

“You’re a little firecracker, my girl,” Sienna said, laughing. She then turned to see Blue Eyes was also in the yard, and she groaned. Now that was just cruel.

Clearly, Jack Beaton possessed the same unfathomable gift all parents of young kids seem to have—the innate ability to completely zone out to the chaos that erupts all around them and walk about as though they’re alone in a silent meadow. But it wasn’t the way Jack calmly steered a wheelbarrow around the lawn that made Sienna’s heart race, nor the way he stopped and held up a rather raggedy-looking tulip bulb and smelled it, as though checking what it was.

What injected lust into her loins like liquid aphrodisiac would be his half-naked state of undress. His back made a perfect triangle, tapering down to a hard, buff ass encased in what had to surely be tailor-made Levi’s. A film of perspiration glinted along the length of his naked, golden spine as muscles rippled beneath the skin in all their sinewy glory.

Sienna sighed. It was pointless denying he caused sensations in her that hadn’t been stirred for a mighty long time. She ran the tip of her tongue over dry lips and squeezed her thighs together to stem the throbbing. Why did a man who looked like that have to move in next door when she had so many problems? Damn, if she hadn’t already felt as though her entire existence teetered on a precipice, she might have tried to get used to the idea of kids for some up-close and personal time with a guy like that.

Buy Links:

http://www.amazon.com/16-Marsden-Place-ebook/dp/B00D5VBW7G/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1373363261&sr=8-3&keywords=rachel+brimble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/16-marsden-place-rachel-brimble/1115472157?ean=9781623420208

http://www.amazon.co.uk/16-Marsden-Place-ebook/dp/B00D5VBW7G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373363340&sr=8-1&keywords=16+marsden+place

Rachel lives with her husband and two young daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK.  After having several novels published by small US presses, she secured agent representation in 2011. In 2012, she sold two books to Harlequin Superromance. She also writes Victorian romance for Kensington--her debut was released in April 2013.

She has just recently signed a further three-book contract with Harlequin Superromance, continuing her ongoing series set in the fictional UK seaside town of Templeton Cove.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family and beloved black Lab, Max. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England…although she hopes a dream visit to Canada might just change her mind!

She likes nothing more than connecting and chatting with her readers and fellow romance writers. Rachel would love to hear from you!

Links:

Website

Blog

Twitter

Facebook

Finding Justice by Rachel Brimble

 

HAPPY RELEASE DAY!

 

I do love to celebrate. When my good friend and critique partner, Rachel Brimble, has a release, well, I'm ready to throw a party. Let's have a little bubbly and chocolate, shall we?

Thanks so much, Vonnie. Fill my glass up to the rim, will you? Let's get this party started! I am so happy to be here to celebrate the release of “Finding Justice”, my debut novel with Harlequin Superromance! Every time I say or write that, I have to take a moment to steady myself and not keel over….

 

Okay, I’m back J

 

It’s been a long, hard journey but I am finally starting to believe 1) I can actually write, 2) I might be able to make a living from what I LOVE to do and 3) people are reading and enjoying my books.

 

Miss Vonnie has played no small part in my new found success and I wanted to use my visit with her today to thank this marvelous lady for all she’s done for me. I started writing for The Wild Rose Press back in 2007 and have made many, many online friends there over the years. As I’m in the UK and write for the US market, I often feel I’ll never have the chance to meet my readers or fellow romance writers so the web is VITAL to keep me buoyed and happy.

 

Vonnie is a HUGE participant at TWRP – she takes time out of her busy schedule to cajole, support and cheer many writers with her wit, encouragement and admiration. Always finding time to comment on blogs, loops and websites is difficult to achieve when you are juggling deadlines, home life and for many writers, full time day jobs—Vonnie manages it…ENDLESSLY!

 

In 2010, I was beginning to get itchy feet and desperately wanted to stretch my writing skills and myself by inching my career goal a little higher. By then, I had six novels and a novella either published or contracted with small presses and wanted to start seriously looking for an agent.

 

Naturally, I began my search in the UK as that’s where I live. Disaster struck when I hit a brick wall and over thirty rejections. Depression set in. Doubt took over and I came to an abrupt stand still. While online one day, I saw a comment by Vonnie singing the praises of her agent, Dawn Dowdle. I searched for The Blue Ridge Literary website, loved what I saw and began to wonder…

 

Before I could change my mind, I fired off an email to Vonnie asking a million and one questions… her answers and enthusiasm set the fire burning again. The rest is history. Dawn loved my proposal and offered representation—that was in March 2011.

 

Since then, thanks to my agent’s amazing editing skills and support, my writing has improved immeasurably and along with it, I have signed two romantic suspense contracts with Harlequin as well as a two-book Victorian romance contract with Kensington AND a romantic comedy with Omnific publishing.

 Needless to say, life is pretty darn grand!

If there are any writers out there, afraid to make that leap from small press to big publishers, PLEASE gather your courage and go for it! The validation alone is worth any amount of advance or royalties you might receive. If, like me, you can’t live without writing, we have to get out of our comfort zones and step into the big wide world.

 

Admittedly, ‘live’ promotion still fills me with so much dread, I literally want to run and hide but I will get there…eventually. One step at a time is the not so well kept secret. Writers are renowned introverts but anything is possible!

