DESIRE - The Novel - Coming April 2021

 Dear Readers,

I have been faithfully working on a few projects here, amidst my full-time day job, and on weekends I devote my time to writing and music. "Love Walked In" has been another novel in the works, as well as "Falling For Saint Nick." The projected release for all three books is 2021. Thank you for your patience.

"DESIRE" -- my latest labor of love -- was conceptualized in January 2019. 

Just the tiny seed of it, the first love scene, took glorious form at that time, and I set it down for a while to let it marinade. In the Spring of 2020, I began writing again. It's been a tough year for all of us, with the pandemic, family stuff going on, life changes, work, other

stressors, and the collective of humanity going through a massive energy shift.

I felt it was only right to put the writing on the backburner for a bit. My readers deserve QUALITY writing, not specks of details jammed together. Also, I want my characters to fully develop and show up with truth and meaning in the pages of this passionate love story.

My hope is that you love this sexy, powerful novel featuring a loving, vulnerable woman named Reanna Mcleod who has escaped the abusive partner who sent her to the E.R. after a violent episode. She swore it was the last time, and has committed fully to her healing, when the abuser is locked away.

Longtime neighbor Grant Montgomery has always been the featured heartthrob in Reanna's diary. Through the years, she's kept her secret yearning under wraps, out of respect for Grant's wife and for him also. But when Jean Montgomery dies from cancer, Reanna can't help but face her feelings for the sexy professor who's owned her heart all these years.

When the contents of her torrid diary are discovered by a surprised Grant, he vies to unravel the secrets of the lovely woman who lived across the street for 15 years. Not knowing she was so enamored with him makes his pulse race even more. Grant is determined to pursue her, and soon the two are swept into a blazing love affair much hotter than the Sahara!

Will they find their happy ever after, or will Reanna's past rear its ugly head and destroy them both?

COMING APRIL 2021.

Thank you for reading my novels and supporting this indie author since 2013 when "LONGING" was first published and this blog was launched July 26, 2013. I am excited and thrilled to see what this year brings for my career.

Wishing love and peace to you all!

Stay passionate,

RR xo

DESIRE: The New Novel Coming Soon in 2020

Dear Readers,

The New Novel is halfway done!!

I am unbelievably STOKED as I write this from my "writing room" in the dark, with a cold beverage, air conditioning, Dirty Dancing soundtrack blasting and my Scentsy warmer on the desk (scent tonight is "Cozy Fireside." Thanks Julie Cooney!!)

My long weekend here in Ontario Canada is spent lovingly working on my fiction that claims my heart and soul.

DESIRE is like a personal diary of sorts for me, except for the domestic abuse that never happened on the physical level, but still...I have experienced abuse on another level, and it is equally disturbing. Write what you know -- best advice I ever received. I feel my books are enriched with stories, people and elements of what I've personally gone through.

BLURB:

Reanna Mcleod moved back to Silver Springs after her husband John Daly broke her bones and sent her to the E.R. He's in prison now and she decides to make a clean break, back to the charming town where she grew up.

But things have changed. Her parents sold off the "Ponderosa" aka the farmhouse and magical land where she flourished in her novel writing, and called it home for 30 years. When her mother's cheque from the realtor came, she nabbed her $1 million, leaving Reanna out in the cold. "You're on your own," her mother sneered, and Reanna scrambled for a place to live. That's when charming sociopath John came along, sweeping her off her feet and promising her a better life with him in a mansion in another city.

Moving back to her hometown, Reanna is blessed to rent the small room above the coach house her school teacher friend Tracy leases to her on her country property. It brings Reanna back to her roots; small town feeling, clean country air, and a chance to write again.

What she didn't count on was running into her former neighbor, Grant Montgomery. Reanna has carried a torch for him for 15 years, and had to stuff her feelings deep down where they couldn't be found. But now Grant's wife has passed from cancer, and Reanna sneaks into the funeral to give her quiet condolences and pay her respects to the lovely Jean, who was always sweet and welcoming to her.

