RACHEL L. DEMETER ~ THE FROST OF SPRINGTIME ~

The recent release of The Frost of Springtime, by debut author Rachel L. Demeter, transports readers to the war torn streets of nineteenth century Paris. Driven by paradoxical characters, steamy encounters, and a compelling storyline, it's a bittersweet tale of revolution, redemption, and the healing power of love. Described as "poignant," emotionally devastating,” and “beautiful," The Frost of Springtime is sure to please historical and romance readers alike. Available now in both eBook and paperback. Currently Amazon Prime members can read the Kindle edition for free!

Publication Date: February 14, 2014
Black Lyon Publishing
Formats: Paperback, Kindle eBook

Genre: Historical Romance/Historical Fiction

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.

Read an Excerpt

The heat of their bodies mingled as one. With each breath, Aleksender drank in the sweet essence of his beloved ward. His mind swam with unorthodox visions and desires. He inclined his head, lost to the power of her nearness, entranced by everything that was Sofia.

“Alek, my Alek …”

Each word infused Aleksender with a delicious and undeniable warmth. Intoxicated by roses and wintertime, he found it difficult to speak, difficult to think. Breathless, he swallowed and met the haunting depths of her eyes.

“Please,” she dreamily murmured, “I want you to kiss me again…”

READ SAMPLE PROLOGUE & FIRST TWO CHAPTERS ON GOODREADS.

Watch the Book Trailer



Praise for The Frost of Springtime

“I am astonished at this being Rachel L. Demeter’s debut work, for in form and style, it is very much a tour de force. A riveting story of love and courage in the aftermath of a brutal war, the author brilliantly juxtaposes the hazing splendor of French nobility and the impassioned elegance of two people in love, despite all the world’s oppositions. The title is, in a sense, a representation of change: the beginning of a new spring with La Belle Époque and the transition into a new era, for the world and our protagonists. The wistful loveliness of the setting paints a picture of a crying France, blending in with the dynamic romance perfectly. Or rather, it does not merely blend in the background as much as glitters like the brightest jewel, shining with a vibrancy that makes one want to relieve the halcyon days of grand old Paris. I was captivated by the setting, the lush writing of Rachel L. Demeter, and the subtle expressiveness of the characters, which all compelled me to research more of the historical background, of the 1871 Paris Commune, through which this story is made more infinitely dearer.” – Buried Under Romance

“We are in awe. The Frost of Springtime is a MUST HAVE! Despite that we loved the true facts, we fell instantly in love with the story. It was dark, emotionally devastating, and sensual. The innocence between the two main characters was beautiful and their love grew so strong throughout the story with such grace. One of us even cried while reading The Frost of Springtime. We loved the cover, we loved the writing style, and we adored the characters. We fell in love, really hard." – Divas Book Blog

“This novel is intricately detailed and wonderfully written! Opening with a heartbreaking scene, I was immediately drawn to the story of Aleksender and his Sofia. Of course, as the story moved on, other enchanting characters helped to make this poignant book complete. The author has blended historical facts with fiction skillfully, and presented several narratives flawlessly. It’s beautiful! I loved it!” – Romancebookworm’s Reviews

“I absolutely love this book. The Frost of Springtime shows how love and tragedy go hand in hand and that love can actually be more powerful than anything. I have found that most books do not hit this point right on the nail like this one does. It’s a Historical Romance and let me just tell you this is one book I couldn’t put down.” – Magic Within The Pages

“WOW!! The Frost of Springtime is a powerful, epic love story unlike anything I’ve ever read before. The emotional and visual/sensory depth is astounding. I felt Aleksender and Sofia’s connection from beginning to end. Aleksender’s path to healing was at times breathtaking and heartbreaking. This is a hero who loves his woman with every last breath, every fiber of his being… and there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for her. AMAZING cast of secondary characters as well… a 'villain' who actually leaves you morally torn! Beautifully written (loved the vivid imagery and descriptions!), dark, unusual, rich with history, epic scope, and a soul deep love that only comes once in a lifetime… Brava!!!” – Sivonna, an advanced reader

Buy the Book

Amazon (Kindle eBook) *Amazon Prime members can read the kindle edition for free!
Amazon (Paperback)
Barnes & Noble
Black Lyon Publishing

About the Author

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.