 

I wish you all the luck in the world! In the meantime, thank you, thank you, thank you, to my wonderful readers who’ve followed me from the very start. I could not have done this without you! J

 

Rachel’s 2013 release schedule:

 

Finding Justice – Harlequin Superromance – February

Copyright © 2013 by Harlequin Enterprises Limited

 

BUY LINK:  http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Justice-Harlequin-Superromance-Brimble/dp/0373718357/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1360053132&sr=8-2&keywords=finding+justice

 

The Seduction of Emily – E-Kensington – April

 

16 Marsden Place – Omnific Publishing – June

A Man Like Him – Harlequin Superromance – August

 

Rachel’s Links:

http://www.rachelbrimble.com/

http://rachelbrimble.blogspot.co.uk/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-Brimble/181873201887441?fref=ts

https://twitter.com/RachelBrimble

LOVE'S DEBT by Rachel Brimble

 

My guest today, Rachel Brimble, is here from England to talk about her latest release and all the other exciting things going on in her life.

 

Rachel lives with her husband and two young daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK. She started writing short stories about eight years ago but once her children were at school, embarked on her first novel. It was published in 2007. Since then, she’s had several books published with small presses as well as securing her first contract with Harlequin Superromance in May 2012 and a two book Victorian romance contract with Kensington in August. She was just offered her second contract with Harlequin this week.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America, When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England. And in the evening? Well, a well-deserved glass of wine is never, ever refused…

Rachel, what is your writing schedule like?

I am a stay at home mom so I work when the kids are at school – I have a very strict schedule of 8.30 to 3.30pm during the week and whenever I have a spare hour during the weekend.

Evenings are strictly for family time…or I might find they’ve abandoned me altogether, lol!

Do you ever dream of writing in a different genre?

I often feel the urge to write a crime novel but worry about getting the forensics and police procedures right. I have considered setting it in history so that the forensics don’t have to be so in-depth but it still feels too complicated, lol!

I write romantic suspense so I can see me getting to crime eventually – although goodness knows when. I fantasize about following in Tess Gerritsen’s footsteps who wrote for Harlequin many years ago.

How do you research your storylines or locations?

I tend to set my historicals where I grew up or able to drive to so I can ‘see’ the details for myself. I live in South West England, just thirty minutes drive from the famous Georgian city of Bath. It’s beautiful and rich in historical detail. Another thirty minutes drive in the opposite direction takes me to the Cotswolds, which is a cluster of gorgeous, picturesque villages with houses built in the 1800s.

For my contemporaries, I use the town where I live but use fictional names and a touch of artistic license, lol!

What part of the writing process brings you the most pleasure? The most angst?

The most pleasure is the second draft – I write the first draft from start to finish without stopping so draft two is playing with the words, polishing and deleting. I love it!

The most pain is the plotting – it never EVER gets easier!!

How do you see your career in five years?

I hope it keeps going the way it has for the last five – each year I’ve made a step forward with 2012 being my most successful so far. This year I signed with Harlequin and Kensington, I love to think I will still be writing for these publishers five years from now but maybe writing bigger books with more complex storylines.

Tell us, has your road to publication been a walk in the park or a steep mountain climb? Give us some details?

Both! I am proud to say The Wild Rose Press published my first novel and I’ve had a book or more published every year since. I’ve managed to contract everything I’ve written, HOWEVER, each of those books was a steep mountain climb to get from page 1 to the end, LOL! Writing is NOT easy and with each book I write, I wait for some big breakthrough, a formula that will make the next one a breeze – got a funny feeling that ain’t never gonna happen!

 

Tell us about this week's release. LOVE'S DEBT, right? 

Yes. “Love’s Debt” is available now from The Wild Rose Press. Here’s the blurb, excerpt and buy link.

 

Blurb:

To keep herself from the depths of poverty, Milly Shepherd needs to be appointed manager of the Red Lion Tavern.  The elderly owner is in failing health and has promised her the job permanently if no one more suitable applies.  Milly will fight with her entire being to make the job her own.

 

Joseph Jacobs needs to supplement his income to pay off his father’s creditors and save him from debtor’s prison.  Though the job as manager of the local tavern looks promising, Milly is favored by both the owner and customers.  Instead, Joseph swallows his pride and agrees to tend bar.

 

As they work together, their attraction grows, their goals cross, and both Millie and Joseph find they must face their fears …the question is whether they face them alone or together?

 

Excerpt:

            “No, I take it from here.” His jaw tightened. “I mean it, Milly. I don’t want you in there.”

            “Why are we arguing about this? I thought we’d built a trust between us.”
            His gaze darted over her face, lingered at her lips. “This has nothing to do with trust.”

            “Then what?”
            “Pride. If I haven’t got that…if I’ve stooped so low as to put a woman at risk, then there’s no point in going on at all. I won’t do it, Milly. I won’t expose you to whatever is behind that door. If you can’t stay here, then go back to the tavern. I’ll see you there shortly.”

            His face was set, his shoulders stiff and Milly’s irritation grew. She poked a finger into his chest. It was like iron. She swallowed. “Have you heard the saying, pride before a fall?” He nodded. “Good, because if people don’t reach out to other people, Joseph Jacobs, they fall further than ever with nobody there to catch them.”

            “Milly--”

            She raised her hand. “Go. Do what you want. I’ve got more important things to worry about that a man full of so much pride, he looks fit to burst.”

            Turning, Milly gripped her bag tightly in her hand and strode away. She did not look back, and she didn’t stop walking. Her stupid heart had let her down. Made her get involved in a man’s life and begin to care about him. Well, the buck stopped there. No more. If Joseph Jacobs ever needed her help again, he could take a long walk off the dock.

                        Buy Link:

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=195&products_id=4967

 

Rachel can be found here:

http://www.rachelbrimble.com/

http://rachelbrimble.blogspot.co.uk/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rachel-Brimble/181873201887441

https://twitter.com/RachelBrimble