Romance Novel Giveaways

To rescue her was to rescue his own soul.

On a cold Parisian night, Vicomte Aleksender de Lefèvre forges an everlasting bond with a broken girl during her darkest hour, rescuing her from a life of abuse and misery. Tormented by his own demons, he finds his first bit of solace in sheltering little Sofia Rose.

But when Aleksender is drawn away by the Franco-Prussian war, the seasons pass. And in that long year, Sofia matures into a stunning young woman—a dancer with an understanding of devotion and redemption far surpassing her age.

Alongside his closest friend, Aleksender returns home to find that “home” is gone, replaced by revolution, bloodshed, betrayal—and a love always out of reach. Scarred inside and out, he’s thrust into a world of sensuality and violence—a world in which all his hours have now grown dark, and where only Sofia might bring an end to the winter in his heart.

Inspired by the 1871 Paris Commune, The Frost of Springtime is a poignant tale of revolution, redemption, and the healing power of love.

“I do not love you.”

Aleksender’s lips crashed against Sofia’s in a movement he was utterly unable to control. Both hands broke through the material of her cloak in a jarring whoosh of air, grazing her shoulders with his icy fingertips.

Riding up and over the curve of her hips, speaking into the dewy heat of her mouth, “I do not love you.” Rough, weathered hands skimmed over the tender swell of her breasts and worshiped every inch of her beauty. His tongue dueled with her own, drinking Sofia deep, sucking in her spirit. Her kisses were sweet as nectar, dripping with pure seduction and a virginal sensuality. “I do not love you.” Aleksender’s quivering fingertips tangled within the mass of damp, russet locks. He gave a gentle tug and reeled her closer. “I do not love you.”

His hands swept down the elegant column of her throat and enveloped the thin shaft. Aleksender tenderly cupped her face within his palms. His thumbs stroked her cheeks and drew invisible circles along the slates of porcelain flesh.

Sofia knew he was a broken soul … more so now than ever before. No, she was not scared. His cruelty was entirely wasted. One look in his eyes had confirmed her every thought. He’d never harm her. Although, for reasons she couldn’t fully comprehend, he wanted her to believe otherwise.

But Sofia saw past his rugged façade. And her heart only constricted for his pain. She felt so helpless, so very trapped. How she ached to heal him! She ached to kiss away all of his scars—internal and external, old and new. She ached to rescue him from the blackened depths of despair—just as he’d done, all those nine years ago.

No. She could not stop herself. Sofia sighed and slanted her lovely face, deepening their kiss to new limits.

Yes, Sofia’s heart screamed, she could heal him. He needed only to open his arms, mind, body—

Aleksender forced himself away. Sofia’s eardrums thundered, slamming against her consciousness in a deafening roar. She could hear her own pulse. Her heart swelled to painful proportions, threatening to burst free.

Aleksender and Sofia harmoniously panted as they struggled to catch their breaths. Eyes blinking shut in despair, Aleksender pressed his temple against Sofia’s. Nestled within the safety of her arms and speaking for the both of them, he recited the tragic confession: “I cannot love you.”

Rachel L. Demeter lives in the beautiful hills of Anaheim, California with Teddy, her goofy lowland sheepdog, and high school sweetheart of ten years. She enjoys writing dark, edgy romances that challenge the reader’s emotions and examine the redeeming power of love.

Imagining stories and characters has been Rachel’s passion for longer than she can remember. Before learning how to read or write, she would dictate stories while her mom would jot them down for her. She has a special affinity for the tortured hero and unconventional romances. Whether sculpting the protagonist or antagonist, she always ensures that every character is given a soul.

Rachel strives to intricately blend elements of romance, suspense, and horror. Some common themes her stories never stray too far from: forbidden romance, soul mates, the power of love to redeem, mend all wounds, and triumph over darkness. Her dream is to move readers and leave an emotional impact through her words.

Win a $10 Amazon gift card and a signed

The Frost of Springtime bookmark

a Rafflecopter giveaway

@RachelLDemeter @RABTBookTours

Bound by the Buccaneer (Pirates of the Jolie Rouge Trilogy #2)

Two years have passed since Frederica joined Gaston aboard the Ocean’s Knave, and with every passing hour they have fallen more deeply in love. By day she is the ship’s physician, but at night she serves her captain in his bed, offering her body for him to punish and pleasure until she begs for more. But after a successful run of raiding other pirate ships, the couple have a target on their backs.

Their only hope is to form an alliance with a trio of like-minded captains, but in order to guarantee the cooperation of these unyielding, battle-hardened men, Gaston is forced to offer them a night with Frederica. Reluctantly, she agrees to be shared with the men, but afterwards Gaston finds it difficult to forgive himself for bartering Frederica’s charms. As jealousy and desperation threaten to consume him, will Gaston lose his beloved Frederica or can he weather the storm and find a way to bind her to him forever?