Author Links

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Book Blast Schedule

Monday, March 3
HF Book Muse-News
Read More Romance
A Bibliotaph's Reviews
Oh, for the Hook of a Book
Romance Reviews by Alice
Good Books and Good Coffee

Tuesday, March 4
Diva's Book Blog
Room With Books
LovLivLife Reviews
Perusing Princesses
The Maiden's Court
Book Lovers Paradise
Flashlight Commentary

Wednesday, March 5
The True Book Addict
Curling Up By the Fire
Buried Under Romance
A Blog Hop Place for Books
Svetlana's Reads and Views
History From a Woman's Perspective

Thursday, March 6
Bibliophilia, Please
One Book at a Time
Susan Heim on Writing
Just One More Chapter
Romantic Historical Lovers
Blushing Divas Book Reviews
Devilishly Delicious Book Blog

Friday, March 7
I Read Indie
A Bookish Libraria
Historical Tapestry
Literary Chanteuse
CelticLady's Reviews
Magic Within the Pages
Confessions of an Avid Reader

Saturday, March 8
Book Nerd
MIBookshelf
Mina's Bookshelf
Between the Pages
Historical Fiction Obsession
Caffeinated Bookworm Reviews

Sunday, March 9
Rookie Romance 
A Dirty Book Affair
Passages to the Past
Caroline Wilson Writes
Book Obsessed Chicks
Love Romance Passion
Peeking Between the Pages

Giveaways

To enter to win one of the following prizes, please complete the Rafflecopter form below.

2 - Kindle Ebooks of THE FROST OF SPRINGTIME (open internationally)
1 - Signed Paperback of THE FROST OF SPRINGTIME (open to US residents only)
1 - $15 Amazon Gift Card (open to US residents only)

Giveaway will run from March 3-9. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter on March 10 and notifiied via email.
Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

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MY REVIEW OF THE FROST OF SPRINGTIME BY

 RACHEL L. DEMETER

He saved her from  certain tragedy. Her own mother was selling her to a brothel. She was nothing more than a child, beaten and broken from abuse. Aleksender de Lefevre saved Sofia from that fate and nurtured her from the child to young woman. 

When he went off to war and was separated from her, she was much on his mind, as he was on hers, even when she heard he was dead, she held on to a hope it wasn't true. When Alek returns from war, alive and well, first he goes to see Sofia, who is elated he is alive, then he returns to his home, where his wife awaits. Oh yes... and so the drama continues.

Rachel L. Demeter is a brilliant writer, I was captivated by her description, by her knowledge of history. The politics of the time is very prevalent throughout The Frost of Springtime. The instability in the country, as well as the instability is Alek's life and of those around him. The forbidden love between Sofia and Alek is such a guilty pleasure, a draw to this story. I do believe the story had some excessive narrative, I found myself drifting and had to skim occasionally, but I always returned.  I am in awe that such an eloquent story comes to us from a debut author and I look forward to more from Rachel L. Demeter.

~KIMBERLY~

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!!! MASTERS OF SEDUCTION ~ PARANORMAL BOXED SET ~ FEATURING LARA ADRIAN, DONNA GRANT, LAURA WRIGHT & ALEXANDRA IVY

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This all-new, never-before-published boxed set contains the first four novellas in the Masters of Seduction series. Each book in the collection is approximately 20-25,000 words.

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GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!

LEAVE A COMMENT AND A LUCKY PERSON WILL BE PICKED TO WIN SOME SURPRISES!!!!

SPOTLIGHT ON AUTHOR VICKI BATMAN & GIVEAWAY

  Please tell us a bit about yourself.

 I'm the oldest of four girls and married the oldest of four boys. I call him Handsome. My brown tabby is twenty years old. I have two adorable malti-poos, Champ and Jones. I do needlepoint, play mahjongg, love to read, watch tv and movies, Jazzercise every day, and do some yoga too.

   When did you know you wanted to write?

 I have written for a long time, just not books and stories. I did everything around writing, like writing and editing four different newsletters, great papers in college, poetry. I friend urged me to write. Glad I listened too.

  Favorite dessert?

 vanilla birthday cake with white royal frosting

     Favorite drink?

 champagne :)

     What kind of car do you drive and why?

I'm a Jeep girl. Just bought a Jeep Patriot (after my 15 year-old Wrangler). I love the quick handling, the reliability, the toughness of a Jeep.

  Why Handbags? ( From your blog)

 It's kinda funny why I love handbags. I have small feet, size 7 narrow; so finding shoes to fit properly is difficult. However, handbags come in all flavors and fitting isn't as much of an issue.

    Guilty pleasure? 

Diet coke, good movie, and doing needlepoint. Is that boring? lol

    Mentor?

 I belong to a fabulous writing group called the Plotting Princesses. We care and nurture each other. I would be so far behind in my publishing career if it hadn't been for these fabulous women.

     Do you have a favorite book from your childhood?

 Harold and the Purple Crayon

 Favorite place in the world and why?

