Category Archives: Romantic Suspense

Release Tour for Handfast by Tricia T. LaRochelle

Posted on May 23, 2023 by Amy-OUABB

Three years after their freshman year from hell, Sara not only graduates from college, but her relationship with Scott is stronger than ever. Just when she thinks the craziness from her past is over, a mysterious stranger shows up, knocking her world off its axis. Will this man prove to be another devastating blow to her already complicated life? Readers who love Tattered Stars by Catherine Cowles will enjoy Revive by Tricia T. LaRochelle, a new adult romantic suspense.

“LaRochelle writes like a pro and delivers a profoundly entertaining romance story with genuinely flawed characters and a deftly handled plot with explosive moments.” —The Book Commentary

Read Now!

Blurb:

Three years after her freshman year from hell, Sara graduates college a stronger and more well-balanced woman. Her relationship with Scott is strong, their future together bright. If only her parents could be there to join in the celebration.

Just when she thinks the craziness of the past is finally over—and for good—a mysterious stranger shows up at her graduation, turning Sara’s world upside down. This man may just be the answer to her prayers or another devastating blow to her already traumatic life.

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Excerpt

I’d never seen Scott so nervous. I’d seen him upset, angry, worried, and shocked—heck, I’d even seen him depressed—but never nervous. Not fun nervous, anyway.

He sucked in a breath and began. “Before I met you, I had no idea what being in love was like. I thought I knew, but I didn’t have a clue. Being with you has taught me so much these past few years. Not only are you the most gorgeous creature I have ever laid eyes on …” He smirked, his eyes dancing with erotic thoughts, something I saw whenever he was “in the mood,” which was pretty much all the time. “And sexy as hell, but you are braver than anyone I’ve ever known.” A shadow fell over his face. “On top of that, and even after all you have been through, you still have the biggest heart. Being with you makes me want to be a better person.” He shook his head and exhaled. “I find myself imagining things that I never thought I’d ever want.”

“Like what?” The words tumbled out of my mouth like a five-year-old with no self-control.
The corners of his luscious lips twitched upward. “Well, for starters … a house … with kids … a dog. The thought of you mothering my children someday makes me believe that dreams can come true.” He looked down for a moment and shook his head again before pinning my gaze with his vibrant blue eyes. “I realize you’re too good for me. And I also know that I don’t deserve you, but fuck if that’s going to stop me from asking you the most important question of my life.” He inched closer, his irises locking me in place, his voice low and imploring. “After we graduate next spring, Sara Browne, will you do me the honor of being my wife?”

My eyes welling with tears, I leaned forward and fell into his big, burly arms, his musky scent welcoming and his lips tapping tiny kisses against my head and cheek. “Of course, I will. I can’t imagine anyone else as my husband or the father of my children. So, yes, yes, yes,” I said, giddy and slightly dizzy from the emotions swirling through my head, my heart, and every cell of my body.

About Tricia T. LaRochelle

Since she was a little girl, Tricia T. LaRochelle has been obsessed with tragic love stories. No beach reads for her. Bring on the grit with a double side of turmoil. She likes to feel the character’s anguish as they fight to overcome obstacles to be together. Growing up in central Vermont, she has seen her share of tragedy but remains a hopeful romantic. She now lives in Central Virginia where she continues to foster the possibilities of how love can conquer all.

Flickering Heart is the first book in the Sara Browne Series. Stay tuned for updates and announcements on Instagram, and Twitter, or sign up for her email list at TriciaLaRochelle.com.

This promotional event is brought to you by Indie Pen PR

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Posted in Amy, Blog Tour, Contemporary Romance, NA, Romance, Romantic Suspense. Bookmark the permalink.

Cover Reveal for Resurgence by Shelby Gunter

Posted on May 19, 2023 by Amy-OUABB

Join us for the cover reveal of Resurgence by Shelby Gunter. Readers who love military romance will sink their teeth into this steamy, age gap, romantic suspense. Keep scrolling for more details about this amazing cover.

Title: Resurgence

Author: Shelby Gunter

Release Date: 06/16/2023

Genres: Romantic Suspense

Trope: Age Gap, Military, Emotional Scars/Dark Past

Soldiers of fortune.
Hired guns.
Mercenaries.

We’re the ones who go into enemy territory when no one else will. It’s dangerous, it’s secretive, and we’re good at it.

It takes a certain skill set to do my job, and distractions get in the way of doing it well. And meeting Thia Ames has become the biggest distraction of all.