Publisher’s Note: Bound by the Buccaneer is the second book of the Pirates of the Jolie Rouge trilogy, which began with Rescued by the Buccaneer. It is an adventure and erotic romance novel that includes spankings, sexual scenes including a foursome, anal play, elements of BDSM, and more.

Meet Gaston Galette, the pirate with a patch and hero of the Pirates of the Jolie Rouge Trilogy.

What past event in your character’s life has defined them the most? Gaston’s first wife and their child dying during childbirth. After that he left his plantation in the Carolinas and sailed to the Caribbean where he became a pirate.

What is your character’s biggest vice? His sex games with his “slave” Frederica. He loves to tie her up with rope and have his way with her.

Who is your character's confidant? Hatch, a giant of a pirate who has been with him for years. But as Hatch and Frederica form more of a bond, Gaston feels less and less like he can go to his old friend with his troubles. Unfortunately, Gaston finds himself quite isolated in Bound by the Buccaneer and seeks solace in the bottle.

What is the thing that has frightened your character most? Since his wife died and he knows how fragile life is, he fears he will lose Frederica as well.

Does your character believe in revenge? If so, how did they get it? Gaston does believe in revenge. I think it is part of the pirate code, and he and Frederica will seek theirs with Captain Humphrey who kidnapped and abused Frederica in the third book of the trilogy so you’ll just have to wait and see.

“You love knowing I can’t escape, don’t you? That I’m all yours,” Frederica teased, tugging at the restraints that bound her wrists to the bed.
Gaston raised a brow to her. “And what if I do?” He asked, untying the ropes from her wrists. “You know how much it excites me to see you all bound and helpless. Don’t you like being my own personal little whore?” Mischief danced in his visible brown eye. The other hid behind a black patch, injured in battle.
She touched a finger to her lips and rolled her eyes in mock consideration.
Before she had a chance to answer his rather rhetorical question, he pounced on her. His weight upon her gave her a feeling of warmth and security she felt at no other time than lying under him.
“Liar,” he whispered into her ear, his mouth trailing down her neck. “Tell me how much you love it.” Then he proceeded to tickle her ribs which sent her into a gale of giggles.
“Must I resort to the gag again?” He waved a red kerchief in the air playfully.
Her laughter made it difficult to speak. “Yes, yes, I love it.” Her voice reached a high-pitched squeal.
He ceased the tickling and sensually covered her mouth with his hand. “You must remain quiet or I will be forced to quiet you.” With each word his mouth traveled lower on her body, accentuating every word with a kiss.
Gaston hated for her to be too loud during their lovemaking. He worried that if the crew heard them, it would cause trouble. It wasn’t exactly fair for the Captain to be the only man aboard with a woman to bed every night. It was unclear to her whether he was more worried the pirates would rape her or if he feared they would stage a mutiny of his leadership, or both. Either was a potential problem if the men grew irritable enough.
So she tried to be quiet, but it was difficult considering the way Gaston brought her to such heights of ecstasy. Though she’d been a virgin when they met, and therefore inexperienced, she had no doubt he had talents in the bedroom that exceeded those of most men.
All he had to do was look at her a certain way, and Frederica’s body responded to him. His kisses awakened a fire inside her that only he could douse. “I know how you can keep me quiet,” she breathed huskily.

Rescued by the Buccaneer (Pirates of the Jolie Rouge Trilogy, #1)

Holy HOT Historical Romance!

I can honestly say that I have never read an erotic historical romance before, but it was so unique, and I was fascinated by the idea!

I enjoyed reading Frederica because of her innocence and her pride. Throughout the book, she maintained respect for herself even in the face of some difficult situations. Her lack of knowledge and experience about things in general was, at times humorous, but it also highlighted Gaston's virtues of patience and understanding.

Gaston was wonderful! As I mentioned, he had a side to him that is very patient, but the other side of his coin is pure alpha; he was in charge and everyone had to know that. I liked when even his alpha side admitted he just might have feelings for Frederica.

And oh my goodness, this book had some VERY steamy scenes! I must say that they all are not what one might find in a typical romance novel, but that difference was very refreshing to me. I think that Normandie might be on to something with this "Erotic Historical Romance" genre!

***I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review***

A former psychologist, Normandie has always been fascinated by human behavior. She loves writing quirky characters that are all too human. Fiber arts, baking, and Pinterest are a few of her favorite pastimes. She lives on a farm with a passel of kids, an adorable husband, and a pet pig who’s crazy for Red Bull.