Why Reviews Matter to Independent Authors

From time to time, you may have heard me saying something like, "If you liked my book, please leave a review where you purchased it or on Goodreads or both..."  

And you probably think, "GOD, that Rachel is such an ego-maniac. First we have to buy her book and now we have to go write a review about her writing. How much ego-stroking does this lady need?'

I know it appears that way, but let me explain why reviews are important to any author, but especially an independent one. We [I] do all our own marketing. We make teasers, interact daily/hourly in Facebook and Goodreads reading groups, we love to talk to readers, and we take time every day to do all of this and more. It's time-consuming, and I'm sure it sounds like I'm whining, but I would not trade my relationships I have with readers for anything. Nothing. Not even my own Dunkin Donuts franchise.

But I also want to write more books and I can't keep up with everything, and this is where reviews come in. Reviews are really helpful marketing tools for authors. They live and breathe on the pages where readers visit to peruse and buy books. They are read by potential customers and influence their purchasing decisions. Yes, that was a mouthful, but basically, your kind [or not so kind] words help me promote my books, which let's face it––I appreciate that immensely. I spend a lot of time writing each and every title, and I want to share them with as many readers as possible.

An ego-trip is the furthest thing in the world that I want or need, but don't think that your reviews go unnoticed. I try to like, comment and touch base with as many reviewers as possible.

What did you say? You don't want your name associated with a romance review. NO problemo.

Reviews can be short, sweet and to the point. A quick little note, and if you don't want to include your name––that's cool. Just put Amazon Customer or Nook Lover or Reader Extraordinaire. You can call yourself whatever you want, and I don't even have to know it's you.

So far, today had been one of those oh-so-NOT-glamorous days, being an independent author. Mostly, I'm already pulling my hair out regarding uploading Redemption Lane to the various places you'll be able to buy it. Currently, it's stuck in review purgatory at iTunes and from what I hear, Amazon is running slow in approving titles. So, I'm panicking. All the while, I'm trying to rush getting the paperback approved because I know there are a number of you who prefer the feel, touch, and smell of a real book.

And even though all this seems so crappy, I'm super excited to share my latest title with YOU. Seeing your feedback after it releases lets me know my hard work was not for nothing.

At the moment, I look ghastly, and that's being generous. Still, I am about to publish my third book, and my stomach is a mix of nerves and mostly excitement.

So, if you happen to read Redemption Lane and enjoy it, please leave a quick note where you purchased it. And to those of you who have read my other titles and left a review -- THANK YOU! And if you haven't written one yet, you still CAN!

~ Rachel

XOXO

p.s. Smoldered is on sale for 99 cents --> EXTENDED through the release of Redemption Lane on 2.19.15

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2014 Holiday Reading Recs

The elf is hiding and everyone is having twelve days of Christmas or this or that...and I'm editing. And maybe doing a little internet shopping. But with winter break coming, I thought I would share a few of my holiday reading recs.

Grab any or all of them and enjoy them by the fire or while ignoring your kids or when you're on vacation.

The Redemption by S L Scott

The second book in the Resistance Series. I think I loved the Redemption more. While the Resistance was frisky and fun, this installment is angsty and painful. But oh so, so good. Rochelle is a widow and a single mom. Dex, her late husband's closest friend has been in love with her from afar––since they met. Now, he has his chance, but there are so many misgivings and secrets that their romance is cloaked in twists and turns and more twists.  A holy hot mess of a rocker,  Dex has a sweet side and it makes this read totally worth it. It is an absolute one sitting read because there's simply no good point to put it down.

The Signature by Susan Ward

I picked this book up one afternoon and didn't put it down. Krystal, a rockstar fugitive, and Devon, an investigative reporter, should stay away from one another, but they don't. And sparks fly. Emotional ones. This is a fabulous contemporary love story with the beauty of old school romance woven through it. A perfect read for someone who is looking for a book without all the erotica. But have no fear...there is still steam and sparks.

With Everything I Am by Kristen Ashley.

Although this is an older read, the next book in the series comes out after Christmas and I LOVED this one. A werewolf and his betrothed carry secrets and as their love unfolds, these secrets become more and more entangled. A perfect paranormal romance, there is beauty and passion. And it is KA––so you know, it's amazing. And, at the time of writing this, it is on sale for 99 cents.