But when Thia is put up for auction on the black market, my team is tasked with her protection. She is my mission, and protecting her should be my sole focus. But the shadows that lurk behind her bright smile hint at a dark past that calls to the hero in me.

I can’t afford to get involved. Not only am I almost twenty years older than her, but acting on my emotions could very well get us both killed.

Her life hangs in the balance. I couldn’t save her before, but this time, I’ll do whatever it takes… or die trying.

Pre-Order on Amazon

Add to Goodreads Here!

About Shelby Gunter

Shelby is a Romantic Suspense author who loves writing plot twists you’ll never see coming.

Shelby and her husband call Kansas City their home base but enjoy traveling as far and as often as possible. She loves all things related to coffee, wine, and books, and it’s rare you will see her without one of those items in hand.

This promotional event is brought to you by Indie Pen PR

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Posted in Adult, Amy, Coming Soon, Contemporary Romance, Cover Reveal, Romantic Suspense. Bookmark the permalink.

Release Blitz: PROTEGE KING by Lisa Renee Jones

Posted on May 16, 2023 by Amy-OUABB

PROTEGE KING

Lisa Renee Jones

Release Date: May 16

Damion West was the boy who stole my young heart and then broke it. That was a long time ago though and I’m not a girl susceptible to hot boys with big egos who just happen to kiss well anymore. Nor have I kept up with Damion West. Okay, I have. Everyone has. He’s the heir to West Enterprises, and notoriously loud on social media.

Everyone knows Damion West.

Just not like I do.

But that’s another story better left untold.

It’s hard sometimes to remember that I’m no slouch myself. Confidence isn’t exactly my forte but I fake it well. I’ve worked with my parents’ real estate firm catering to the rich and famous for years and I’m now one of the top agents in the country. Blue Enterprises is the name of our firm, which is also my name. Blue. Alana Blue. And now I’m on TV, the star of Selling in New York.

But every family has secrets. Damion’s does and mine does as well.

That’s why I have the TV show I didn’t really want.

Nothing is real.

Except him. Damion. He’s real. So is my past with him. But it’s the past.

Then one day I get called to a meeting by the studio head, it’s all very secretive.

Because it’s not the studio at all, or actually, it is. Because his family owns everything.

That’s right.

The meeting is with him. It’s with Damion West.

And Lord help me, he’s now sexier, and more arrogant than ever.

Also it turns out that what Damion wants from me isn’t as simple as a real estate contract.

But it’s a contract all right.

Grab Your Copy!

Amazon http://mybook.to/ProtegeKing/opt/3

Apple https://apple.co/3RwMzoW

B&N https://bit.ly/3y6kHB6

Kobo https://bit.ly/3US8t9c

Google Play https://bit.ly/3V6RAI7

Meet Lisa Renee Jones:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lisa Renee Jones is the author of the highly acclaimed INSIDE OUT series. Suzanne Todd (producer of Alice in Wonderland) on the INSIDE OUT series: Lisa has created a beautiful, complicated, and sensual world that is filled with intrigue and suspense. Sara’s character is strong, flawed, complex, and sexy – a modern girl we all can identify with.

In addition to the success of Lisa’s INSIDE OUT series, she has published many successful titles. The TALL, DARK AND DEADLY series and THE SECRET LIFE OF AMY BENSEN series, both spent several months on a combination of the New York Times and USA Today bestselling lists.

Prior to publishing Lisa owned multi-state staffing agency that was recognized many times by The Austin Business Journal and also praised by the Dallas Women’s Magazine. In 1998 Lisa was listed as the #7 growing women owned business in Entrepreneur Magazine.

To find out about Lisa Renee Jones’ upcoming releases and giveaways, sign up for her newsletter here

For more information on Lisa Renee Jones and her books visit: https://www.lisareneejones.com/

Connect with Lisa Renee Jones: https://www.lisareneejones.com/contact.html

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Posted in Adult, Amy, Contemporary Romance, Release Blitz, Romantic Suspense. Bookmark the permalink.

Release Blitz with Review: Beyond the Thistles by Samantha Young

Posted on May 2, 2023 by Amy-OUABB

A grumpy vs sunshine, age-gap, romantic suspense set in the Scottish Highlands.

Beyond the Thistles by Samantha Young is now live!