Grant spies her running off as the funeral-goers leave the premise. When he finally locates her and confronts her, Reanna is reluctant to open her heart and tell him the truth about what she wrote in her diary so many years ago. But Grant isn't blind; the smart-as-a-whip History professor of Remington University can see the love and vulnerability Reanna has been trying to hide from him.

Soon, a blossoming romance is coming to life, and Reanna must face her demons or forever risk her chance of real love with the One Man who's been there for her since day one. Can she let go of the horrors of the past, open her heart to Grant, or will she forever blow her chance at true love?

DESIRE is the story of domestic abuse and a woman overcoming her trauma. It's the story of a narcissistic mother who did more damage than good to a loyal daughter. It is the story of friends banding together in hard times, but most of all, it is the story of a passionate awakening between old friends who never knew how deep a love could run.

******************************************************

With much love,

RR xo

Quarantine Days of Romance, Old Soul Music & Other Ponderings

Hello Dear Readers,

Sorry for being quiet and not posting for a while. This whole Covid-19 business has got me a little bummed out.

I'm trying to type some new fiction, and the words are not coming. As I said on another post, the summer is the least productive time for me to create new novels. There's something about the sun, the distractions of life, the atmosphere is different, and I struggle to get "into the groove" of writing anything juicy.

I'm so very much a "fall time and winter girl" -- I love the swirl of the leaves, that crisp scent in the air, and the crystalline, snowy nights -- pure, festive, sensuality that just gets the creative juices flowing. Summer is just not my thing. I miss my summer concerts, and they've all been canceled this year.

But alas! Here I am, still plugging away. TRYING, at least, to get something going.

You can't force the Muse now, can you? That's what I thought. SIGH...

Something inside me WANTS to create more fiction! Do you ever get writer's block? For me, it's when I can't get the motor running, and it takes forever to type a few paragraphs. Usually, distractions, and my A.D.D. is bad these days!

With a coffee beside me, it's late afternoon, and I'm in my "bat cave"-- the cool, dimmed, cozy bedroom with the white desk and I've got my Scentsy warmer on with "Cozy Kitchen" as the scent of the day (a blissful batch of warm oats, with brown sugar and cinnamon swirl). I love me some Scentsy (thanks to my rep Robyn --LOL) and lately have the stockpile flourishing with new scents.

What, may I ask, are you doing to help ease the ache of quarantine? Is there a new hobby you've taken up, or perhaps a new friend you've met?

For me, it's just trying to enjoy life "moment to moment," by appreciating what's left in my life. The people who REALLY MATTER and losing myself in soul music that lets me escape the mundane part of life that I'd rather not deal with.

Today's choice track, the Whispers, from the Bay Area, California, from the album "Open Up Your Love," released June 15, 1977: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZHRGSNmQ1g&list=PL_Z62noe2sfFtHh3Cf-vDDt0Na6KTekZE&index=9&t=0s

Remember, this quarantine won't last forever, better days are coming, don't lose hope, and don't forget to hug those people you love and hold them close (the ones who live with you, of course).

Have a wonderful Sunday funday!!

Cheering for you always,

RR xo

AGAINST ALL ODDS: A BI-COASTAL LOVE STORY FROM CHICAGO TO L.A.

Dear Readers,

The first women's romance novel I wrote in 1993 is about to be published for the first time ever...and I am so AMPED to share it with you!!!

"Against All Odds" is my baby. I penned it as a teenager and it was written from May 19, 1993 to April 20, 1994. Those eleven months were a learning curve. I wrote my little heart out, and I read a LOT of novels to get some experience on the craft, to learn to perfect a complete manuscript.

For 27 years, it sat in a box. Oh, I came back to it, time and time again, to read over the classic lines I'd written. Mainly for my own entertainment, let me tell you.

Sometimes, reading it gave me a little "buzz" of delight over the nostalgia of those blessed days.

I LAUGHED-- a lot, at the cheesy dialogue that needed editing --BADLY.