Unscripted by Christy Pastore

With a sneak peek at the end of Smoldered, I luckily had the chance to read an ARC of this book...and it is on fire. Sexy, sensual, and dreamy Ronan Connolly falls for Holliday Prescott, a contradiction of a woman. Strong yet broken, Holliday refuses the Irish actor's advances until she can't hold out any longer. An affair ensues with many ups and downs, and we are left hanging...I know, I know! It is tough. but it will be worth the wait. This book is a fabulous escape for any romance reader. Debuting on 12/9, it is avail for preorder now.

And if you read either Electrified or Smoldered...THANK YOU! from the bottom of my heart.

2015, Get ready! Coming in February, the first book, Redemption Lane, in my newest series, Crossroads.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS! xoxox, RB

Thankful this Holiday Season + Giveaway

A number of you have emailed or messaged me asking "Where are YOU?"

I've literally been holed up in my office or Coffee Tree Roasters writing Redemption Lane (Feb, 2015 release).

Today as I wrap up the epilogue––I've been hesitant to do this because I love these characters so much, I don't want to say goodbye to them––I'm so grateful and thankful for all of you.

You are more than readers. You are friends...extended family.

Thank you for all of your support, and I wish all of you a quiet Thanksgiving full of family, food, and sensual reads. :)

I am also thrilled to partner with the following authors, Christy Pastore, Salem Archer, Susan Ward and Fabiola Francisco, to bring you spectacular deals on aforementioned sensual reads.

All these books are 99 cents thru Friday, November 28, 2014.

....And Electrified (99 cents) &  Smoldered ($1.99) will be on sale through the weekend at Amazon Kindle, Nook, and iTunes.

AND for you, a GIVEAWAY!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy Thanksgiving! LOVE, RB

What's on My #Kindle? A little of this & a little of that. ALL #indie

 

As I get ready for release day and I'm not so patiently awaiting my formatted books to start uploading, my Kindle is FULL.

I get to spend a few days catching up on reading. Lucky me.

So, I'm going to be quick because I want to get back to reading...

BUT here is another edition of what is on my Kindle:

Keep You From Harm by Debra Doxer is everything and nothing what it seems.  It is a YA/NA, coming of age paranormal story full of mystery, suspense and young love. I am hooked. Doxer is an incredibly talented writer, transporting the reader to Main Street U.S.A. in rural New York to follow Raielle and Lucas on their journey of finding themselves, each other and the powers they hold.

AYE! There is a Pirate aboard my iPad and from what I hear––he is SMOKING HOT!. When the Perfect Comes by Susan Ward is a historical romance, an often forgotten but amazing genre. If I know Ward, and I do...this will be nothing bu the best and I will be hooked for the rest of the series. I happened to be obsessed with Ward's rocker, Alan Manzone, in The Girl on the Half Shell.

I had the pleasure of reading Here With Me while it was being written, and people...it made my toes curl. Heidi Mclaughlin brings us a story of deep love and passion between twin brothers, Navy SEALS, Evan and Nate Archer, and Ryley, the girl of both their dreams. Beautiful, romantic and suspenseful, this book details Ryley being Evan's until he goes MIA and then Nate steps in to take over his brother's life. It is a one sitting read, so make sure to get comfortable.

Okay, I haven't read Take a Bow by CJ Wells yet, but A. the cover is magnificent and B. I am not so patiently awaiting the return of Alex Tate after meeting him in Perfect Plans. It is available for pre-order and I have it on very good authority, we are not going to be disappointed.

And of course, I am reading Smoldered. I CANNOT wait to release Asher's story on 10/16/14. Saying goodbye to Asher and Natalie was hard, but I am excited for you all to hear their story. *sigh* It is a painful one, but oh-so good, I am told.

What I learned this summer [about doing it on a couch]

So, I've been largely MIA for two weeks. No, I didn't go to Bora Bora.

No, I didn't quit doing what I do.

No, I wasn't captured by aliens.

Definitely, NO, I've Not been having 24/7 sex and unable to come up for air.

All that being said, I've been consumed with catching up with family and being a mom for the last 14 days.

Packing, unpacking, rinsing and repeating, and ending it all with a destination wedding.

Now, I'm back in the saddle (and ouch, it hurts after being gone for so long), but I am in it, thankfully.

Today, marked back to school for my kids, so I guess, summer is officially over in my house, and it is only appropriate that I share the top TEN pieces of shit I learned this summer:

1. Summer is no fun as a responsible adult. There are no midnight rides to nowhere or make out sessions on the 18th hole.