It’s been a long time since Walker Ironside left behind Scotland and the memories that haunt him. Yet after years of traveling the world as a bodyguard, Walker misses his homeland enough to return. To a village in the Scottish Highlands that plays host to an exclusive members-only club, Ardnoch Estate. If not happy, Walker is content working with the elite security at the club and maintaining his bachelor lifestyle. What he doesn’t need is distraction in the form of the enticing but too-young newcomer, single mother Sloane Harrow.

Sloane never imagined she’d get pregnant at sixteen. Or that a decade later she’d escape from California with her daughter, Callie, to start over in the Scottish Highlands. Hidden and safe from Callie’s dangerous father, Sloane is satisfied with their new lives. Her daughter is happy. Sloane has a stable job, a quaint cottage, a passion for baking that might just be turning into a business, and a huge crush on brooding security guard Walker Ironside. Unfortunately, the grumpy Scot seems immune to Sloane’s charm, but she can’t help but try to seduce him with cupcakes and baked treats whenever the opportunity arises.

However, when someone arrives in Ardnoch intent on destroying Sloane’s life, Walker is the first to step forward to protect her and Callie. Even if it means giving into temptation and awakening his own demons. Because in doing so, Walker faces failing not only to shield Sloane from her past, but to safeguard her against his own.

Download today or read FREE with Kindle Unlimited!

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3CKi5Ml

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/BeyondtheThistles

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3rAzSik

MY REVIEW

Returning to the Scottish Highlands and our dear friends, The Adari Family, Beyond the Thistles kicks off the brand new series, The Highlands. Beyond the Thistles follows the story of Sloane and Walker. Sloane is no stranger to pain and heartache. She is a survivor and will do anything to keep her daughter safe. The Scottish Highlands was the answer to all of her prayers. With great friends and a second chance at life, things are finally looking up for Sloane. If only she could get Walker to see her in a different life. Walker is haunted by his own demons and isn’t ready to let anyone get close to him. He takes his job in security very seriously and isn’t looking for any distractions. But, when Sloane’s past catches up with her, Walker finds himself forced to face his demons and protect the one woman he can’t get off of his mind.,..

Beyond the Thistles is a fantastic read from beginning to end. From the moment you start reading Sloane’s story, you can’t help but be captivated by her and in awe of everything she has overcome. Her life has been one challenge after another with the only shining light, being her daughter. And then we have Walker, the grumpy bodyguard. Even though he feels an intense connection with Sloane, he’s afraid he can’t give her what she wants and isn’t wanting to have someone depend on him again.

I absolutely loved the slow-burning intensity between Sloane and Walker. I longed for the will they/won’t they moments the two of them shared. Walker and Sloane had their own fair share of demons that were haunting them and I loved watching the two of them grow and break down their walls. The road to happily ever after wasn’t an easy one for these two beloved characters. Their story is filled with lots of delicious angst and frustration. And remember those demons I mentioned? Well, let’s just say the suspense from that definitely kept me on my toes.

Beyond the Thistles kicks off The Highlands series with one heck of a start. With lots of familiar faces, suspense and danger around each corner, and an unforgettable love story, Beyond the Thistles is a romance not to be missed.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Meet Samantha

Samantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She’s been nominated for several Goodreads Choice Awards. Samantha writes adult contemporary and paranormal romance, YA urban fantasy and YA contemporary fiction and is currently published in 31 countries.

She resides in Scotland.

Connect with Samantha

Website: http://authorsamanthayoung.com

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2FWgYdn

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2H47kEP

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorSamanthaYoung/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1520019958258238/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorsamanthayoung/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorSamYoung

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2D241eO

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/samyoungauthor/

Verve: https://ververomance.com/app/authorsamanthayoung

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Posted in 4.5 Stars, Adult, Amy, Contemporary Romance, Release Blitz, Reviews, Romantic Suspense. Bookmark the permalink.

Cover Reveal for Handfast by Tricia T. LaRochelle

Posted on April 24, 2023 by Amy-OUABB

Join us for the cover reveal of Handfast by Tricia T. LaRochelle. Fans who love romantic suspense will sink their teeth into this steamy, new adult romance. Keep scrolling for more details about the third installment in the Sara Browne Series.

Title: Handfast

Author: Tricia T. LaRochelle

Release Date: 05/22/2023

Genres: New Adult Romance/Romantic Suspense

Page Count: TBD

Trope: Reluctant Hero, Soulmates, Trapped, Dark Secret, Redemption, Estranged Family Member

Pre-Order on Amazon

Add to Goodreads Here!