I GRIMACED -- over the typos and misplaced, over-the-top adjectives I thought I needed to make a successful book.

I CRIED -- over the moments of tragedy and the scenes where my characters DEEPLY connected.

I SWOONED -- over how hunky my music producer hero PETER ADAMS is, and how beautifully he and my heroine STARR TAYLOR fit together. Like a glove.

So, without further ado, on May 19th (the anniversary of the first page ever written, 27 years ago)..."AGAINST ALL ODDS" will be in print!!! 

I can't wait for you to read all about the epic saga of Peter and Starr!

I just know you will enjoy them as much as I do!!

Stay safe -- and as always,

Stay Passionate,

RR xo

LONGING re-launch! Classic 2013 romance novel is BACK!!!

Dear Readers,

To celebrate seven years since I wrote my beloved novel "LONGING," I have revamped and re-launched it this week!

Grab it for FREE on Kindle! April 28-May 2nd.

This novel is near and dear to my heart, and I wanted to gift it to you, dear readers, so that you can enjoy it as much as I did. I wrote it for the 2013 National Novel Writing Month, better known as "NaNoWriMo." It was such a joy to write this little gem! To this day, I consider it in my Top 3 of all my novels.

Please go to Amazon.com and download LONGING. This sexy, playful story is one of tragedy and triumph. It features heroine, Rhea Collins, a singer-songwriter and animal activist, who's lost her husband and finds a passionate awakening with preacher Mitch Kelly, who seems to be the most unlikely match for her, so she thought. Come along with me on a sizzling journey as you get swept into the love story of Mitch and Rhea.

I've included both links here...one for the paperback edition and of course, the FREE link for the e-book. You can read it on cell phone, tablet, computer, laptop, or Kindle. Just download the Kindle app and enjoy!!

As always, thank you for reading my romantic novels -- I wish you health, wealth and happiness for 2020!

Love,
Rochelle

https://www.amazon.com/Longing-Rochelle-Renee-ebook/dp/B087PRN515/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=rochelle+renee+longing&qid=1588129712&s=digital-text&sr=1-1

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087LBPCLW

NANOWRIMO -- GRAND FINALE!!!

Dear Readers!

We've reached the finish line for the annual novel writing challenge, NaNoWriMo -- or better known as National Novel Writing Month.

I soared through the finish line with my latest labor of love...5 days early. Completed on November 25th at just over 50,000 words..."CALL MY NAME" was brought to fruition.

Now, for the editing time. Drafts one, two, three and four...and so on.

If YOU were lucky enough to finish your novel on time, CONGRATS!!! Even if you didn't make the 50,000 words, kudos to you for creating something beautiful that you loved working on and brought you immense joy.

Being an author is not for the faint of heart. It takes hours, weeks, months, and years of blood, sweat and tears, in order to hone your craft and become better at what you do

It also takes a huge consumption of time to work on a novel. We are definitely an underrated breed, at best, but I would not trade my natural born gifts for the world.

Look for my novel in coming weeks...to be published by KDP.

I salute all the writers who took part in this year's novel challenge. Thank you also to my faithful readers who've supported me over the years and joyously look forward to every new novel that I release.

With much love and Gratitude,

RR xo

NEW NOVEL!! NANOWRIMO 2019 -- CALL MY NAME --

Dear Readers,

November started with a bang! The annual Novel Writing Challenge, which has an acronym called NaNoWriMo -- for National Novel Writing Month -- has me so stoked!!

It's November 17th and I'm already at 42,000 words!!!! Hey now!!!

50k words is the ultimate goal, to be finished by Nov.30th with a complete novel.

Every year, I gift myself with the beautiful offering of a completed love story (first draft, of course). It's the perfect way to get REALLY disciplined and get a novel completed. Rather than to procrastinate and take one's time throughout the course of a year.