2. Two things come from hanging in a hammock in the garden of a posh hotel in South Florida with lights flickering above and the ocean crashing in the background: great ideas and bug bites.

3. Indies write amazing freaking books with the freedom to create the best characters, and all of a sudden I lust cowboys like Mason in MoonDance in Red by Salem Archer and Grayson in Perfectly Imperfect by Fabiola Francisco.

4. Couch sex is so not what I remember...

5. My twenties were all they were damn well cracked up to be, and books like Fifteen Weekends by Christy Pastore remind me of just that...and, deep inside, I am an "Emily."

6. When the characters in your head star playing out a scene on a big extended family vacation, pretend you have to pee and go write that shit down.

7. There are advantages to being a morning person, such as getting to know people on the other side of the Atlantic.

8. Speaking of rockers, I fell head over heels with one over the summer. Alan Manzone from Girl on the Half Shell by Susan Ward.

9. I also happened to begin to carry a flame for moviestar playboy, Alex Tate in Perfect Plans by CJ Wells.

10. I love fall and being back in the saddle...

So, get ready to Smolder Soon.

 ~RB

Holla! Win FIVE debut romance ebooks this holiday weekend

 

I'm not going to lie: Being a first time, debut author is scary. Its downright, flat-out nail-biting, hide-in-your-closet or underneath a blanket frightening. As an author, you're putting your words, characters, and ideas out there for everyone and anyone to read or see, and that is intimidating enough. BUT, then there is the added fear of no one, other than your mom or sister or sister-in-law, even picking up your brand-new, shiny novel.

Which is why I have been on a mission  to check out as many debut romance authors as I can. On my adventure to read, I discovered Susan Ward, Terri Lyndie, Salem Archer, and Elle Michaels––AND their books.

Each story so distinctly different in feel and style, yet all of them compelling, I am crazy, run around naked, excited to be able to giveaway an ebook copy of each one this holiday weekend. LOOKS like one lucky winner, will have a very busy weekend of reading by the pool, lake, beach, or locked away in your bedroom.

The giveaway will run from 8 a.m. EST on 7/1/2014 through 8 a.m. EST on 7/5/2014 through rafflecopter, and then each author listed above will gift one lucky reader a kindle copy of their book.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Amazon makes some pretty good recommendations

 

Best way to wake up! Amazon recommendations. To read about some way more humorous recos - go here.

Oh, and come back next week for a giveaway with Electrified and four other titles! Just in time for the holiday weekend. 

OR, you can subscribe right over there to get it straight to your inbox ---->

What's on my Kindle? #indieauthors

I admit...I'm a little behind in my reading since launching my first book, but I have been trying to catch up over the last few weeks. That and write and write, but it is my kindle that I find some escape at the end of the day. AND, I freaking love that time. Freaking.  

Another indie author friend once said to me,

"I consider myself a reader first."

I could not agree more.

It is the stories I fell in love with that made me want to add my own to the mix.

So, without further ado, this is what is loaded on my kindle right now.

Very Bad Things & Very Wicked Things  by Ilsa Madden Mills

Both with spunky, free-spirited heroines trying to break free from preconceived notions and stereotypes and steamy alpha heroes, I don't recommend picking either of these up unless you have time to read each one in its entirety because you will not be able to put them down.

*A personal thank you to Ilsa for both LEO and being so kind and helpful to me!

Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan

Ugh, this book is so good. So good. The story, full of pain, loss, and love flows from one to the other and captures the reader, pulling them in deeper and deeper. And, Archer. Oh. Archer.

The Education of Sebastian and The Education of Caroline (combined series) by Jane Harvey-Berrick

One of my all-time favorite reads has a new cover and BONUS scenes (yes, I am screaming in all caps, but they are that good). A heart-stopping, gut-wrenching story of forbidden love...and, then reacquainted love, Caro and Seb are another duo hard to put down.

What Happens Tomorrow by Elle Michaels

This is next on my TBR list. Elle, a debut author like me, is already getting great reviews on her book, and I cannot wait to open it. Apparently, I should have a box of tissues on hand. Who doesn't love a good cry?

AND, of course, my book is there residing next to all these greats, and I can't stand it!

Electrified 

HAPPY, peaceful reading in bed, the bathtub, or the carpool lane.