About Tricia T. LaRochelle

This promotional event is brought to you by Indie Pen PR

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Posted in Amy, Coming Soon, Cover Reveal, NA, Romantic Suspense. Bookmark the permalink.

RELEASE BLITZ: A Stop in Time by RC Boldt

Posted on February 21, 2023 by Amy-OUABB

They say time waits for no one.

It waits for me.

A Stop in Time by RC Boldt is now live!

I’ve been an outcast my whole life. If my scars don’t scare people away, my attitude certainly will.

I don’t know what I am or how I got the power to stop time. What I do know is, there are far too many questions I need answers to.

When I cross paths with a local gang member, his presence unravels a part of my past I never knew existed.

At every turn, danger leaps closer, and I realize that stopping the killer will mean losing everything—including the first man I’ve ever loved.

But I should’ve known better. We were never meant to be anything more than a brief stop in time.

Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and Kobo!

Amazon: https://bit.ly/3Ibviz2

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3OkkFMo

Nook: https://bit.ly/3OceZE7

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3b8sCFu

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OfCuMi

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3E7MVj4

Meet RC Boldt

RC Boldt is a USA Today bestselling author currently living in part of the Costa Rican jungle with the love of her life and her mini-me.

If you’re in the mood for some killer mojitos or can’t recall the lyrics to a particular 80s song, she’s your girl.

Connect with RC Boldt

Website: http://www.rcboldtbooks.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14543027.R_C_Boldt

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Kq1H9C

Facebook: http://bit.ly/RCBoldtFB

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BBBReaders/

Instagram: http://bit.ly/RCBoldtIG

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorrcboldt

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/RCBoldtBB

Verve: https://ververomance.com/app/rcboldt

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Posted in Adult, Amy, Contemporary Romance, Release Blitz, Romantic Suspense. Bookmark the permalink.

New Year. New Reading Challenge.

Posted on January 1, 2023 by Amy-OUABB

It’s that time of year again! As you know, there is nothing more that I love than challenging myself when it comes to the books I read. Whether it’s a new author, series, a genre that takes me out of my comfort zone or being able to tackle some books that have been on my tbr for far too long; I live for a good reading challenge. In the past few years, I stepped up my game not only with the books that I read but also by attempting to clear out that never-ending to-read list. As always, my challenges have been hard, but a ton of fun at the same time.

For 2023’s Reading Challenge, I really wanted to once again challenge myself and kick my never-ending to-read list’s butt!! And I am more than ready for the challenge……

Re-Read a favorite book
A book by an author new to me
A Contemporary Romance
A New Adult Read
A Biker Novel
A Paranormal/Fantasy Romance
A Sports Romance
A Romantic Comedy
A book chosen for its cover
An Accidental Pregnancy Romance
An Older Brother’s Best Friend Romance
A Holiday Romance (any holiday)
A Forbidden Romance
A Billionaire Romance
A Jilted Bride Romance
A Workplace Romance
A Fake Relationship
A Marriage of Convenience
My Favorite troupe
A book with a red cover
A Book with a One-Word Title
A Book with a pink cover
A Book with an illustrated cover
A book set in a different country from where I currently live.
10 books on my TBR
6 New Releases
A Rock Star Romance
A Book picked by a friend
A Dark/Taboo Romance
A Historical Romance
A Reverse Harem Romance
An Enemies to Lovers Romance
A book that will make you Ugly Cry
A book with an Age Gap
A book with Friends to Lovers
A book with a Blue cover
A Book with a White Cover
A Book with no people on the cover
A Book that will be made/has been made into a movie/tv show
A Diversified Read
A Romantic Suspense
A Book with a black cover
A book, where the main character is/, was in the military
A Small-Town Romance
A First Responder (Police Officer/Firefighter/EMT)
A Second Chance Romance
A Dystopian/Science Fiction Romance
A Grumpy/Sunshine Romance
A book with a yellow cover
2 Books that’s been on my tbr for 3 years or more
A Book with a Purple Cover
A Book by my favorite author
A Royal Romance
A book with a Cowboy on the cover
A YA Book
An Insta-Love Romance
An Opposites Attract Romance
A Forced Proximity Romance
A Romance With A Bearded Man On Cover
A Fighter/MMA Book Romance
A Bad Boy Romance
A Bully Romance Romance
A Mafia Romance
A Gothic Romance
A Stand-alone Novel
Finish A Series I Started
2 Novellas
3 Duets
1 Box Set

5 Books I Already Own Per Month

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Posted in Adult, Amy, Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Debut Novel, Dystopian, Fantasy, Historical Romance, NA, Paranormal Romance, Romance, Romantic Comedy, Romantic Suspense, Series, Urban Fantasy, YA and tagged 2023 Reading Challenge, Reading Challenge. Bookmark the permalink.