 I love where I live now; however, I love Colorado--the crisp air, the mountains, the wildlife, and no bugs.

Book boyfriend… Is there a hero in either your books or someone else’s that you would love to be real and know more?

 I pretty much like all of my heroes. They are usually the geeks in glasses and evolved into Mr. Macho, smart, capable, loving, caring. Sometimes, they do stupid stuff like all heroes do.

  Do you have a pet peeve?

 Texting and driving.

  Are you superstitious, if so what is that superstition?

 Not really.

 What would you like readers to know about you?

 I like books that make me laugh and write books that make others laugh.

   Famous last words?

 Go. Do. Live.

GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!!

VICKI BATMAN IS GIVING AWAY AN AWESOME NEEDLEPOINT COSMETIC BAG THAT SHE MADE TO ONE LUCKY READER WHO LEAVES A COMMENT!!!

KAT MARTIN'S RE-RELEASE OF ~ DESERT HEAT~

Meet Patience Sinclair, Boston born and bred almost Professor with a PhD, eager to leave her hometown after a bad breakup with a boyfriend has him stalking her. Patience heads out to the mid-West, where she plans on writing her dissertation on cowgirls through history. So she has set up spending her summer with a rodeo but keeps her true purpose on the down low as not to put off anyone. While on her way to her first rodeo, she has a little disagreement with a very handsome cowboy over her reckless driving. Big deal though right? She'll never see him again, or so she thinks. WRONG.When she meets up with the Triple C Rodeo, she finds, to her dismay, that said cowboy is no other than champion rider, Dallas Kingman and part of that rodeo she will be traveling around with. Oh boy. 

From minute one, Dallas Kingman thinks the seemingly haughty  Patience Sinclair is way out of place even if she is a beautiful distraction. Dallas can't have any distractions. He needs to put away all those winnings for the ranch of his dreams. In addition to that attractive distraction are the constant mishaps that seem to befall the rodeo on an almost daily basis. These accidents are escalating and Dallas doesn't believe like his Uncle Charlie, the owner of the Triple C Rodeo, that they are accidents, but deliberate sabotage, and Dallas is determined to find out who is the cause.

The budding attraction between the Patience and Dallas is evident but both of them know getting in deep will never work. Patience has big plans teaching back in Boston when her rodeo stint is over and Dallas likes his cowboy life just fine. Who are they kidding? Never have two people from two seemingly different worlds been tossed together and create such a sizzle as Patience and Dallas. Secrets or omissions by both parties prove that there is so much more to be seen than Mr Kingman being a rodeo cowboy and Patience researching rodeo. The escalating danger puts Dallas into super protective mode where Patience is concerned and Patience isn't sure what to make of it. Will these two people from different or not so different walks of life open their hearts to one another enough for their heads to follow along? Can all involved save The Triple C Rodeo from ruin and find who is responsible for such hateful acts? Simply read DESERT HEAT by Kat Martin to find out.

Originally released in 1984 and now in re-release, Desert Heat by Kat Martin is an timeless tale of intrigue, excitement and romance. I love how Patience takes on the "wild west" head on and changes everyone's perception of the little girl from Boston. Kat Martin is brilliant with giving her characters so many layers to be discovered, the more you find out, the more interesting the tale becomes.Dallas Kingman oozes sexuality and talent as well as intelligence. Wow what a combination! I truly love this story. As a Northerner obsessed with all things cowboy, I truly feel for Patience. Just because she is from the Northeast doesn't mean she doesn't understand the mid-West and Western ways and she thrives to prove it. The love can conquer all theme is why we read books like this, even if the journey there is a tough one. Please go read Kat Martin's DESERT HEAT, it's a great story which I highly recommend. Kat Martin is a master storyteller who puts her heart into her books. She has me happily returning time and time again for those tales and Desert Heat is one of those worth re-visiting.

SPOTLIGHT ON KAT MARTIN

 Does Mr. Martin read all your books? 

Larry doesn’t read many of my books, but he helps me enormously during the plotting phase.  I am constantly going into his office and asking for ideas about how to get the hero and heroine out of their current situation.  I don’t read many of his books, either!  

Favorite dessert? 

I love boysenberry pie.

 Favorite drink? 

I’m a wine drinker, both flavors, but I love a frosty margarita.

What kind of car do you drive and why?  

Mercedes Benz 350 E.  Nuff said?

Guilty pleasure?  

A nice glass of wine after work. 

Mentor?

 A number of those over the years.  I learned to write reading a how to book by Dean Koonz.  It was fabulous.  His advice is at the core of my writing. 

 Do you have a favorite book from your childhood?