Over half a million of us NaNo'ers are taking part in this challenge. I'm always psyched to get to the finish line, but the real fun is in the journey to get there!!! It's all that over-caffeinated, nail-biting, pulse-pounding, key-typing activity that gets the creative juices flowing.

My latest novel is a surefire winner, in the sense that I didn't have to use too much brain power to get it going. I already had the "muse" ready and willing to go. Like a filly on her maiden race at the Belmont, I was "rarin' to go" and chomping at the bit! I've been overjoyed to share my love story of Regan Reynolds and Stephen Silver with the world. I hope you love this power couple as much as I do!!! XOXO

A certain Silver Fox inspired me to craft my current masterpiece. Thank you, S.M., for the wonderful chats, for bringing your Aquarian energy around me and for just...well...making my work days more bearable. You rock my socks!!

To all the NaNoWriMo contenders this year...GOOD LUCK!!! I hope you make it to the finish line with your latest handiwork. If anyone knows how much blood, sweat and tears goes into making a novel, it it surely the NaNo writers every November. Bravo to you!!!

Sending good vibes and much love,

RR xo

SMALL STEPS OF PROGRESS STILL COUNT!!

Dear Readers,

On this "almost Spring weather" Saturday, I am filled with reflection...for what COULD BE...WILL BE...

You know me...the hopeless romantic, the dreamer, the idealist, the visionary. Always looking for that silver lining in the midst of the hurricane or thunderstorm.

PROGRESS is something I'm tabulating right now. Examining whole-heartedly. You see, I can be my own worst enemy (as my massage therapist Peter told me). I'm critical of myself, I can be a downright horrible perfectionist, and I'm most certainly hard on myself more days than most.

That being said, I am also my own best friend, too. Because people have let me down, discarded me, walked away, ghosted...whatever term you want to use. Why? Because humans are flakes. They have their own hidden agenda, and if you do not rise up to meet that agenda (be it monetary, physical, mental, etc) then, be prepared to be abandoned and forgotten. It's okay, I'm cool. I don't need flakes and shams in my life.

What have I learned and why the ramble? Well, my dear readers, I have learned being a Life Path #1, that in numerology, it is a good sign to be discarded. I learned to stand on my own two feet and not to give a damn what others think. See, I spent the better part of my life trying to FIT IN (foolish little girl!!). Why even try that insanity? I'm a DIAMOND, not some sheep destined to follow the crowd and fade into the cluster of confusion.

To speak of this PROGRESS...I am stoked about the latest body of work (mmm, body...) that has manifested. I've decided to answer the "call for submissions" at Love Inspired (Harlequin Imprint). It's nearly four weeks since I submitted my proposal for a novel about a woman who moves across the country after losing her husband in the line of duty and relocates to the small town in Upstate New York called "New Canaan" and runs into her ex from 20 years ago. This one I have a GOOD FEELING about, and so far, no rejection slip...but no news is good news, right?

Fingers crossed that this "progress" will bring a nice reward with it. The turn-around time for things like these is generally four weeks.

David and Shania are my main characters. Former lovers who were together at age 25 and 20, and split when Shania's mother forbade her to see him because the preacher's son was "not good enough" for her sheltered daughter. Now David's back, he's amassed a fortuned as the #1 renovations king in the Deep South, and when he sees Shania, that old spark is set aflame once more!! Shania has won an essay contest titled "win a ranch with Victorian home" complete with horses, cows and chickens. The problem is, she has no clue how to run a ranch. David and his infinite wisdom and experience offers to help renovate the farm for minimal cost. But stubborn Shania and her pride stands in the way, and she rejects him at first, maintaining that she can do it herself, along with the help of ranch foreman Hank, who's been there 15 years. When you carry a torch for someone over two decades, there is a flame that never blows out. Once Shania relents, and lets David in, progress happens. The ranch begins to look promising, and they become friends, but she keeps him at arm's length. The past is too painful, and losing her husband Jack was debilitating. She can't afford to risk her heart all over again.