COVER REVEAL: A Stop in Time by RC Boldt

Posted on October 25, 2022 by Amy-OUABB

RC Boldt has revealed the cover for A Stop in Time!

Releasing: February 21, 2023

Cover Design: Hang Le Designs

I’ve been an outcast my whole life. If my scars don’t scare people away, my attitude certainly will.
I don’t know what I am or how I got the power to stop time. What I do know is, there are far too many questions I need answers to.
When I cross paths with a local gang member, his presence unravels a part of my past I never knew existed.
At every turn, danger leaps closer, and I realize that stopping the killer will mean losing everything—including the first man I’ve ever loved.
But I should’ve known better. We were never meant to be anything more than a brief stop in time.

Pre-order your copy today!

Amazon: Coming Soon!

Apple Books: https://apple.co/3OkkFMo

Nook: https://bit.ly/3OceZE7

Kobo: https://bit.ly/3b8sCFu

Google Play: https://bit.ly/3OfCuMi

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/3E7MVj4

Meet RC Boldt

RC Boldt is a USA Today bestselling author currently living in part of the Costa Rican jungle with the love of her life and her mini-me.

If you’re in the mood for some killer mojitos or can’t recall the lyrics to a particular 80s song, she’s your girl.

Connect with RC Boldt

Website: http://www.rcboldtbooks.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14543027.R_C_Boldt

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Kq1H9C

Facebook: http://bit.ly/RCBoldtFB

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/BBBReaders/

Instagram: http://bit.ly/RCBoldtIG

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorrcboldt

Bookbub: http://bit.ly/RCBoldtBB

Verve: https://ververomance.com/app/rcboldt

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Posted in Adult, Amy, Coming Soon, Contemporary Romance, Cover Reveal, Romantic Suspense. Bookmark the permalink.

Release Blitz with Review: Where Love Lies by M.N. Forgy

Posted on October 24, 2022 by Amy-OUABB

RELEASE BLITZ

Title: Where Love Lies

Author: M.N. Forgy

Genre: Thriller Romantic Suspense

Release Date: October 24, 2022

BLURB

Feeling completely sapped of life, Rain and her daughter move to the suburbs of Fairview, where white picket fences, welcoming neighbors, and immaculate green lawns make her forget the pain she’s running from. Settling into her new life, she can’t stop thinking about the guy who wrecked her car. He’s charming, says the right things, and crashed into her life right when she needs it the most. It’s only natural Mr. Handsome presents Rai with a big, shiny rock to make it picture perfect.
Then a new neighbor moves down the street. Menacing sleeves of tattoos, a permanent scowl, single with no kids—he doesn’t belong in this family-friendly community.
People are whispering.
Doors are staying locked.
Secrets are being shared.
Heart pleasing love doesn’t exist here. It digs a grave and lies in it, whispering untold truths. The quaint town of Fairview isn’t so safe anymore—and neither is Rain.

GOODREADS LINK: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60532559-where-love-lies

PURCHASE LINKS

US: https://amzn.to/3ezwS39
UK: https://amzn.to/3yIjOPJ
CA: https://amzn.to/3yPq1cB
AU: https://amzn.to/3MCtdOm

Free in Kindle Unlimited Also available in paperback: https://amzn.to/3TaiywK

MY REVIEW

Where Love Lies is an intriguing thriller that will keep you guessing right until the very end…

When we first meet up with Rain and her daughter Paige, Rain is looking forward to a fresh start in a new town. But when Heston literally crashes into her life, he turns her entire world upside down and gives her way more than what she bargained for.

Where Love Lies is a book best to go in blind with. It starts off as your typical second-chance romance but is filled heavily with mystery and intrigue. The author did an amazing job setting the stage and pulling her readers into the story. I for one couldn’t put this book down and found myself completely immersed in the story. I had to know what would happen next and really enjoyed trying to put all of the pieces of the puzzle together.

If I had to make one complaint, it would be that I thought the ending was a bit rushed. It felt like certain things escalated too quickly and I think if there had been a few more chapters, it would have made the ending feel and flow better.