 I didn’t read as a kid.  Now I’m a voracious reader.   My favorite book of all time is The Eagle in the Sky by Wilbur Smith

 Favorite place in the world and why?  

 France-- anywhere.  I love Paris, love just about anyplace I can get to in France.  It is just simply the most romantic place on earth.

Book boyfriend… Is there a hero in either your books or someone else’s that you would love to be real and know more. 

If you didn’t tell my husband, my book boyfriend would probably be Chance McLain from The Secret.  A cowboy rancher hunk.  I’m loving the Brodie brothers of Alaska, the guys in my new Against books.

Do you have a pet peeve?  

  Bad drivers, specifically high speed tail-gators.  Death on wheels.

 Are you superstitious, if so what is that superstition?

  Embarrassed to admit I am.  I don’t like black cats (and I am a cat lover).  I don’t like spilling salt or breaking mirrors.  Stupid, but there it is.  

 What would you like readers to know about you? 

I’m a workaholic.  I love/hate writing.  Love it when it’s working.  Hate it when I can’t get things moving.  I love to travel.  Seeing new places is just the best.

Famous last words?

  Never give up.  Just keep working until you make it happen.


GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!!!

A COPY OF DESERT HEAT IS UP FOR 

GRABS TO A LUCKY PERSON WHO 

COMMENTS ON THIS POST! READER'S 

CHOICE OF PRINT COPY OR EBOOK...

THE TROUBLE WITH HONOR (The Cabot Sisters #1) by JULIA LONDON

Honor Cabot is desperately attempting to delay her older step-brother's marriage. His wedding would mean she and her siblings would no longer be welcome in the family home and Honor does not want to be driven away from it by her soon-to-be sister-in-law, Monica. Believing a rake like George Easton can help her, Honor appears on his doorstep and bribes him into doing her bidding. Her plan to have Monica take notice of George Easton  backfires when Honor finds herself falling for the bastard son of a duke. 

The handsome George Easton knows that Honor is going to be trouble. In all honesty the man attracts it, but never before in the form of the conniving beauty with the name Honor. Having had not the stellar upbringing, George is determined to steer clear of any formal involvement of the female sort until he comes face to face with the difficult to ignore Honor Cabot.

The Trouble With Honor by Julia London is an aptly named tale. I simply adored the battles of wills between George and Honor. Two high-strung beings, determined to have their way,who never thought they would attract one another but come together with such a bang. Yes, Honor can be selfish, but she is also ingenious in her plan to thwart her brother's wedding plans, even if her would be sister-in-law is not as dim as Honor thinks she is to realize that something is going on. George comes across the rogue at first but I found myself falling head over heels for him pretty quickly, especially his restraint in setting the selfishness in Honor straight right away. I enjoyed this book and I await to see what Ms. London is going to do with Honor's siblings. 

~KIMBERLY~

REVIEW OF DELORES FOSSEN'S JOSH (The Lawmen of Silver Creek Ranch) AND BONUS AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT & GIVEAWAY

Deputy Josh Ryland was an all out FBI agent up until about five months ago until he was shot in the line of duty and almost lost his life. Now recovering from his wounds, but suffering from some serious PTSD, Josh is now living on his cousins' Silver Creek Ranch and working as the town Deputy. When Josh and his cousins stumble across women in captivity, he is more than shocked to discover that one of the kidnapped women is another FBI agent and former lover, Jaycee Finney, who also happens to be pregnant.

Jaycee Finney had just come from the doctor's office where it was confirmed she was pregnant, one minute she is walking out of the building, the next she is taken into captivity by evil people who want to profit by selling babies. Jaycee has been in the baby farm for three months when Josh frees her and her cabin mates from certain death, but that is only the beginning of the troubles for all involved. The Rylands and Jaycee still need to find out who is in charge of the criminal acts against these young women and put them out of business. Especially now that Jaycee is still in danger and Josh is going to be a daddy.

JOSH (The Lawmen of Silver Creek Ranch) by Delores Fossen grabs you from the first minute. There is no time to breathe before the the action all comes into play. I absolutely love how Delores Fossen takes such real and dark issues and brings them to light. She isn't afraid to go there and I admire her for that. Ms. Fossen is a great storyteller. The characters are strong and interesting. JOSH is the seventh book in The Lawmen of Silver Creek series and it never gets old with the fresh and exciting tales of these dedicated men and women of Silver Creek and the ones they love.

SPOTLIGHT ON DELORES FOSSEN

  Favorite Cowboy?

 Real or fictional: As a child, I was obsessed with Little Joe Cartwright from Bonanza. I wanted to marry him and live on the Ponderosa. Loved Marshal Dillon, too, from Gunsmoke, but I didn't want to marry him. I wanted to have a badge and help him find bad guys.