Then a tornado rips through New Canaan, destroying any progress on the ranch that they worked on together. Shania sees this as a "bad sign" and puts up walls once again, pushing David again. Can the two resolve the pain from the past and learn to forgive? Or will theirs be a love story doomed forever? HER PROMISED LAND is a story of love, forgiveness and redemption. Coming soon, Autumn 2019. (R.Renee)

Stay tuned for an update. This work-in-progress is just a baby of an idea right now. But I am having fun outlining each character sketch and writing the first draft. Sink or swim, I think it's important that when you set a dream in motion, you should by all means carry it out. Let yourself fall in love with it, even if it doesn't nab the book contract or Pulitzer. Every nuance, layer, thrill and simple joy will take over and you will revel in your playful creativity again. It's like a reward is being presented, simply in the context of giving yourself the gift of your own presence, and writing is a satisfying act of self-love. I've never felt more fulfilled in my life, than when I am writing. No person, place or thing on this planet has ever given me the gratification that I feel when creating my own magnificent work. Keep this in mind. A thing of beauty is a joy forever (John Keats).

Bottom line: writers. Please embrace your talents and gifts. They are a present to the Universe. We MUST remember that our own presence is a priceless offering to those who walk in our midst.

Keep up the PROGRESS...even if it's baby steps. Even if an editor declines on what you deem your "best ever novel" or project. If the world rejects your masterpiece. Keep that treasure close to your heart. Keep working on it, perfecting your craft, loving up on it...I promise you...there IS a reward at the end!!

Cheering for you always,

RR xo

ENTER TO WIN!!! GIVEAWAY FOR THE RE-ISSUE OF MY NOVEL PASSION

Dear Readers,

I'm hosting a giveaway for 5 lucky readers to win a FREE copy of my sensational romance novel "PASSION."

To celebrate the 7th year anniversary since its conception, the giveaway starts February 5th til Feb 12th.

You can enter here:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/8ace7b7d1/?

You will love my romantic comedy "starring" a wonderful, lovable, comedic cast of characters such as the hunky heart throb Keane Mitchell, and the irrepressible Rhiannon Rose, along with her witty daughter Paige, and Rhiannon's hilarious best friends, Lizzi Morgan and Susan, the feisty redhead always up for a good time.

To find out more on this book, please go to Goodreads or Amazon. The original book and blurb is posted there.
https://www.amazon.com/Passion-Rochelle-Renee/dp/1501014323/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1548619327&sr=1-3&keywords=passion+rochelle+renee

Thanks for all your support over the years!

Stay Passionate!

RR xo

I LOVE THE WAY

I love the way
your agile,
slender fingers

Dance
across my skin
Making love
with the cells
of my soul

I love the way
your full, exquisite
lips
form a sentence
so eloquent
and how your
big, beautiful
Brain
Just holds so much
knowledge
and wisdom

I love the way
your face forms creases
around your mouth
some call it wrinkles
but i call them
laughter lines
to show me where
your soul is
to show me
how you light up

I love the way
you look at me
as if we are
meeting
FOR THE FIRST TIME
in a lover's greeting
and time and space
stands still

I love the way
your blue eyes
just catch me off guard
and I drop everything
I am doing
in the moment
and the world just ceases
to exist

I love the way
you same my name
"Rochelle"...
as if a lilting love song
from the gods
has just played
with a full, heavenly
orchestra
and no other sound
can be heard

I love the way
your hands reach around
the small of my back
and you hug me
SO TIGHT
and i know
I AM SAFE
because you feel
my honesty

I love the way
Your manly innocence
just shows up
so authentic
that I cannot see
anything else
in my path

I love the way
Your magnificence
just steals my breath away
and i'm in awe
in REVERENCE
of you
My Love
The one who calls to my soul

I love the way
your voice
like satin
drapes itself
around my body
cascades
all down my skin
and makes me come alive
once more

I love the way
we could be in a crowded room
and suddenly
all i see is you
just you

I love the way
you remember small details
of something i told you
long ago
and my heart just stops
for a moment
to say "thank you"
silently