All in all, this book was an enjoyable thriller that certainly kept this reader on their toes. Even though I had an issue with the overall ending of the story, it’s still a solid read and I’m glad to have checked it out.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

AUTHOR BIO

M.N. Forgy is an International best seller, best known for her romantic biker stories. Living in the country with her family she often finds herself outside reading or writing most of the time. She started creating stories at a young age but never took it seriously until years later, as a stay-at-home mom, she opened her laptop and started writing again. As a role model for her children, she felt she couldn’t live with the “what if” anymore and finally took a chance on her character’s story. So, with her iced coffee in hand and the family dog sharing her seat, she continues to create and please her readers.

AUTHOR LINKS

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8110729.M_N_Forgy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Author-MN-Forgy

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mnforgyauthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MNForgyAuthor

Website/Newsletter: http://www.mnforgy.com

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@authorm.n.forgy

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Posted in 4 Stars, Adult, Amy, Contemporary Fiction, Release Blitz, Romantic Suspense and tagged Thriller. Bookmark the permalink.

Release Tour for Revive by Tricia T. LaRochelle

Posted on October 4, 2022 by Amy-OUABB

Sara tries to heal as she navigates college life and her relationship with Scott. A missing persons case creates a distraction from her own problems, and Sara uncovers a secret that rocks her to her core. When the odds are stacked against her and there is nothing left to lose, can true love endure? Readers who love April Wilson will enjoy Revive by Tricia T. LaRochelle, a new adult, romantic suspense.

Read Now!

Blurb:

Traumatic events follow in the footsteps of Sara Browne’s life. On a wobbly foundation, she attempts a new start, with Scott by her side. Trying to navigate a relationship and college life, Sara struggles, looking for ways to heal. She latches onto a story about a student named Carrie Stevens who went missing the year before. As a diversion from her own problems, Sara obsesses over Carrie and what happened to her. She digs deeper, unleashing a terrible secret that rocks her to the core.

Add to Goodreads!

Excerpt

I pried my laptop from my backpack, powered it up, and typed the words, “Carrie Stevens, Commonwealth University.” Within seconds, several article headlines flashed onto the screen, along with some random pictures below them. None of the women in the photos looked anything like Carrie, so I clicked on an Instagram link instead, where I found a treasure trove of images. The first thing I noticed was Carrie’s short, blue hair and thick makeup. This girl wasn’t the all-American-poster girl I had seen at the press conference at the Student Union Building earlier, although there were similarities: her eye color was the same and her facial structure. I scrolled through a picture of Carrie kissing a guy with greasy, long black hair—a wild party exploding in the background. I found another pic of Carrie holding a shot glass in the air, her eyes bloodshot. The last one I saw included Carrie smoking a tightly wrapped cigarette. I peered closer, maybe not a cigarette.
At that moment, Amy entered through the door. When I didn’t look up, she stopped short.
“What are you doing?” She leaned over my shoulder.
“That’s Carrie Stevens.” I glanced over at Amy. “She looks much different, doesn’t she?”
Amy furrowed her brow. “Who? Oh, you mean the girl who went missing? The one from the press conference?”
I nodded. “Yeah, weird, huh?” I pointed haphazardly over the screen. “It looks like she’s changed a lot since her high school graduation photo was taken. She could be your sister, Amy.”
“Why, because she dyed her hair and put on some makeup?” Amy shrugged, before crossing my room and plopping down on my bed. “She looks better if you ask me.”
“Well … yeah. It’s not a bad look. It’s just different. Do you think they questioned Henry—you know when Carrie went missing?” I turned to look at her.
Amy squinted at me. “Who?”
Oh my God, Amy, how could you forget HIM?
I raised both hands in the air, exasperated. “You know. Henry—the man you were just screaming at.”
Amy’s face opened, showing clarity. She nodded. “Oooooh, you mean, Norman Bates. Yes, I’m sure they did. Why?”

About Tricia T. LaRochelle

Since she was a little girl, Tricia T. LaRochelle has been obsessed with tragic love stories. No
beach reads for her. Bring on the grit with a double side of turmoil. She likes to feel the character’s anguish as they fight to overcome obstacles to be together. Growing up in central
Vermont, she has seen her share of tragedy but remains a hopeful romantic. She now lives in
central Virginia where she continues to foster the possibilities of how love can conquer all.

Flickering Heart is the first book in the Sara Browne Series. Stay tuned for updates and announcements on Instagram, Twitter, or sign up for her email list at TriciaLaRochelle.com.