   Favorite dessert?

 Ice cream. It doesn't even have to be the premium stuff. I just love ice cream.

   Favorite drink?

 Margarita and chocolate malts. Not together though, lol

   What kind of car do you drive and why?

 A Ford Focus because of the great gas mileage and because it can park itself. I can't parallel park. I don't mean I'm bad at it--I mean I can't do it at all.

    Guilty pleasure?

 So many, lol. I love watching old episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Love dark comedies like the movie, Seven Psychopaths. And popcorn! I love popcorn so much that sometimes it's what I have for dinner.

  Do you have a favorite book from your childhood?

 The Ghost of Dibble Hollow by May Wallace. I must have read it a hundred times.

  Favorite place in the world and why?

 Ireland. Love the people, food and energy there. Plus, they really value authors. If you mention you're an author, you have instant friends. :)

   Book boyfriend… Is there a hero in either your books or someone else’s that you would love to be real and know more about?

 For someone else's book, I would love to meet JD Robb's Roarke. Sigh. For one of my books, I'd love to meet Grayson Ryland. He helped me write my entire Lawmen of Silver Creek series, and I'd love to hang out with him.

   Do you have a pet peeve?

 traffic jams. I hate them. I also hate having my internet go out, something that happens way too often.

   Are you superstitious, if so what is that superstition? 
Not really superstitious, but my life seems smoother when I make a schedule and stick to it. It's when I'm off schedule that bad/frustrating things seem to happen to me--like getting stuck in traffic jams.

 What would you like readers to know about you?

 That I'm happy, love life and especially love writing my stories.

 Famous last words? 

Never give up, never surrender. :) It's from the movie, Galaxy Quest, and it's a good motto for life.

GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!!
DELORES FOSSEN IS GRACIOUSLY GIVING AWAY AN ENTIRE SET OF THE LAWMEN OF SILVER CREEK SERIES!!!!!!  ALL 6 BOOKS!!!  LUCKY READERS!!!!
JUST COMMENT TO BE ENTERED!!!!

A WICKED PURSUIT ( A Breconridge Brothers Novel, Book 1) by ISABELLA BRADFORD

So here is another one of those books that the title doesn't really match the book for me, and I truly enjoyed this story very much and will definitely read more from Isabella Bradford. 

Harry Fitzroy, the Earl of Hargreave, is the eldest son of the Duke of Breckonridge and the time has come for Harry to pick a bride who will be a proper wife and future duchess. In his mind, only one lady will do, the Lady Julia Barclay, who is a true beauty and perfection in Harry's eyes. Harry travels to Julia's family's estate with all intentions of asking her to be his wife, but an accident happens to change the course of Harry's life and his mind about what is perfection when it comes to being his wife.

Lady Augusta is Julia's younger and apparently plain looking sister, but she is also truly a prize in her father's household for she basically runs it better than anyone else could since her mother's passing. When Harry becomes gravely injured and Julia completely falls apart from the circumstances, Gus takes over as usual and nurses the Earl as best as she can. When Harry awakens from unconsciousness, he insists having Gus by his side at all times, but at first he believes the plain girl to be a servant, not a Lady of the house.

A Wicked Pursuit by Isabella Bradford is a tale of disappointment and awakening of sorts. What Harry truly believes is perfect for him, turns out to be a big let-down when he finds that his perfect and beautiful Julia has abandoned him for London, leaving him at the mercy of her sister, Gus. At first, Harry is a bit aloof and  shallow, but his subsequent injury to his leg wakes him up from that stupor and makes him see the true value right in front of him. Gus knows that but for the fact that Harry was hurt, she would never have fallen in love with him and he with her. But can love overcome the possibility that Harry may never be able to do all the same activities he enjoyed before his fall, or even walk correctly for that matter? This is the part of the book that I enjoyed the most. Once Gus and Harry are bound by marriage, and shout their love for one another loud and clear, there is still his disappointment  with his circumstances  and niggling doubt that life will go on as it should. 

I love how the calm and sensible simple girl gets the Earl. It's done with feminine wile, without pretense and without lies. Harry's own transformation from a somewhat shallow boy to the honorable man and Gus' evolution into a great lady are what make this a great read. My absolute favorite parts from the book has to do with Harry defending Gus to members of the ton, telling someone who he thought was a friend who was very surprised the Earl married Gus, " I married the right sister". It just leaves an impression, a memorable one at that. 

So I go back to my original statement about the title, which I think is off. There was nothing wicked in the intentions of anyone involved in this tale, but a title is all it is and it doesn't take away from the reality the book is a great read. Enjoy!

~KIMBERLY~