I love the way
your firm, lithe body
fits with mine
in a warm embrace
that lets me know
no other woman
has your attention

I love the way
we greet and part
effortlessly
and the love
is still there
even if time may
separate us

I love the way
You hold space
for me
in your busyness
and chaos
but you seek me out
and never forget

I love the way
your lips claim mine
imprinting my soul
with the exact blueprint
we created long ago
before the sands of time

I love the way
you just understand me
without my need
to explain myself

I love the way
we wind up in bed
our limbs entangled
our hearts entwined
I am yours
and
you are mine

I love you

RR XO

CHRISTMAS JOY!!!

Dear Readers,


Don't you just love this time of year? The days are short, the nights cool and crisp, and the fireplace is burning with the living room lights down low. Just the glow of the Christmas tree to light the room.
There might be a fresh snowfall coming or the promise of one. If you have a special person in your life, this time is even more memorable, because the romance of the season is front and center. Everything just feels so ALIVE...and unforgettable. It has MEANING where

it would otherwise be just another day.

I want to share some Christmas joy tonight with you. I've just come from the most SPECTACULAR CHRISTMAS CONCERT!

The REAL Derek Keys (yes, there is a REAL LIVE MAN who inspired my book "The Christmas Keys") put on a stellar performance at Simcoe Street United Church, to raise funds for the homeless. As president of The Back Door Mission for The Relief of Poverty, Derek Giberson is my personal hero. Not only that, but is the modern day hero for countless homeless, hungry and addicted people who need a hand up in this community.

I am floored and honored to know him. Somehow, the Universe put me here in his ward. Where I once tried to resist this fate (being misplaced from my idyllic hometown to this awful city that I begrudged), I now ease into it and accept that RIGHT HERE AND NOW...I am meant to be.

The most PERFECT AND BEAUTIFUL story has come out of my spring of writing. Thank you Derek for all that you are, and for being the magnificent soul that God made you to be. I am GRATEFUL for your existence, HUMBLED by your presence, in awe of your beauty, and ENAMORED by the majestic man that you are.

Tonight you walked onto that stage in a red blazer with gold buttons, black pants, brown shoes and a crisp white shirt. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven. My storybook hero had come to life!!

Sorry if this comes off as some sort of gloating fool. I just want you to know that...after my huge loss and heartache...I am infinitely happy to have found you on this planet. Did you know...that when I lost My beloved Trent...I feared the worst? That the stories in me would die, that the well of ideas would dry up and be no more, and that I would walk this earth as some shadow of who I used to be. Horrible, right? I feared that I would lose my edge and the ability to write with conviction...or any sort of talent that i was born with.

Lo and behold...I was wrong. Alas...from out of the blue...a vision appeared. Someone to chase away my fears and remind me that life is still...after all...worth living.

Derek, you have brought me Christmas Joy tonight at the concert. You and those amazing singers and performers...blew me away. I am blessed to know you. So many mouths will be fed. Lives will be touched. Hearts will be warmed in the midst of winter. Last year, in one night, you raised $17,000. This year, as the concert runs two nights, I am expecting you and the Mission to bring in over $30,000.

God Bless You, sweet man. If this blog post makes me a sap, then so be it.

You've brought me Christmas Joy beyond what I expected this season.

May your glass always be full, your heart be light, and your bankroll be forever replenished.

I love you, My friend.

Merry Christmas,

RR xo

BRAND NEW KEYS!!!

Dear Readers,

I can't contain my joy!!! My brand new holiday novel has just dropped and it's beautiful!!!

Even better, I am offering it for FREE on Kindle from Dec 10th to 14th!!!! Get your copy now!!!

Please, kindly leave a REVIEW for me on Amazon and Goodreads. Let's get this book to Number One!!!! Thanks for all your wonderful support.

Special Thanks and Dedication to Mr. Derek Giberson, my inspiration behind the hero, Mr Derek Keys.

Happy Holidays and much love,

Rochelle xoxo